He Shen

Dong E's has been very busy recently, fortunately Brother Shanbao is a peace of mind, even so, there are thousands of things to be sorted out at home, and the money is spent like flowing water.

Leaning on the soft pillow, Dong Eshi sat cross-legged on the heated kang and flipped through the account book to reconcile the accounts.

Madam Zheng came in with a bowl of bird's nest soup lightly, and said with a smile, "Ma'am, let's take a rest first, I've been working so hard these days. The maidservant went to the small kitchen to make it herself, and I'll drink a few sips before I get busy."

Dong Eshi stretched out his hand to signal, "Sit down, mama." Tiredly, she pinched the center of her brows.

Madam Zheng stood behind Dong E's shoulders, and sighed, "Everything in this capital is expensive, and the prices are ridiculously high. I think it's cheaper than two or three times a month here in Jiangxi." A month's worth of expenses."

Dong Eshi picked up the blue and white porcelain bowl, slowly stirred it with the silver spoon, and said with a smile, "It's inevitable at the feet of the Son of Heaven."

"Ma'am, I heard," Madam Zheng whispered in Dong E's ear, looking at no one left and right, "the uncle holds five Zhuangzi in his hand."

"Nurse!" Dong E frowned displeased.

Madam Zheng is the nanny of the Dong E family. She relied on her status and continued, "I found out from the slave girl and the girl Hongyan. The slave girl is only thinking about the wife. Now it is not the same as before. With the addition of these people, it is enough to chew every day." How much. The Zhuangzi shop that the family used to buy is far away in Jiangxi, and because they want to come back, they have sold all of them. Madam, this is not a way to grow. Now the uncle and the second master are all counting on the master and wife. Madam, you are one Compassionate... I want my slaves to say that the second master is an honest man, so I have to watch out for the heart in my stomach. Besides, as a man, does he know how to take care of the village? Now that the master and wife are in charge of the house, there is no separation He's not like a young master holding the property and taking advantage of his uncle and aunt."

The more Madam Zheng said, the less she looked like, Dong Eshi put the bowl heavily on the table, frowned and scolded, "Shut up." Taking a look at Nanny, Dong Eshi still gave her some face, and said in a low voice , "What did Mammy say, that is the nephew of the master's direct relative, my nephew, I am not guilty of this. Now that my eldest brother and cousin have passed away, Shanbao Fubao should live with his uncle and aunt. Besides, back then It's me and the master who are sorry for my eldest brother and cousin... Mammy is really getting more and more unconscious. If the master hears your words, everyone will lose face! And that child Shanbao is filial to the master and me Respect, to Xueya Jiabao, you are brotherly respectful. What else is there to choose, don't just say these embarrassing things just because Shanbao offended you the first day."

Madam Zheng was full of grievances, she squeezed her handkerchief to wipe away her old tears, and choked up, "My wife, isn't this old slave's heart wholeheartedly for the master..."

"Okay, Mammy is tired too, go down and rest." Dong Eshi waved his hand, Madam Zheng covered her face with a handkerchief, choked up sobs and retreated, Dong Eshi no longer wanted to drink bird's nest .

The eldest maid, Feiyan, picked up the curtain and entered the room, rubbing her blue shirt and apricot-yellow skirt, and stepped on light apricot-colored shoes embroidered with green lotus. She walked without making a sound, and asked softly, "Madam, let's add some charcoal to this hand stove."

Feiyan took away the small copper hand stove with enamel and gold painting, and Dong Eshi sighed lightly.

Apart from studying, Shanbao was forced by Junbao to practice riding and archery every day. Occasionally, Fukang'an would come over and send someone to deliver things to Shanbao from time to time.

Mrs. Dong E sat at the upper right and listened to Xiaoxizi's report, "This is a citrus that was rewarded by the palace. My third master said that this thing was originally common, but it became a rarity in winter, so I sent my slaves to send it to the mansion. Go to the masters, wives, and young masters to try something new."

"Thank you, your third master, for thinking about it." In name, it was given to the family, but in fact it was for Shanbao. Dong E smiled and rewarded Xiao Xizi, but was a little worried. Bao talked about Fukang'an's gift, "Shanbao, I thought, Fukang'an has never been empty-handed when he comes to our house. Why don't you go over and say thank you sometime, and I'll prepare some things, and I will return the gift."

Shanbao held a pair of mahogany silver-coated chopsticks, his long eyelashes flashed, looked at Dong Eshi, and said with a smile, "I told Fukang'an a long time ago that he is not allowed to bring things. He is a man, and what others say is overheard." Wind, I can’t listen to it anymore. It’s okay, Auntie, I know what’s in my heart, so I don’t need to return the gift.”

"It doesn't make sense." Jun Bao said, "Is it a family tradition that we don't know etiquette and take advantage of others? You are familiar with Fukang'an and have a close relationship. It is a matter between you. If someone sends something kindly, it is How can there be no reason not to return courtesy in the communication between the two families? I understand the small things, but I am confused about the big things."

Dong E was worried that Shanbao was thin-skinned, so she quickly winked at her husband, and persuaded her in a warm voice, "Your uncle's rude words are not rude. How about this, you find out when Fu Kang'an is free, and go to visit him. Feiyan, give Shanbao a bowl of lily and quail soup, it tastes good."

Shanbao responded with a smile, with a docile appearance.

Fukang'an didn't know him for a day or two, especially because that person had other plans, and if he didn't return the courtesy, I guess Fukang'an didn't worry about it at all, and that person was taking a long-term view.Shanbao was very satisfied with just using this to test the attitude of his uncle and aunt.

Shanbao is very famous in Fucha's house, and Fukang'an always sends things through his mother's hands. Mrs. Fucha also inquired when she saw that her son was interested in this man.

Fukang'an said that Shanbao was as pitiful as a little cabbage in the wind and rain. When Mrs. Fucha heard that Shanbao was coming, she made a special trip to see him.

Shanbao was dressed in a royal blue quilted brocade jacket and a Liuhe cap, and greeted Mrs. Fucha obediently.Mrs. Fucha was dressed in a sky blue embroidered orchid grass flag dress, with a string of pearl chains hanging on the lapel. The pearl chains were plump and round, the size of a little finger, and they were of high quality at a glance.Comb the hair of the young couple, insert a few jasper hairpins, elegant and noble.He smiled and ordered him to come forward, took Shanbao's hand to observe carefully, and nodded repeatedly, "He is a lovely child. I often hear the third child mention you, come and play when you are free, treat yourself like your own family, don't be restrained .”

Fuchafu's hands were soft and warm, white and moist like fat jade, and they were well maintained. Shanbao smiled with crooked eyes, "I have long wanted to come to pay my respects to my uncle and aunt, but my family has so many trivial matters that I can't get away. Not good, Fukang'an often visits me and helps me a lot. He is well-known in school for being both civil and military, and he has such a kind heart. I have long wanted to thank my uncle and aunt. Although my family is poor, it is my heart to come here. I was thinking, what kind of parents brought up such an excellent person as Fukang'an, and now I can understand it when I see it, my aunt is really kind."

Mrs. Fucha smiled from ear to ear, "This child is really sweet, Pearl, bring some snacks, I just made it today, try it." She said and handed a piece to Shanbao.

Shanbao took it with both hands, squeezed it and ate it, and wiped the corners of his mouth with a handkerchief, it tasted good.

While talking, Fu Chang'an, Fu Kang'an's younger brother, arrived. Fu Chang'an was dressed in a bright red satin jacket with mink fur on the cuffs and collar, and a little bean, chubby, threw himself into Mrs. Fucha's arms, screaming in a childish voice. "Auntie".

Fukang'an thought of something, held back a smile and said to his younger brother, "Fourth brother, don't you often talk about Shanbao? This is not Shanbao."

Fu Chang'an suddenly jumped down on the couch, and rushed to Shanbao unsteadily. Shanbao was afraid that he would fall, so he supported him with both hands.Fu Changan blinked and asked, "Are you Brother Persimmon?"

Shan Baojiong, what is this called?Everyone in the room laughed, and Fukang'an explained with a smile, "Chang'an likes your persimmons. I dare not give him more. He often talks about you."

Shanbao smiled and pinched Fu Changan's little face, it was as soft and tender as tofu, he couldn't help but lowered his head and hugged his kiss, and said with a smile, "I still have it at home, I'll bring it for you to eat next time. "

He took out a gift list from his sleeve and presented it, and said with a smile, "I used to have nothing at home, so I had to pick a basket of persimmons to show my heart. Now my uncle is back, and there are elders in the family. I heard that Fukang'an treated my brother and me I am very grateful for the help. This is prepared by my uncle and aunt, it is not a good thing, it is our intention after all, you can keep it for fun.”

"This child is still so polite." Mrs. Fucha nodded slightly, and the girl beside her took it.He smiled at Shanbao, "Leave a meal for lunch, and I will fall in love with you as soon as I see you. I will ask them to cook whatever they like."

Shanbao is not willing to order food, he said with a smile, "I will eat anything, I am not picky."

"Emiang, Shanbao likes to eat fish. Don't you have Qinghai sturgeon at home? It just so happens that my son is also greedy, so I borrowed from Shanbao." Fukang'an spoke on the side.

Shanbao hurriedly said, "I heard that this kind of fish only grows an inch a year, so it's so precious, keep it for the old man to make up for."

Mrs. Fucha smiled, "Where are these particularities, there are more. By the way, it's rare that you, Ama, are at home. You take Shanbao to pay your respects first, and we can talk when you come back."

Shanbao followed Fukang'an, thinking that this family would not be difficult to get along with.Fukang'an showed Shanbao the buildings in the mansion. The corridors, lake stones, open pavilions, wind and rain pavilions, and appropriate flowers and trees really opened Shanbao's horizons.

Fu Heng was very kind, and it was only during the conversation that Shanbao found out that his uncle had been Fu Heng's personal soldier. Since the two families have such a relationship, Shanbao wanted to please him.Fu Hengxi was smart, he checked Shanbao's homework, and seeing that Shanbao answered well, he talked with Shanbao in Manchurian, and then changed to Mongolian. Bao spoke fluently, nodded repeatedly, looked at Fukang'an approvingly, and rewarded Shanbao with some pens, ink, paper and inkstone.

After leaving the study, Shanbao was very embarrassed, raised his head and said to Fukangan, "It was originally for you, but the old man is so polite, he gave me another bunch."

"I'll keep it if I give it to you." Fukang'an took Shanbao's hand, "Who did you learn Mongolian from? It's better than me."

"The teacher who teaches wrestling in the school is a Mongolian."

"Go and play in my yard. You behave like a little old man. It's different from usual."

"Ever since my uncle came back, you've come to my house differently. You've acted like...actually...huh!" Shanbao wrinkled his little nose and snorted a long, disdainful nasal voice.

Fu Kang'an hugged Shanbao's neck with a smile, and smiled in his arms, "You are so cute, you are cuter than Fu Chang'an."

"Oh, let go, my neck is about to break!"

The two came to Fukang'an's yard laughing and laughing. Shanbao was so surprised that he could not close his mouth from ear to ear, and his eyes widened, "My God, Fukang'an, your yard is bigger than the main house of uncle and aunt." It is a small school field, and it is estimated that it can be used for horse racing.

Fukang An smiled, disapprovingly, "I learned to ride a horse when I was five years old. At that time, I was young, and no one took me out to ride, so I made a fuss about riding at home. Niangma couldn't help me, so I merged the two yards into one, and made a small school yard to coax me to play. The front is my second brother's yard, the west is the elder brother's yard, and the south is the younger brother's yard, but he is still young and can pass. We only moved in two years. The four of us are all next to each other." The words revealed intimacy, and Fukang'an led Shanbao across the school grounds and into the living room of the main house.It is worthy of being the No. 1 door in the Qianlong period. The huanghuali wood decoration in Qingyishui, carved and painted with gold, is luxurious and noble, and it is amazing.

Shanbao sat on the couch like a bumpkin and turned around to touch the reliefs of hundreds of sons and grandsons on the back of the couch, with a hint of surprise and curiosity in his tone, "This is huanghuali wood." It's not fragrant, I heard people say that this kind of wood has a natural refreshing fragrance." Looking back at Fukang'an, it can't be fake.

"It's rumored that it's not a thousand-year-old huanghuali. Where did the fragrance come from? It was all gone when the seal was unsealed." Fukang Allah Shanbao sat down, and the maid had already brought fragrant tea. Shanbao raised his head, My darling, that's a delicate and pretty girl whose little face can squeeze water out of it.After serving the tea, the maid quietly left.Fukang'an handed the tea to Shanbao, who held it in his hand. Shanbao couldn't help but sigh, "Huayi beautiful utensils. Sorry."

Fukang'an laughed, "Where can it be, Shanbao is worth more than a set of tea sets." Shanbao glared at him, Fukang'an laughed again, "Hurry up, the tea tastes bad when it's cold, try it, this is Top-notch Longjing."

Shanbao tasted it carefully, and said honestly, "It tastes better than my tea."

"You're really serious. The emperor only got about ten catties in total. It took me a long time to share one catty. Can it be delicious?"

"Oh, let's have another cup." Seeing Fukang'an's surprise, Shanbao opened his mouth slightly, and asked with a smile, "Don't tell me you don't have enough tea in your house? How stingy. It's not like Fukang'an's style." He has always been Fukang'an Be taken advantage of.

Fukang'an glared at Shanbao angrily, "I really admire you. You can still eat after drinking a stomach full of water? I'll give you a jar, okay?"

"Oh, how disrespectful." Shanbao smiled, twisted his buttocks, the bed was covered with countless layers of mattresses, and it was very soft, "Your house is so comfortable."

"It's all done by the girls, I'm not good at this."

Thinking of that pretty little girl, Shanbao sighed for Fukang'an's beauty, bent his elbow, leaned into Fukang'an's ear, and said mysteriously, "Next year's draft, you should be big Are you married?"

Exhaling from the hot ears, Fukangan scratched from the tip of the ear to the tip of the heart, rubbed and rubbed, and pushed Shanbao away, "It's worth making a fuss about."

"Hey, I was thinking about what wedding gift to prepare for you." Faced with Fukang'an's contemptuous gaze, Shanbao sneered, "I'm curious, maybe you will marry the princess."

"Don't talk nonsense, my second brother has already been elected as the master, and there is absolutely no way for me to become the master again." Fu Kangan said, "What the hell are you doing, why did you inquire about the draft, is your uncle's daughter waiting for the election? "

"What, my younger sister is only ten years old, it's still early." Shanbao said, "If it were my younger sister, I don't expect her to marry well. Good character. My sister has a lively temper, and the big family has many rules, so she may not adapt to it."

"Really, according to you, my family is a scourge."

"Hey, Fukang'an, can you not distort my meaning?" Shanbao pushed Fukang'an, but instead of pushing, someone held his hand, "I'm just this younger sister. If you have a younger sister, you can also You understand my worry."

Fukang'an spread Shanbao's palm and slapped it, and said with a smile, "What a fool. The big family is not good, so why are the people in the world here? Don't be stupid, don't you have any troubles in small households? On the days of worrying about three meals a day, even if you guard the saints, you will still be hungry if you can’t eat. Even if I can say it, it’s absolutely impossible for your family to marry a girl to someone who can’t eat. Take a step back, we are full of people Anyone who wants to win will be an official. Your family is also a noble family. You have to find someone with the right family. But think about it, a man is a man, whoever has revenge and promise will not want to climb up. Son, do you think it's vulgar? It's not vulgar at all. Let me tell you, when your uncle didn't come back to Beijing, you and Fu Bao walked to Xian'an Palace to study. Now, not only are you riding a horse, but you are also served by servants. .Now if you were asked to walk again, would you still be willing to walk on two legs? People are all the same. If you have the ability to ride a horse, you can’t walk. Like the kind of people you mentioned, who need the help of the Yue family, I I can’t see where it’s good? If I had sisters, I’d never want them to marry and go through hardships. Good character, good character can’t make a living. A man must have ability. Besides, is it possible that a man with ability has poor character? What you said makes no sense."

Fukang'an's eyes were somewhat stern, and when he looked at people seriously, he was quite imposing.Shanbao shook his head, "You're right. Humans have a natural desire to climb up. If it weren't for this desire, humans would still be eating peaches in Huaguo Mountain..."

"What peach?"

"Humans evolved from monkeys, don't monkeys like to eat peaches?"

"Nonsense, Nuwa made man." Fukang'an's stern face gradually turned stinky, as if Shanbao had insulted his ancestors.No, this kid said that all humans are transformed from monkeys, which is simply slandering the origin of human beings.

Shanbao smiled, "Why are we talking about monkeys?" Talking about this with Old Antique would probably dry up his saliva, and Fukang'an would still insist that it was Nuwa who squeezed out his ancestor.Looking around, there was an emerald lotus leaf cup in his hand, and there were a few flat peaches of the Queen Mother in it, Shanbao's eyes lit up, he took one, washed it very clean, the bottom was blue to the tip, and there was a tinge of pink, Beautiful and delicious.

"There are still peaches at this time, it's really rare." Shanbao picked up one and let Fukangan first, Fukangan said, "Eat it." Monkey.

"A piece weighs half a catty. How can I eat it? Take a knife, half for each person." When no one else was around, Shanbao weighed and weighed the three or five peaches on the plate, rely on me, take a ruler It seems to be measured out, the general size and weight.

A dagger inlaid with gold and inlaid with jade, when pulled out, there was a cold light, showing sharpness, cutting it off, like a hot knife through fat, even the peach pit was split into two, Shanbao was startled, "It's really a good knife."

A silk silk handkerchief wiped the sharp edge, and put the knife back into the sheath, Fukangan smiled tolerantly, "Beyond gold and jade, it may not necessarily be ruined." Now, the big one is for you.

Shanbao ate his peaches silently. He was at a disadvantage in every way today, and was ridiculed by Fukang'an. It was really a failed trip.