Dowry maid's daily life [Red Mansion]

The closer the year gets, the busier it gets. Du Yun'an has been in this world for 15 years, but it is the first time he has experienced such a big scene where everyone is busy and laborious.When he was at the Zhuangzi in the countryside that day, Yun'an already felt that the New Year was very strong, and he could see the battles of the Rongguo Mansion, a family with hairpin tassels, to organize the New Year's Eve, so he knew that it was far from being grand in the past.

On this day, the three Yingchun sisters were exempted from paying greetings for the past few days because of Jia Mu, so the sisters did not have to go to the upper courtyard to eat with Jia Mu, and the big kitchen sent their respective orders to the girls' rooms.Yingchun, Daiyu, and Yun'an discussed to have dinner together, and then asked someone to tell the big kitchen that there was a reward, and the people on the stove knew how to cook, so the meals for the three of them had different styles, and there was no need to repeat the dishes. Handle.

Xiuju said: "Set the meal." Five or six daughters-in-law went up to the third floor with large lacquer boxes, and filled a large table with dishes and three small bowls of rouge rice.

Even if there are no elders and outsiders, the three of them still "eating without talking", Yingchun and Daiyu are used to this, and Yun'an is a habit that they have only developed in this year.In the past, at the dinner table of Du's family, the brother and sister would often gossip without saying a word during the meal, so as to increase their popularity.Yun An thinks that fortunately there are senior brother Song, Lu Bo and others in the family, so that his brother will not be deserted.

There are seven or eight girls and sisters on the third floor, but they are quiet as if there is no one there. Du Yunan sighs inwardly, no wonder these ladies have a small appetite for cat food, what kind of appetite can there be in such an atmosphere .While she was eating, her thoughts flew out, and for a moment she wondered why people like Jia She and Jia Zhen like to gather people for banquets.People in this era are also surprised that they must eat without saying anything when they eat seriously, but once they have a banquet, they will indulge in celebration, the more lively the better.Those old and young masters who can't bear to be lonely would rather set up a small table to have a drink and have fun with the concubine than to sit opposite the main wife and raise eyebrows.

"Add food." Du Yun'an thought to himself, 'What appetite can I have? ', but gently pushed the empty rice bowl in his hand to signal for more rice.

Mei Yue's hand paused and paused before adding another meal, and while watching Yun'an wink as she served her food, she glanced at her rice bowl in fear.Seeing that she had finished eating the whole bowl of rice this time, the girl let out a sigh of relief as she gently put down the chopsticks.

Seeing Yun An put down his chopsticks, Yingchun and Daiyu, who were already full, also put down their silver chopsticks.

My own mother-in-law came up to clean it up, and still put it in the food box, and the big girl on duty distributed it to the people in the courtyard to eat.After rinsing their mouths and hands, everyone's cups of tea were brought up and placed on the small table on the low couch by the window, Yun An said to Mei Yue, "Hurry up and eat, let's talk."

Mei Yue looked around, and seeing no outsiders, Fang whispered: "Girl, you have added food three times today, one more than yesterday." Then eat less snacks and pastries.

Yun An tilted at her: "It's because you didn't fill me up." Whoever told me that the small bowls the size of a palm are used here, and there is not much to fill a bowl, so she can't make her hungry.

"No, I mean, the girl eats a lot when she comes in..." Mei Yue felt a little embarrassed, most of the girls eat in moderation consciously, but their girls never wronged their mouths, and they usually used those pastries Too much, what if it becomes a dumpling!

"I'm growing up!" Yun An panicked, and finally came to the Red Mansion, how could he miss the delicious food?

After thinking about it, Yun'an 'relieved' Mei Yue: "In the future, you will compact the rice in the bowl, and I will only eat three bowls." The big deal is to eat more vegetables.

Yingchun and Daiyu couldn't help laughing, Yingchun relieved and said: "Your girl is healthier than us, she has good bones, naturally she uses more."

Daiyu also smiled: "That's good! With my sisters, I eat more now than in previous years, and I feel that I have a lot of strength."

Mei Yue cast a glance at Yun An, and finally took away the tea fruit on the table, smiling Daiyu tilted her body to Ying Chun.

That night, Mei Yueying refused to leave and insisted on keeping vigil for Yun An. Yun An Yin asked, "Is someone laughing at me for having a big appetite and not being honorable because I don't have a lady's money? Just listen to this kind of words." Why don't you care about them. If I go hungry because of this, I would be a fool! You also look at those little ones like Heyue Xiangling, don't teach them how to be noble, you will suffer yourself if your stomach is starved."

What Mei Yue wanted to talk about was not this. In fact, ever since her girl went back to live in her in-laws’ mansion, there had been no shortage of gossip. No one dares to talk about it, even their own girls and grandmas have never seen good deeds in their mouths.

"Lizi is more important than face. We are serious only when we are affordable. Don't be stupid." Du Yun Anwu taught 'thick skin'.

Mei Yue couldn't bear it anymore, she broke the jar and said, "Young lady's clothes this season are wider than Qiuli's, have you noticed it?"

Du Yunan blinked, "I've grown up." Is there any problem with this?

"It's here!" Mei Yue pointed directly at Yun'an's chest angrily.

Du Yunan puffed out his chest, patted himself proudly: "That's right! I told you to see it!"

Mei Yue blushed angrily, and the trace of shame just now disappeared: "Miss, have you ever paid attention to others? I am two or three years older than the girl, and there are other sisters, ours..." She pointed to herself , his face flushed.

Only then did Du Yun'an realize that, taking a closer look at himself, he is richer than in his previous life, and he will grow up in the future, with big breasts and thin waist just around the corner.Although it was beyond my expectations, which girl would think that she has a good figure? Touching her face, Yun An said: "When spring comes next year, it's time to make some facial fat and hair oil." It must be worthy of all aspects what.

She was thinking about it, but Mei Yue took out a white silk from the cabinet: "From now on, I will tie the girl's breasts every day, because the girl is still growing, let's tie it up during the day and loosen it at night, and then we will see the situation in the future." Do you want to wear it at night? Another thing, the girl should try to eat as little as possible, so as not to suffer later."

Du Yun'an's eyes widened. She saw Qingwen and Xiangling's little feet before, and secretly rejoiced that no matter how complicated her life experience was, she did not fall into that situation-influenced by the dross of the previous dynasty, those people tried to sell beautiful girls. For a good price, he often secretly violated the court's ban and bound the feet of the girls in his hands to please some masters and young masters who love 'lotus feet'.

The lightning that bound the feet didn't hit him on the head, so why did another abuse of the chest appear in the blink of an eye?Du Yunan frowned and waved his hands, resolutely refusing.

Mei Yue thought about it, her daughter lost her mother when she was young, so maybe she didn't know the way here, so she could only hold back her shame and whispered: "My wife is afraid that the girl will be restrained by the nanny, so she won't leave someone to take care of us. I think it's good, but it's not so good now! The girl is already old, and in the next two years, the wife will definitely look after her for marriage—but nowadays people love..."

Mei Yue's shameful face was almost dripping with blood, Du Yun'an finally understood what she meant.It turns out that what is admired nowadays is the body shape with flat chest, slashed shoulders, and slender waist. To put it bluntly, "lilac breasts" are in line with the public's aesthetics. Most men like it, even women, especially in the eyes of mothers-in-law, a decent daughter-in-law should have a good character and appearance.For example, Du Yun'an, if he allowed his body to develop, he might be knocked out of the category of "enchanting and charming". The world has some deep-rooted prejudices, thinking that such beauties are inherently difficult to obey women's morals.

'My girl was originally from a bad family, if she let her figure go, I'm afraid it will be difficult to find a good marriage, even if the wife facilitates it, I'm afraid she won't be liked by her husband-in-law and mother-in-law in the future. Mei Yue thought to herself, how old is she, and she already understood something in her heart.This good girl is willing to say this because she is wholeheartedly planning for Yun'an.

Listening to Mei Yue's words, Du Yun'an suddenly remembered that in his previous life, he had read about the "Natural Breast Movement" during the Republic of China. Before this movement, corsets and foot wraps could be regarded as the standard requirements for women's virtues. Women are often seen as immodest and vulgar, even in that era, not to mention today.

Throughout the ages, 'guardians' have never been uncommon, but the folk customs of this dynasty are slightly wider than those of the previous dynasty, and women's status is also higher. This idea has attracted many pedants. , while blaming women for being too beautiful and wearing too much makeup, criticizing women for becoming increasingly extravagant and indulgent, wishing to trample all the daughters in the world under their feet.

"..." Du Yun'an said to himself: "Take care of them, a bunch of sick people!"

"What did the girl say?" Mei Yue asked.

"Good Meiyue, I won't do this." Yun An smiled, and borrowed the words of a master: "It's natural, why be shy."

Without waiting for Mei Yue to persuade her again, Du Yun'an began to talk about the harm of corsets to her body with her fingers: "...so many diseases and short lives, why bother."

"Think about Xiangling's feet. Although they are loose now, it is impossible to straighten them. Her feet are sore after walking a long distance, and her legs are still swollen. Compared with Qingwen, Xiangling is fortunately not For several years, Qingwen bound her feet at the age of four or five, and now she can't let go. I'm afraid she will be in that trembling state for the rest of her life. She said that even when she stood for a long time, her feet were on the tip of the knife Seems like pain. Everyone sees that she is strong, but when you think about it, she has been sick many times, it's just that she often refuses to show weakness and always has to endure it."

Mei Yue thought about it for a while, and finally felt that her life was the most important thing.Seeing that she was still hesitating, Yunan added a bit of anger: "Miss Xue is a little younger than me, and now I can see that she is a plump and good person, and Aunt Xue didn't do anything like that."

"Miss Xue is plump, but she's not the same as a girl." Miss Xue is plump and well-proportioned, but my girl's greedy mouth has grown to where it shouldn't be.

Yun An hurriedly squeezed her mouth, not allowing her to touch her heart any more: "Lie down and sleep." In the cold winter months, after a night's sleep, one's feet must be sick.

Mei Yue dared to say this to her because Yun An always treated them well, and the few in this room were more like a family than master and servant.Mei Yue lay down outside, and now she let go, because she said: "The girl doesn't feel it, so she can't see it. I came with you, and watching with cold eyes, Miss Xue may not have these troubles. She never Willing to play and play, blindly dignified and courteous. I usually look at Miss Xue's dress, but she actually goes to the simple and elegant. This may not be because her appearance and posture have the style of the Tang Dynasty. To hide her beautiful face."

"Actually, according to Miss Xue's appearance, she looks good in elegant clothes and jewelry." Mei Yue leaned over and whispered, "Miss Xue is more beautiful than other girls here..."

Mei Yue froze, and didn't know how to describe it: "Miss Lin is also smart. In terms of intelligence, there are few people who can compare with Miss Lin—but Miss Xue, I think it's because of long-term thinking, I have already." She looks like a big sister, and she also understands the ways of the world."

Du Yun'an didn't expect Mei Yue to say such words, so he leaned over and smiled, "No one can compare to you in terms of sharpness of heart and eyesight!"

Mei Yue blushed, and hurriedly said: "I made another mistake! What nonsense are you talking to the girl. It's getting late, girl go to sleep."

It's just that the two of them opened their eyes, looked at each other suddenly, and couldn't help laughing.

Du Yun'an thought about the unparalleled girls she had seen, and sighed: "When we get together, none of us has all the four corners. Everyone's personality is all because of this."

Sister Lin is more lively than Sister Bao, not only because of her natural aura, but also because Sister Lin has lost her mother, but she still has a father who can protect her from wind and rain, so she doesn't need to worry about domestic affairs.But as for Sister Bao, her elder brother is not only useless but also always stabs her, and her mother needs her support to manage the family, so she has to mature prematurely.

----

The two chatted until late at night, before they fell asleep with their heads leaning against each other.

Early the next morning, Heyue Xiangling came in and said with a smile: "Today dust off. To welcome the New Year, there is also a paper maker coming in to decorate the house. After a while, let's take a closer look at the places and pick out the uneven places. They'll come to do it in the afternoon."

In addition to Pingming Building, Zhiyuanzhai and Luweitang are also the same. In the morning, everyone checks everywhere, and avoids going out in the afternoon, and asks the mother-in-law to bring a paper painter to decorate the house.

"It's an old craftsman from Shedsmith's Alley, and we have used it here." The daughter-in-law in the Spring Festival House said: "How many times do we have to come to the mansion in a year? After autumn, at the end of the year, and in summer, we are all used to it." That’s right, when they came, the young ladies knew something, but no one said it specifically. It’s just that the young ladies have set up a courtyard now, and all arrangements in this courtyard have to be approved by the young ladies.”

"If the ladies want to rearrange the decorations, or change the location, we can do it together during this time. These paper-paper makers have come to our house for the past five days to promise." The daughter-in-law said.

These words moved the three girls in the courtyard a little.

The second floor of Pingming Building is in the shape of a well, with a row of houses on the south side, a row of houses on the back, a small hall in the middle, and a circle of corridors around the well.The houses of the three people have the same layout, they are all on the south side, one is bright and two are dark, the three rooms in the middle are Yingchun, the east is Daiyu, and the west is Yun'an.The house on the north side is even smaller, for Yingchun's nanny and their big maids to live in.

This Pingming building is well-built and spacious. The only downside is that there is no fire wall in this building, and there is no way to install a kang on the second floor. There is only a warm pavilion for heating. The smoke cage in the warm pavilion is very good during the day. , but at night I dare not burn too much, so the room is always a little cold in the middle of the night.Especially Daiyu was frail and frail, she didn't even warm her bed, and often woke up early with cold feet.

Yingchun and Yun'an discussed: "If I change houses with Sister Lin, the Nuan Pavilion in your house will be moved to the east room. We will have Sister Lin's room sandwiched between the Nuan Pavilion on the left and the right, and then ask to re-paste the windows. I'm afraid it will be warmer."

No one was disturbed by this arrangement, so the people in their yard did it quietly, and only after a day later did the paperbacker come in and re-paste the wallpaper, ceiling, etc.The Lin family had a lot of money, so the steward sent several carts of good palace blankets, and the floors and walls were re-laid, and even the curtains and curtains were replaced with thicker ones—just a little change, and it immediately warmed up a lot.

Especially in Daiyu's room, a new floor-to-ceiling hood was added, which made the warm pavilion even smaller. The two walls of her room were covered with the heat from her sisters, so she slept better that night than usual.The people in Lin's family were very grateful, and Xuelu recited several lines of "Amitabha"—— Daiyu Aijie, even if she slept with others, she was not used to being rolled up with others, and she couldn't warm herself, so she just put The snow egrets and snow cranes were so worried that they could do nothing.

"What is the eldest girl doing?" Mrs. Wang ordered someone to put away the palace blanket Xuelu sent, and asked with a smile.

"Cut window grilles with the girls."

Mrs. Wang raised her eyes: "Why did these children make this by themselves? They hurt their hands carefully." Then she said casually: "I heard the third girl said that there is no floor kang in Pingming Building. It's cold at night. Second girl They're okay, but Lin Yatou is weaker, I'm afraid she won't be able to bear the cold—if you move her to live with the old lady in the warm pavilion, it will be fine to move back next year when it's warmer."

Xue Lu and Xue He froze for a moment, and then hurriedly told Yingchun three about changing houses and moving Nuan Pavilion: "Old lady who dare not work anymore, she is fine now."

The expression on Mrs. Wang's face changed slightly, and she said after a long while: "That's all, you go."

When the snow egret came out, it sent people to inquire.When Xuehe went back, he also talked to Siqi, Mei Yue and others.

At the end of the day, Xuehe told Xuelu: "It turned out that Ms. An thought about changing the house first. After all, Ms. An is older and has the demeanor of the eldest sister."

"Why is the second uncle's wife newly wanting to ask our girl to live with the old lady, but there is the second master Bao. When the girl came here, she said that the second master Bao was a sinner, and told us girls not to provoke him?" Snow Crane wondered.

Xue Lu sneered: "I just found out that Miss Shi is sleeping in the warm pavilion with the old lady these days, and the house in Zhiyuanzhai is empty nine out of ten days. Miss Shi is young, and she If you act like a baby and want to live with the old lady, what can others do. The second master Pian Bao grew up with her as a child. The two brothers and sisters are the best, and Miss Shi is playful and broad-minded, with the most ghost ideas. When these two get together, she If you think about it, the second master Bao dares to do it. The two of you somehow picked up the peonies in the courtyard the day before yesterday. The ones who were sent to the Beijing Prince’s Mansion were just not easy to get angry with girls from relatives, so they wanted to bring out our girls to fight Miss Shi Da!”

"It's none of our girl's business!" Xue He raised his eyebrows: "Could it be that our girl can drive Miss Shi out of the old lady's room?"

"It's just that the old lady loves her granddaughter more."

"What did the second uncle and wife think? The old lady said that our girl will live with the old lady. Even if Miss Shi is not happy, it will not prevent her from being stubborn with Second Master Bao."

Xuelu shook her head and didn't speak anymore. She has been here these days, and she can see that Second Master Bao is trying to get close to his girl.It's strange to say that Miss Xue and the girl met him together at the beginning, and the girl didn't go out much because of her filial piety, but the girl seemed to be born to meet the second master Bao's eyes, and told him to change ways to talk to him Son.

"Anyway, this has nothing to do with us, we just keep an eye on the family for the girls." Xue Lu made a final decision.

In the main courtyard, the corner of Mrs. Wang's mouth was slightly red and swollen. Zhou Rui's family picked out a piece of ointment and carefully applied it on her: "I will make a bowl of soup for my wife in a while."

Mrs. Wang brushed her hand away, flustered and anxious, and said anxiously: "Now, where can I find two more pots of peonies?"

Zhou Rui's family smiled apologetically: "I heard that Uncle Pan respectfully gave some pots of peonies to my concubine, why don't I borrow them from my concubine first."

Mrs. Wang frowned: "I didn't expect it, but it's useless. Among the flowers that Pan'er bought, there are no good colors of red and yellow."

"I heard that there is a pot of Wei Zi?"

"It was originally for the wedding of the second daughter of He Zhen's family," Mrs. Wang shook her head, "She likes red, and is not too proud of purple."

The Second Miss Zhen was accused of marrying the Prince of Beijing as his concubine a few months ago, but the marriage was in a hurry. I heard that it was because the old Concubine Zhen in the palace was not in good health in winter, so the Holy Majesty ordered Qin Tian to select her as soon as possible. The auspicious day brought joy to the old dowager.Zhou Rui's family has been in the capital for so many years, and has never seen any prince and grandpa get married in such a hurry, so he intends to persuade Mrs. Wang to stay away for a while.

Unexpectedly, Mrs. Wang said: "The pots in the old lady's house were gifted by Aunt Lin. It is really rare. I am afraid that Aunt Lin has a way here. I wanted to take care of my niece. Also ask Miss Lin if she knows which florist bought it from, who knows..."

"Ms. Shi's childish nature will only lead Baoyu to mess around. I thought it was wrong. Why don't I ask Miss Lin to stay? Now, Mrs. Lin is often mentioned in the letters of the Zhen family. If Mrs. Lin is willing to come out With some strength, I am afraid that my Yuan'er will be able to enter the Sixth Prince's Mansion."

Only then did Zhou Rui's family suddenly realize, yes, the second girl Zhen and the newly-appointed Princess Beijing are the direct cousins ​​of His Royal Highness the Sixth Highness, it is strange that Mrs. Dao values ​​her so much, and wants to please Princess Beijing.Since Mrs. Lin was able to get the Zhen family's attention several times, it might have something to do with them. Zhou Rui's family thought in their hearts, thinking that they should be more respectful and polite when they see Miss Lin in the future!

"Master Lin is far away after all." Zhou Rui's family rolled their eyes and offered a suggestion: "Why don't you ask Master Uncle to come out?"

Mrs. Wang was very worried: "Second brother is back, but I really don't understand what he planned. Originally, he said that he would send Yuan'er to the fourth prince's residence, but later changed his mind - I just don't want to, this one His Highness the Fourth Highness has never been outstanding, and his fans are few and far between. Although Yuan'er went to get a side position, that kind of honor would have been possible without this experience. Wouldn't he have suffered all these sufferings in vain? But now, But he left my son in an empty place. As an uncle, he only listens to the words of the sage, and he doesn't take sides. He doesn't think about his niece. You know how precious a girl's life is, how can she afford to throw it away like this! "

Mrs. Wang was full of resentment: "I really don't understand! Yuan'er is still suffering, and my sister-in-law is happy to recognize a goddaughter! The monthly ratio is better than all the girls in my family, and she is specially sent every month. The same is true for food and clothing, and she even solemnly added her name to the annual ceremony list in the mansion. I just wonder what a slave can do. Yes, my good second brother sent two carts to his 'daughter' the other day!"

Mrs. Wang kept complaining, but at this moment Wang Ziteng was holding a white chess piece, looked at it for a long time, and suddenly threw it back into the chess box: "This chess piece is useless." Well, he took a step back and let his niece live. .

"Isn't the master going to send Yuan Chun into the backyard of His Royal Highness?" Mrs. Li asked.

Wang Ziteng slowly closed his eyes: "After the new year, I pleaded for love to let Yuan'er go home. Madam can help her to make a good marriage. I, as an uncle, can also count as my uncle's compensation for her." Turn your face, based on Wang Ziteng's understanding of this Highness, then you will never turn your face back. Yuan Chun is his original wife and it is useless. Why bother to lose the name of your niece for nothing? If you can still make a good deal of this man, let's see if you can guess what His Royal Highness is thinking in this step.