The maid of the red house

When Daiyu was doing needlework, Xueyan was beside her, holding a paper with Zhou Hong's size written on it, and saw that the handwriting on the paper was vigorous and powerful, like flowing clouds and flowing water, she couldn't help praising: "I think this word was written by my uncle." ? Sure enough."

Daiyu bowed her head and threaded the needle without answering.

Seeing this, Xueyan grinned, and put the note in front of Daiyu again. It can be seen that Zhou Hong is not only a military commander, but also full of talents. He has worked hard in calligraphy. Ordinary vulgar soldiers.

Daiyu used to think that Zhou Hong joined the army as a young man, and thought it was because he hated reading, but never thought that he did not give up. The handwriting is completely different from the soft and charming font of the boudoir, and it is not like Baoyu's small script, which is elegant and delicate, as if he was born with a bit of masculinity. Qi makes people feel like they are looking up at the mountains. Hearing what Xueyan said today, I feel a little shy and just focus on doing work.

Although she usually only embroiders small items, such as purses, sachets, or handkerchiefs, she is not good at cutting. The clothes she gave to her husband's family when she was a child are all cut out by herself and stitched out stitch by stitch.

On the tenth day of the twelfth lunar month, Daiyu made the purse, clothes and other things ready.

It was cold and windy outside the house, and a pot of wintersweet was swaying on the window outside the window, but inside the house was a big kang, which was very warm.

Daiyu was sitting at the kang table, with a sewing basket in front of her, covered with a tiger skin underneath, and a big red silk cloak with eight balls of celestial horse skin, tightly wrapped, only the white fox-style fur at the neckline set off She was radiant, her face was as red as rouge from the anger, she bit off the last thread on her clothes, she looked at it for a while, handed it to Xue Yan and said: "Can you see if it can be done?"

Xueyan sat on the edge of the kang, seeing the exquisite embroidery and lifelike clothes she made, she couldn't help but be amazed, because the Rongguo Mansion finally sent someone to send a message saying that the horoscope has been matched, it is a match made in heaven, and it is a match made in heaven. The day is set to be on February [-] next year, which is Daiyu's birthday, so I asked Daiyu to prepare needlework, so what Daiyu made today is a white python arrow sleeve worn in spring, and eight balls of black Japanese satin with flowers. Gown, and a red cloak, embroidered with goshawks spreading their wings.

Xueyan unfolded her cloak, looked at it and said with a smile: "Only a goshawk is worthy of my aunt." When she climbed the mountain with Sang's mother to burn incense last time, Daiyu had seen goshawks soaring in the sky, and sighed to herself that she only raised thrushes while sitting in a well. Parrots are a kind of ornamental thing. I have never seen such a mighty eagle. I drew it when I came back. I didn't expect that she would embroider it on the clothes. It is really clever and ingenious.

Daiyu is not like Xichun, who is only good at Danqing, but her painter is spiritual. With just a few strokes, she has outlined the pride of the goshawk. Her embroidery is even better. This set of clothes matches Zhou Hong very well, and others cannot wear it. A heroic general demeanor.

Daiyu was a little apprehensive, and said, "It's the first time I've made clothes like this, so I don't know if it's good or not."

Xueyan understood how she felt, and while folding the clothes together with her purse and other things, she comforted her and said: "The clothes the girl made are very good. Last time I cut the clothes in the old lady's room, the old lady praised her. Now it's like this." Do it with heart, what you make is not just a set of clothes, how can my uncle not like it?"

Daiyu couldn't help blushing, under Xueyan's pampering, she was not as coy as ordinary women.

Even so, Xueyan is very satisfied that Daiyu's affection for Zhou Hong is deepening day by day. The fairyland outside the world is the fairyland outside the world. It has lost its natural spirituality and is the same as ordinary ladies. Is it still the fairy of Crimson Pearl?

After Xueyan put away her clothes, she stood up and opened the window, and a faint fragrance of plum blossoms wafted in. She looked back at Daiyu and smiled.

Daiyu glared at her and said, "Move the flowers in, be careful that the wind blows them off!"

Xueyan reached out and moved the wintersweet closer to the window, and said with a smile: "The wintersweet is so proud of the snow and frost, how can a gust of wind break it? It's just that the girl takes pity on the flowers." This pot of wintersweet is on the case with Daiyu The pot of single-petaled narcissus was all sent by Zhou Hong. Now they have the status of husband and wife. Zhou Hong generously sent someone to deliver the things. For Miss Lin, she's not as pedantic as a normal family.

Xueyan was very satisfied with Zhou Hong's actions. After Sang's mother agreed, she often asked Daiyu to return gifts, or two boxes of snacks, or a box of medicinal materials, or supplements. A small battle.

Therefore, although Zhou Hong and Dai Yu have not met each other, they have developed a certain admiration for each other.

It's just that Xueyan is a bit regretful that the two of them never met, but things are getting better now, and they can't be too forceful. It's not a bad idea to meet each other when they get married. Daiyu's appearance and demeanor will definitely make Zhou Hong feel astonished.

The next day, when Sang's family was shopping for new year's goods, Xueyan started to go out to buy some high-quality medicinal materials in person. Although Sang's mother said to buy a batch of medicinal materials for them, since they have money, they can still go out. Of course, it is better to do it by themselves , and the medicinal materials such as ginseng and velvet antler outside the pass are excellent, and they are stored in the right way. They are only used when Daiyu is married, and they will not be collected like Jiamu. ash.

When he was about to buy it, Xueyan suddenly remembered that there seemed to be a lot of precious medicinal materials and spices in his mustard seeds.

There is nothing wrong with taking out other furniture, jewelry, gold, silver, calligraphy and paintings, but if you take out medicinal materials and spices, wouldn't it be suspicious?After all, it has been stored for so many years, how can it be possible that half of the medicine has not lost its effect?

Xueyan thought about it, and decided not to buy it for the time being.

After Daiyu fell asleep at night, she began to check the medicinal materials and spices in the mustard seeds. When she closed her eyes and thought about it, the situation in the mustard seeds would appear in her mind. She hadn’t checked the mustard seeds for a long time, except for Daiyu She never thought of relying on the things in Yuzang. Looking at it today, it is true that those medicinal materials and spices were taken in, and they are still what they are now. Probably the Lin family is not in good health, and there are many medicinal materials and supplements. For Dai Yutian has more than enough in the dowry, Xueyan only worries about how to get it out.

She thought about going out during the day, putting the money in the mustard seeds, and telling Daiyu that she bought the medicinal materials, but the rules of the pharmacy are very strict, and there is an account for how many medicinal materials she bought and what medicinal materials she bought. suspicious.

Xueyan is very cautious, cautious to the point of harshness, unwilling to take the slightest risk.

After all, there was no way to take it out, so Xueyan quickly gave up and put it in the mustard seeds. The medicinal materials are all ebony boxes, and the storage of medicinal materials is top-grade. Then I will try to get rid of Daiyu and others. Doubt is.

The next day, Xueyan took the two women out, and invited a military doctor to help check it out. After spending 400 taels of silver, she bought a batch of high-quality medicinal materials from ginseng and drug dealers, including ginseng, deer antler, and tiger bone. Everything is ready, part of it is stored and sealed in an ebony box, as Daiyu's dowry, and part of it is packed in an ordinary box, and it will be used as a gift from outside the customs to honor Jia Mu and others when returning to Beijing.

It cost 1000 taels to buy two carts of leather here, and 400 taels to buy medicinal materials. I bought a lot of odds and ends, and occasionally bought some good furs that I like, such as mink fur. The mink fur outside the customs is really good. , Xueyan bought several sheets by himself, and some medicinal wine, pine nuts, hazel mushrooms, fungus, various wild vegetables, dried vegetables, etc., which cost more than 200 taels of silver one after another.

Seeing that the 2000 taels brought out were only the 400 taels in front of him, Xueyan was a little worried.

Daiyu didn't take it seriously, sitting on the kang, holding a small hand stove and eating pine nuts, said: "I will go back to Beijing after the first lunar month. At the end of the year, I will only reward you with the first few gold and silver coins. You don't need to spend anything on the rest. These are enough." gone."

Xue Yan thought about it, nodded and said: "Alright, when we came out, I specially packed a box of gold and silver locks."

The three rooms Daiyu lived in were not separated. Looking at the boxes and cages piled up in one corner of the room, they were neatly stacked. It would take two or three carts to go back. She sighed and said, "You and I shouldn't worry about these things, but you Take the trouble."

Knowing that she was feeling sad again, Xueyan smiled and said, "Miss is overthinking again, we don't make decisions for ourselves, who can we count on?"

When Daiyu heard this, a smile appeared on her lips.

At the end of the new year, Sang Qing and his wife sent someone to bring the New Year gifts, and asked their family members to kowtow to the two old people instead. Daiyu and Sang's mother, together with more than a dozen girls and women in the family, are not lively enough, but they are still clean.

Mother Sang said with a smile: "It's just our mother and daughter celebrating the New Year in our house, so it's a bit deserted."

Daiyu hurriedly laughed and said, "I think it's good and clean."

She always likes to leave and not to gather. Whenever she goes to Rongguo Mansion at this time, she misses her parents in her hometown and feels ashamed that she can't offer incense to her ancestors, so she doesn't care much about the bustle of Rongguo Mansion. Don't make a fuss.

Mother Sang said, "Good boy."

It is said that someone took a purse to Daiyu as lucky money, and scattered the lucky money, gold and silver coins to the girls and women below, except for the two big girls next to Sang's mother and the two nuns next to Daiyu, The snow geese were the first to get it, and it was heavy and full of weight. After watching the New Year feast, I went back and opened it, and it turned out to be twelve small golden geese in the shape of plum blossoms.

Daiyu only glanced at it, and said, "You gave me your heart and soul, and my aunt saw it!"

In return, she also rewarded the servants of the Sang family, each with a purse containing ten wishful silver coins.

Just after the new year, Zhou Hong led an army of 1 to take the initiative to attack and defeated the 2 Tartar army, killing [-] people and capturing [-] people. The son was terrified when he heard the news, and did not dare to act rashly for the time being.

When the decree of the imperial court's reward came, it was already the Shangyuan Festival.

When Xueyan told Daiyu, she secretly applauded Zhou Hong's actions, saying: "No wonder those clerks ridiculed my uncle for his self-indulgence and depravity. Merciful, I wanted to release the captives back, but my uncle refused with a single word, and the sage listened to my uncle's instructions."

Daiyu was happy for Zhou Hong, but at the same time worried, she asked, "What did you refuse? What did he do?"

Xueyan laughed and said: "The Tartars have come back several times, and the uncle and uncle are sitting in the Shanhaiguan. In the exchange market, those civil servants felt superior to others, not only wrote a letter to ask the sage to agree, but also to show the sage's mind, suggested that the sage ordered the son-in-law to let the captives eat and drink well so that they would not be wronged, and then rewarded the Tartars with jewels, silk and treasures for their obedience. Let the captives go back. Our uncle disagreed, saying that every year we spend time and money, defending Shanhaiguan, and countless casualties. How can we erase these past events just because of a letter of surrender? By then, wouldn’t the dynasty be dead and wounded? People, wasting money from the treasury and losing a large amount of rewards?"

Daiyu nodded and said, "From the perspective of state affairs, his thinking is reasonable. What happened later? What's his idea?"

Regarding Zhou Hong's methods, Xueyan was so impressed that he was a good match for Daiyu, she said with a smile: "My lord told me that if you let the Tatars redeem a large sum of cattle and horses, there will be a price for you. Soldiers are worth a soldier’s price, and if they are not redeemed, they will be paid, then these captives will be driven to open up wasteland to farm, anyway, the nearby land is fertile, and there is no one to open up wasteland!”

Hearing this, Daiyu immediately said: "It's good, it's good for the country and the people. It's just that the reputation will be worse, right? Since ancient times, literati have looked down on each other, and those people have ridiculed and scolded for it. The reason for the university degree is in it."

But Xueyan said: "Miss once said, we don't live for fame, as long as we are worthy of the world in our hearts."

Daiyu smiled slightly, and unconsciously asked the saint how to deal with it.

Xueyan said: "In winter, there were snowstorms in several places. People were panic-stricken. The sage was worried about the emptiness of the treasury and no money to relieve the disaster. The book on my son's book solved the urgent need. How can I not do it?" If you don’t redeem them, all the captives will be driven to open up wasteland and farm. Once this decree is announced, the whole court is in an uproar.”

Daiyu nodded and said for a long time: "I can't understand the temper of a literati. I'm afraid he can't do anything alone in the court. Especially now that the emperor is still here, it's most kind to obey the old minister's words. What should I do if I reject the holy will?"

Xueyan lowered her head and thought for a while, then said: "The decree has already been sent to the tartars, it seems that the emperor did not stop the saint."

Daiyu sighed: "That's not good. The emperor and the saint have a rift in the government. I'm afraid they will take their anger on him. Let me tell you, why didn't he go to Beijing to offer prisoners after such a great victory? It is because of this that the sage did not ask him to come to the capital, it is also to protect him, I am afraid that Mr. Zhou is still in the capital, and will be missed by the emperor!"

After Xueyan heard this, she couldn't help being very worried.

Daiyu suddenly asked Xueyan: "It is said that the onlookers are clear, what if Mr. Zhou didn't think about this level?"

Xueyan knows the truth that accompanying a king is like accompanying a tiger. Which official's career is not ups and downs?I deeply feel that what Daiyu said is reasonable, there are no two suns in the sky, and there are no two monarchs in the country. I am afraid that the emperor and the saints have already started to compete for this power struggle, but I don't know how many officials will be affected, and said: "Otherwise, I will Huizi took the opportunity of giving something to see my aunt and said this quietly? Our master and servant are two girls. We can't tell the third party about the affairs of the government in private, because the message can't go through the third party. .”

Daiyu resolutely said: "You go, it's just that you can see him?"

While thinking about what to give, Xueyan replied: "It's up to people to make things happen. You have to try to know."

She packed up a lot of wound medicines and supplements, found Sang's mother and said: "The girl said, it's time to go back after the first month. It would be a burden to take these wound medicines and supplements away. What's more, there was a big battle a while ago, and there were heavy casualties in the camp. The girl asked me to pack it up, and asked my wife to send it over, no matter who it is, it can be regarded as a little effort."

Mother Sang nodded and said, "You guys are very thoughtful. If you think about it, I'll send someone to send it later."

After saying this, seeing Xueyan standing still, with a trace of hesitation on her face, Sang's mother couldn't help laughing, and said: "You are usually the most straightforward, why are you so hesitant to speak today?"

Xueyan laughed softly: "We will go back in February, I want to follow the person who delivered the things there, and see how my uncle is doing!"

When she met Zhou Hong last time, only Mrs. Zhang knew about it. Mrs. Zhang didn't tell anyone else, and she only told Daiyu, so Sang's mother didn't know that she had met Zhou Hong. After hearing her words, she also knew about her. Curiosity arose, but luckily it wasn't Daiyu who went to see it, so she smiled and said, "Well, you are narrow-minded, so it's not just for giving things."

Having said that, Sang's mother agreed to Xueyan's request, and Xueyan was very happy.

After noon, Sang's mother sent two women to carry medicinal materials and supplements, some of which Sang's mother ordered someone to buy, and asked the two women to accompany Xueyan to the car, saying: "Just say that I gave it to you."

Xueyan fully agreed, and when they arrived at the barracks, they saw a patchwork of tents from a distance, some were hidden among the trees, some were built at the foot of the mountain, and there was even a large practice field, which was very spacious, even though it was covered with snow. It is also difficult to hide the passion of iron and blood.

The two women seemed to have been here before, so they called someone to inform them first, and it was indeed Zhou Hong who came out.

Zhou Hong caught a glimpse of a young girl from Xueyan appearing here, and was slightly taken aback. Zhan Xiaohu, who was following behind him, hurriedly approached Zhou Hong, and whispered, "I've seen this sister before, at the old marshal's mansion. The one called Uncle General."

Because Zhou Hong went through several battles and often communicated with Sang Long to report, etc., Sang Long sent Zhan Xiaohu to take care of these things, and because he talked too much in the camp last time, everyone joked when they saw Zhou Hong, so Zhou Hong always stayed behind. With him by his side, he practiced better than soldiers who had experienced many battles, making Zhan Xiaohu miserable, but he didn't dare to complain at all. Being trained by Zhou Hong like this was a rare honor.

Hearing Zhan Xiaohu's words, Zhou Hong's face became slightly hot, and he gave him a glare.

Zhan Xiaohu quickly ran to the two women, glanced at the cart containing the medicinal materials, and said, "Two mothers, come with me, and I'll ask someone to move the medicinal materials and things in."

So only Zhou Hong and Xue Yan were left at the gate of Daying.

Zhou Hongdao: "But what do you want the old Marshal's wife to say?"

Xueyan blessed her body and said, "Greetings to my uncle."

Zhou Hong was taken aback for a moment, he didn't expect Xueyan to address him so neatly, with a clear tone and clear words, unlike ordinary women's twitching voice like a mosquito screeching, he said calmly, "But Lin Does the girl have something to say?"

Xueyan lowered her eyebrows and lowered her eyes, taking advantage of the fact that there was no one around, and the people who carried the medicinal materials and supplements were far away and could not hear, so she gently said Daiyu's words of admiration for his actions and words of worry about the situation of Zhou University, and finally Said: "Our girl said that there are no two days in the sky, and there are no two monarchs in the country, and the court is about to rise. Please be aware of it."

Hearing such heart-to-heart words, Zhou Hong felt sour, sweet, bitter, spicy and salty in his heart. He was both happy for Daiyu's support and worried about Daiyu. He only had loyalty to the emperor and patriotism in his heart. Literati are generally knowledgeable, but if the father is involved, it would be a great unfilial son, and I feel worried about my parents in the capital.

Seeing that he had listened, Xueyan took three steps back, and said with a smile: "Madam asked us to bring over medicinal materials and supplements, although there is no shortage of these in the camp, but these are Madam's wishes, and I will do my best for the soldiers. Little power."

Zhou Hong said in a deep voice: "Go back and thank the old marshal's wife on behalf of me and the soldiers."

Xueyan smiled knowingly, and when all the medicinal materials and supplements were moved into the camp, Fang and the two women turned the carriage and went home.

After she left, Zhou Hong hurried back to the camp, wrote a letter in a hurry, and sent someone to send it to his parents as quickly as possible.

Even though she was worried about Grand Master Zhou, what to do was still the same as usual, but after the [-]th day of the first lunar month, Xueyan started to pack her bags and prepare to leave in early February according to the schedule. Days, days are a little rushed.

Sang's mother said indifferently: "In the past, we were old and young, with nothing to do, so we drove slowly, and the total distance was only two or three hundred miles. After tomorrow, we will travel seventy or eighty miles a day, and we will arrive in three to five days. Not urgent."

Even so, Xueyan still packed all her luggage properly, so as not to be in a hurry when things came to an end.

In the blink of an eye, it was the second day of February, and Sang's mother took Daiyu back to Beijing.

At that time Sang Long was still busy in the barracks, Daiyu never said goodbye, she was delighted when she came and joyful when she returned, it really was a worthwhile trip.

As soon as she returned to the capital, Sang's mother asked Xu to send someone to send Daiyu back to Rongguo Mansion, and said: "It's already the eighth day of the lunar new year, so I won't keep you here. You should go back earlier to prepare for seriousness. When your good days are over, I'll pick you up again."

Daiyu thanked her deeply, and went back to Rongguo Mansion to meet Jiamu, presenting a gift of earthen rituals, telling about the events after the parting, and describing the scenery of mountains and seas and the humanities, so that the sisters were fascinated by it, and wished they could follow her to have a look.

Jia Muyin asked, "Is the needle and thread ready?"

Daiyu said shyly, "It's all done with my cousin and aunt making the decision."

When Jia Mu heard the words, she was relieved, and Liu Baoyu spoke in front of her, telling Daiyu: "I'm afraid you are tired all the way, so go back to your room and have a rest. In the evening, I will order two tables of banquets to welcome you."

Daiyufang said goodbye and went back to her room.

When the sisters saw her, they all came over to look for her, and Daiyu couldn't help but blushed and bowed her head in silence when they heard everyone congratulate and joke.

Shi Xiangyun took Daiyu's hand and said with a smile: "It's really my sister Lin, but a brother-in-law Lin who likes to bite his tongue? If not, I wouldn't be able to fulfill my sister's wish, and the Buddha didn't even bless me!"

Daiyu recalled a previous public case, and unconsciously spat: "I haven't mentioned you yet, but you are talking about me?"

Shi Xiangyun blushed when he heard her joke.

Everyone laughed and said to Shi Xiangyun: "It's really a pair of sisters. They are one step ahead of others. Let's say it's fine. You laugh at her, are you asking for trouble?"

Shi Xiangyun became anxious when he heard their laughter, and said, "You are all not good people."

Seeing that her face was flushed, Daiyu hurriedly turned away and said, "Stop laughing at her, carefully, girl Yun is annoyed, we are all right. But I have never seen these sisters before? Why don't you introduce them to me?"

Today in Daiyu's room, there were only Yingtan Xisanchun and Chaiyun and a few young girls whom she didn't recognize. Hearing that, Daiyu was puzzled. My younger sister, whose nickname is Baoqin, is recognized by my wife as a goddaughter. This is Eldest Sister Xing, the niece of the eldest wife’s natal family. This is Li Qi and Li Wen, sisters of Eldest Sister-in-law Zhu’s uncle’s family.”

Daiyu was busy meeting everyone, and saw that Baoqin was so bright and unparalleled, she couldn't help holding her hand and praised her again and again, and said with a smile: "I used to be conceited, and I only thought I was a rare one. Only when I see my sister today do I know what it means." There are heaven and man outside the sky, and there are people outside the sky."

Baoqin is young and enthusiastic, and has been able to read and write since she was a child. When she came here, she had heard Daiyu's poems from her sisters. She is outstanding, so she treats Daiyu more affectionately than others, and for a while she calls out sisters and sisters, very affectionate.

While talking to everyone, Daiyu told Xueyan to distribute the things she brought to the sisters, and take them back after a while, so that there is no need to make another trip.

After hearing this, Xueyan understood, the gift had already been prepared, and the sign was written, regardless of who was thicker and who was weaker, but Daiyu didn't know the visitors from Rongguo Mansion, so she didn't have four copies of Xue Baoqin, Xing Xiuyan, and Li Qi and Li Wen. Next, I cleaned up and picked up four servings that were the same as the girls, all of which were ginseng, mink fur, pine nuts, and medicinal wine.

She took it out and gave it to the maids who followed behind her. Daiyu stopped talking with her sisters and said, "I never brought any rare things, and the winter is over, and the leather is left to make clothes for the next year. I finally went to Shanhaiguan , it’s just a meaning.”

Everyone thanked them and said, "This is not good? There is nowhere to buy money."

After the gossip, everyone took their leave one by one.

Daiyu was finally free, but Li Wan came over and said softly, "Congratulations, sister."

Daiyu pulled her to sit with her and asked Xueyan to bring out the gift. Fang blushed and said, "Sister-in-law is not as good as them? Today I have been teased by many people. Besides, I will be annoyed."

Li Wan said with a smile: "It's not worth it to worry about this! Who doesn't know, they all envy you! In terms of family status, foundation, and character, which one is not perfect in the Zhou family? I came to congratulate my sister because of her joy. After we get married, my sister doesn't have to worry about herself anymore, she can just take care of herself and come out of the cabinet in a few years' time."

Daiyu nodded lightly, she was sure of her life, she was indeed relieved a lot.

Li Wan said again: "Among the sisters, you and Yun girl are the only ones who are settled. From now on, you should be more careful in what you say, because it will hurt other people's hearts."

Daiyu was stunned, but Xueyan nodded secretly, Li Wan reminded her very well that there were still three people on Daiyu's head, Chai, Ying and Baoyu, and there was Tanchun in the same year, looking at Daiyu's The marriage is decent, why don't you think too much about it?

Half a day later, Dai Yufang said: "I didn't pay attention, thank you sister-in-law for reminding me."

Li Wan sighed, "I'm just saying something in vain, my sister just remembers."

Daiyu said: "I only hope that the sisters can have a good life."

Li Wan nodded, but knew that there was no such possibility. Jia She was stupid, Mrs. Xing was greedy, Jia Zheng let go, and Mrs. Wang only remembered Baoyu. After all, Yingchun and Tanchun were concubines, not from the stomachs of the two wives. , how willing to pay attention?Although Xichun is a daughter-in-law, she is from the East Mansion. She lives here all year round, so naturally she doesn't pay attention there.

Looking at Daiyu's face, Li Wan thought to herself that the kindness she had treated him and Lan'er was as great as a mountain, it would be good to have such a marriage, and there is no need to be rubbed by others. It is the order of the fourth rank to marry Ming'er, the Zhou family has always had a literary name, and Lan'er can still No matter how good it will be, it is unknown.

Thinking of this, Li Wan became more determined to make friends with Daiyu.

Although she knew that Mrs. Wang valued Baochai, but after several accidents, she became friends with Daiyu, so when she wrote Begonia poems last time, she was impartial, with Mr. Hengwu reserved and honest, and the concubine being romantic and chic. Treating each other like this will neither make Mrs. Wang feel jealous, nor will she feel sorry.

Daiyu didn't know Li Wan's thoughts at all, only Xueyan guessed from the last Haitang poetry appraisal, it was extremely rare for Li Wan to act like this, after all, she was Mrs Wang's daughter-in-law, she always had to think about herself and Jia Lan .

They were chatting here, but they said that after Tanchun left Daiyu's room, he took the maid back to Qiushuangzhai alone, and sat silently.

The servant Shu knew Tanchun's mind, so he persuaded: "Everything is decided by the old lady!"

After hearing this, Tanchun dismissed all the servants in the house, leaving only Shishu in front of him. Fang smiled bitterly and said: "The old lady never cares about things, what can she do? What's more, my wife is in charge of my life. What does it have to do with the old lady? Since ancient times, seniority has been orderly, not to mention that the second elder brother has not yet been decided. Now that sister Lin has a family, I don't know if my wife can fulfill her wish."

She was the same age as Daiyu, the same year as Xiangyun, [-] days younger than Daiyu, and a few months older than Xiangyun. Now both of them are settled. , one is the son of a general, and also a talented and handsome man, but the three of my sisters have not moved at all. How can I not be envious of them, and how can I not be sad for myself?

I just hope that Mrs. Wang will take care of her worries earlier, and give herself a solution earlier, so that she can rest assured.

Cowardly than a wooden man in Yingchun, Tanchun is shrewd and decisive, and the most discerning. He has already seen that the mansion is unable to make ends meet, and he is very anxious. Unfortunately, he is not a man and cannot go out to make contributions. Although Mrs. Wang loves her, it is because Aunt Zhao repeatedly Hu Nao treats her indifferently, and he doesn't know what his future will be like compared to Daiyu and Shi Xiangyun.

The servant secretary sighed, and said: "It's not a bad day. I heard from Cui Li, who served Miss Shi, that Miss Shi often complained to Miss Bao that she was too tired at home. I don't think everything is wrong. good."

Tanchun sneered and said: "Listen to her nonsense! The marriage is settled and the dowry should be taken for granted. What is there to be tired of? If Aunt Shihou's family treats her badly, how can she have the opportunity to go out to socialize with her? Bad temper? How can I book such a good family early? Thanks to her, she still complains everywhere. But I heard that she stayed up until midnight in order to be Xiren's second brother's needlework. Cousin does needlework, so people know what to say? It’s embarrassing for Aunt Shijia. Last time I went back to the garden as a host and made a crab feast. Afterwards, Aunt Shijia followed Lord Shi as a foreigner, so I didn’t take her there.”

The waiter sighed: "Miss is very worried about this matter. Miss Shi doesn't know how to be blessed when she is in the blessing. Although there are colorful flowers here, there is no need to work every day, but if things go on like this, what good will it be?"

For Shi Xiangyun, Tanchun is very envious. Although Xiangyun's parents died since childhood, she is the daughter of Lord Hou, who is a hundred times stronger than her little concubine. She has to treat her like her own daughter, so she can get such a good marriage from the Wei family. Even if she complains about Aunt Shi's family, Aunt Shi's family can only knock out her teeth and swallow her blood.

Tanchun thinks that among these sisters, Xiangyun is the most at ease. Of course, Daiyu is more at ease than her in the past two years. Before, I didn't envy Daiyu very much, and occasionally felt pity, but now I am very envious. Married, with a large dowry, raised by a nanny, her husband's family is high and powerful, her husband is young and promising, and there are people like the Sang family as a backer. An orphan girl whose parents have died can have such a result, it is really the virtue of her ancestors, I have no regrets in this life.

Looking at the still green plantains outside the window, Tanchun sighed quietly, and said, "Sister Lin must be very lively at the time."

This is natural, the Rongguo Mansion is very popular, the Zhou family is flourishing, one is the Duke's mansion, the other is a scholar, not to mention that Daiyu lives in the Rongguo Mansion, and she is the eldest daughter of a second-rank official. Families are relatives, and there is an endless stream of old friends from the Rongguo Mansion, the Zhou family and the Sang family, all of whom have arrived.

Sister Feng had been preparing for it years ago, and everything was ready. Mother Jia only had Daiyu as her granddaughter, and she went out to give advice to Sister Feng in person, not daring to show any disrespect. It's more lively during the Chinese New Year.

Because the weather is getting warmer, although the winter clothes have not been taken off, it is already spring.

Mother Jia got a new dress today, with smiles on her face. She heard that Mother Sang was coming, and hurriedly ordered Mrs. Xing Wang to go out to meet her. At that time, Mrs. Zhang also arrived. I didn't want Princess Yongchang to come with Mrs. Zhang, so that Mother Jia was bluffed. Hastily greeted in person.

Princess Yongchang smiled and said: "I promised to be her matchmaker, but I didn't want the sage to give me a marriage. Although she likes it, I should come here."

Jia's mother hurriedly said: "The child is just a child, how did you startle the princess?"

After finishing speaking, let's go in.

Princess Yongchang pursed her lips and smiled, and asked after sitting down, "Where is Miss Lin?"

Jia Mu replied: "I'm making preparations inside now. If the princess wants to see her, I will send someone to ask her to come and see the princess."

After hearing this, Princess Yongchang quickly waved her hands and said, "Don't be too busy, today is her good day, it's not good to come out first, and her mother-in-law will come later, and we will see each other!" Madam and Sang Mu said a few words.

After a while, Mrs. Zhou arrived.

When Mrs. Zhou came, she had heard about Zhou Honglai's letter from Zhou Honglai, and the things mentioned in the letter came from Daiyu's worries. It is true that Zhou University never thought that his son's behavior would cause a rift between the emperor and the present. After many years of ups and downs in the official career, he reacted in a moment, and immediately broke out in a cold sweat.

Zhou Dashi's official career has been smooth and clear in the past few years, because he has always been a pure minister, only loyal to the emperor and patriotic, so the emperor likes it, and he likes it now, so that he can go from being stable when the emperor was in power to being promoted after he ascended the throne, and because he is reused today, So it is unavoidable to be somewhat complacent, but he still does not forget to tell his eldest son a daughter-in-law who has no power. Reluctant to give up power, to the point where two dragons are fighting for the sky.

Mrs. Zhou recalled the words of Zhou University: "The daughter of the Lin family is extremely intelligent and far-sighted. She can be the eldest daughter-in-law."

With the ups and downs of Zhou University for decades, Mrs. Zhou is also a sensible reader, so she doesn't know what Daiyu is worried about. She is secretly glad that Daiyu reminded her in time, so that her family can take precautions first, otherwise when she reacts, she may be afraid. The home has been overturned.

She originally thought that Daiyu was superior to Miss Zhao regardless of background, family status, background, appearance, character, talent, and dowry, and she had no parental power, and would not have her natal family doing evil, which was beneficial and harmless to the Zhou family, so After Sang Long's letter, she went to see Daiyu, discussed with her husband, and agreed.Now, she feels that Daiyu is better than she imagined, which is a surprise.

Mrs. Zhou has always believed that as the eldest son and daughter-in-law of Zhou, she must not only have the skills of a housekeeper and a director to socialize, but also not be short-sighted.

For Daiyu, Mrs. Zhou liked Daiyu from the previous five points to very satisfied, and she praised and liked Daiyu endlessly in front of everyone.

When Jia Mu saw that she was treating Daiyu like this, she first let go of her heart.

The rest are admirable, but there are also envious ones, and some people don't understand that mother-in-law and daughter-in-law are natural enemies, how can Mrs. Zhou praise Daiyu so much?It must be known that she praised Daiyu at Xiaoting today, showing that she is very satisfied with Daiyu, and in the future after Daiyu comes in, she can't say no to Daiyu, lest she slap her mouth and make people laugh.

Mrs. Zhou understood everyone's thoughts and sneered secretly. Who said mother-in-law and daughter-in-law have to be natural enemies?What are the benefits of having mother-in-law and daughter-in-law as enemies?It's just making the backyard smoky, it's better to be intimate, raise children and grandchildren together, and extend the glory of the family.

When the auspicious time came, Mother Jia ordered Daiyu to come out.

Daiyu was dressed in bright red clothes. Although she was wearing winter clothes, she didn't look bulky, and she felt more coquettish. She bowed to the elders above to see her,