The maid of the red house

Emperor Changqian frowned. Ever since the avalanche near the capital, he had been worried that the city was too congested with victims flocking into the city. Therefore, he was very happy to hear the news, and immediately asked Yu Liansheng, "Who did it first?"

Yu Liansheng is now the deputy general manager at a young age, and has taken over most of Dai Quan's official duties, and Dai Quan is also preparing to leave the palace for the elderly, so after hearing this, he bowed and said, "I just got the news and sent someone to inquire. Lin Shuren of the family couldn't see that the victims were suffering from hunger and cold, so he and the old sisters tried to do this. Lin Shuren alone has produced [-] catties of charcoal from the ladder, a thousand stones of rice, and hundreds of quilts. There is nothing to describe about the clothes made of medicinal materials."

Before Daiyu and others did such a thing, it wasn't that there were no female relatives who used their own money to help the poor and disaster relief, but they were not as thoughtful as Daiyu. Tete prepared a lot of medicines, but for those who were sick, they asked a doctor to make pulse medicine, and saved their lives.

It is not unexpected for these courts that every year for disaster relief, officials are familiar with the way, distributing disaster relief money and food, resettling the victims' houses, providing food and clothing, and distributing grain seeds. Since Zhou Yuan went south for disaster relief, now he also remembers to bring doctors and medicinal materials when disaster relief. In the next year, taxes and corvees will be reduced, but some people can't bear to fill their pockets, and the money that can fall into the hands of the people is only one-tenth of the total.

Emperor Changgan said: "Is Lin Shuren your sister's old master?"

Yu Liansheng nodded and said: "Yes. These wives did their best in this disaster relief. I heard that not only the officials and wives of the capital followed suit, but also the wives of officials in the disaster-stricken areas have started to help the victims with ladders, and they have won a high reputation. .”

Emperor Changqian was noncommittal, and said: "At first it was regarded as sympathizing with the victims, but later it was mostly for fame."

Julienson listened, smiled slightly, and remained silent.

Emperor Changqian thought for a while, and said: "Although it's just a small fight, it's a great kindness to save people. What's more, those female relatives are all rich, but they just hide it and don't take it out. This time in Rongkui How much was copied from the wife's room?"

Yu Liansheng smiled and said, "There are a few million."

Emperor Changqian clapped his hands and said: "Yes, there are several million again. It can be seen that Zhen Yingjia, Rongkui and others have been corrupt and accepting bribes. Their female relatives have often relied on their husbands and sons to receive filial piety from everywhere, and it is not that they have never made decisions for others. , otherwise dowry alone can have so many people?"

Yu Liansheng pursed his lips and smiled, "If it weren't for that, no one would say that a husband and wife are honored."

Emperor Changqian sneered and said: "Yes, husbands and wives are honorable. Fortunately, they keep saying that the women's family members and children are innocent and should not be guilty when they are in prison. They don't even think about it. Since they rely on their sons, husbands and fathers to enjoy the glory and wealth, this glory and wealth is not worth it." Knowing how many people have been oppressed and how many officials they have served for the imperial court, how can they be innocent? These female family members have done many immoral things. They only want to enjoy the rich and beautiful food and clothing when they are rich, but they do not want to face the prison when they are defeated. The disaster is truly despicable."

Yu Liansheng smiled and said, "Master is very right."

Emperor Changqian said: "Ask someone in the Hanlin Academy to draw up an edict to reward Lin Shuren with Luan brocade and jade scrolls."

Yu Liansheng agreed, and was also happy for Lin Daiyu, but then he was taken aback, and said in doubt: "Master, this is the edict ordered by Mrs. Yipin, and General Zhou is only from the third rank. How can outsiders obey such an edict?"

Emperor Changqian said complacently: "It's okay, I am grateful for Lin Shuren's kindness in disaster relief, and I specially named Lin Shuren as a first-rank wife, who does not have to follow her husband's rank. The rest, those who did this first, ordered the Ministry of Rites to reward them Items of gold, silver and colorful satin. My rewards are not something ordinary people can get. Once this happens, are you afraid that the officials and women of various families will not actively help the disaster? If they have more things, my treasury will lose a few taels of silver. Isn’t it the best of both worlds? ? I know, they are all rich people."

Yu Liansheng smiled and bowed to obey.

The war is still going on now, and it’s not just a snowstorm in the capital. Yesterday, the southern part was also hit by a hailstorm the size of a bowl. There were many casualties, and the crops were destroyed. The money in the treasury was simply not enough. Every time the emperor ordered Zhou Yuan to think of ways, Zhou Yuan's hair turned gray with worry, and he wished that whenever natural disasters broke out, there would be someone to help the disaster without the need for the court to come forward.

As soon as Emperor Changqian made this decree, the whole court was shocked.

The Zhou family was busy helping the victims. When the officials of the Ministry of Rites delivered the decree, there were not many people in the family. Zhou Yuan and Zhou Hong were not there, and they were still in the court. Zhou Yan went to watch the disaster relief in the mansion outside, so Mrs. Zhou was in a panic. An incense case was set up, and Zhou Lian knelt at the second gate to receive it.

All the officials who came to proclaim the decree, women's family members have always avoided the taboo, and the men in the family always received the decree.

Hearing that Emperor Changqian named Daiyu a first-class wife, the whole family was surprised, and immediately overjoyed.

After the officials left, the rest of the people in the mansion came to congratulate them.

Although Daiyu's imperial wife had nothing to do with Zhou Hong, Madam Zhou felt a little uncomfortable, but she quickly put it aside and said beamingly: "Now I am busy with disaster relief, and this happy event is coming. People reward you with monthly money for three months, not to make your hard work in vain, but also to enjoy the joy of grandma."

The Zhou family was well-mannered and rarely received extra rewards, so after hearing this, all the servants came to kowtow to thank them.

The outside world quickly got the news, and they were all very envious. If they knew that they were so decent, why didn't they help the poor and disaster relief earlier?At such a young age, Lin Daiyu jumped several ranks to become a first-rank lady, even higher than Zhou Hong's. And she is only sixteen or seventeen years old this year. According to General Zhou's achievements, wouldn't she want to become a super-rank lady in the future?

Among the female family members who worked together with Daiyu to help the disaster, only Daiyu has a royal order, and the rest are from natal husbands with prominent families, but most of their husbands have not yet achieved fame or rank. The general manager of the rank, but Sang Wan is only a seven-rank imperial order, not an imperial order, so Emperor Changqian did not give such a reward, but only bestowed many things, which is also decent.

After Xueyan heard the news in Bajing Town, she was very surprised, and said to Zhao Yun: "It is true that the most wise and powerful saint is today."

Zhao Yun has settled all the tenants of their family properly, and now he is teaching the students at home. Hearing this, he couldn't help laughing and said: "How can a sage not be wise and powerful? I heard that there were disasters everywhere in the south, and there are still disasters in the southwest. There was an earthquake, and there were countless casualties. With this decree, I am afraid that there will be no officials and women from various families rushing to rescue the disaster and rescue the people? How much trouble has been saved by the court. After all, the imperial order is just a salary of a few taels of silver issued by the court a year. The women's family members will do disaster relief in the future."

Xueyan nodded and said: "That's true, with such a sweetness, those female relatives will work harder, this is a great respect."

Daiyu's act of great kindness must have accumulated countless virtues.

When Daiyu said that there was a plan, Xueyan thought that Daiyu was asking everyone to donate money together, which was a bit too advanced. Unfortunately, it was not, but Daiyu put together everyone to provide food, clothing, housing and work for the victims. Xueyan agreed with it very much. However, no matter throughout the ages, it is impossible for all the money and food for disaster relief to be sent to the victims, but to fill the private pockets of officials.

Except for Daiyu's deep foundation, these female family members don't have much to offer. Although it's just a drop in the bucket, everyone's contribution is high, and once they become famous, everyone follows suit. Faster and more secure.

Zhao Yun sighed: "Mrs. Lin is kind, but there are many people in later generations who are trying to gain fame."

After hearing this, Xue Yan said: "Whether it is for fame or not, it is enough that the people affected by the disaster have benefited."

Zhao Yun thought so too, just nodded, and before he could say anything, he heard that Yu Liansheng was coming, so Zhao Yun hurriedly went out to greet him, and saw that Yu Liansheng was smiling, and said with a smile: "What's the good thing, brother-in-law?"

Yu Liansheng said: "Well, it's a happy event. The Ministry of Rites rewarded my sister with some things, and I will send them myself."

Snow geese were also included in the first batch of female relatives, so it is impossible to leave snow geese when rewarding everyone.

Therefore, Zhao Yun hurriedly ordered someone to set up an incense table, and knelt down at the second gate.

The rewards were nothing more than four pairs of gold scorpions, four pairs of silver scorpions, and four bolts of colorful satin. Besides, there was nothing else, and Zhao Yun didn't care. He has already come out from the inner room, and asked someone to put the things into the room first, and then said with a smile: "Big brother rarely comes here, and he will go back after eating in a while."

Yu Liansheng said with a smile: "Now I'm busy with business, I thought I haven't seen my sister for a long time, so I asked Qiao Zong'er to come here in person, say a few words about myself, and then I have to go back after sitting for a while."

Xue Yan asked in surprise, "Why are you so busy?"

Yu Liansheng took a sip of tea and said: "The year is over, and disasters are reported everywhere. On the one hand, I have to send people to find out the truth, and on the other hand, I have to be busy with other affairs in the palace. The saint has to seal his pen at the end of the year. Things have to be taken care of beforehand, otherwise we have to wait until the end of the year, some things are like putting out a fire, so we can't neglect them."

Xueyan wondered: "Could it be that there are still people lying about the disaster?"

Yu Liansheng nodded and said, "There are a lot of them, even around the capital, there are still people lying about it, let alone thousands of miles away?"

Xueyan stomped her feet repeatedly, and said, "The sage's tricks are like this, these people still dare to play tricks."

Xueyan knew very well that if he lied about the number of casualties, he reported too little because he was afraid that his superiors would blame him for negligence. The calamity was reported as a catastrophe, and if the imperial court did not know the truth or falsehood, all the money distributed would have gone into their pockets.

Yu Liansheng sighed, and said: "Corrupt officials have never stopped since ancient times. They always want to work together to hide the truth from the capital. Even if the capital sends officials there, they all contribute money and efforts, or It is a threat, or a lure, if you draw them into their group, you will not report the truth to the saint when you come back. Therefore, the saint sent officials to go on the surface, and he had to send people in private."

Zhao Yun gritted his teeth and said, "These people really deserve to be killed!"

Yu Liansheng smiled bitterly and said: "There are so many officials in the world. If you kill this one, who knows if the next one will get worse? The saints often say that it is difficult to guard the country and the government is difficult only when you take over the country. We can’t kill them all in one go. Even the former confidantes of the saint have been promoted step by step, and many people have been corrupt and accept bribes. The saint is busy now, so he didn’t reach out to deal with them. Gotta take care of them."

Xueyan sighed: "Throughout the ages, there are no officials in the world who are not greedy. When can we stop it?" Knowing that Emperor Changqian's methods still act like this, it can be seen that money is touching, and they can't help this temptation.

After hearing this, Yu Liansheng agreed: "The sage said the same thing, so he also said that all officials who accept ice charcoal and three festivals and two longevity, no matter how many precious things they receive, turn a blind eye to it." , as long as you don’t embezzle the people’s fat, don’t reach out to the court, and treat each other like this, but if you want to do something to the court and the people, you must be severely punished.”

Zhao Yun and Xueyan looked at each other with wry smiles, nodded and said: "Although it's not perfect, it's the only way to go now."

Xueyan said again: "In this case, my brother advises the sage to take good care of the dragon's body, so that the sage's body is healthy, so that he has the energy to govern the world." No matter what, Emperor Changqian is indeed a good emperor, I hope he can reign for dozens more Years, just don't be fatuous and incompetent in your later years.

Yu Liansheng was startled, then smiled and said, "I'll remember it, and I'll pay attention to it when I get back."

Hearing him mention the word "going back", Xueyan frowned and said, "Brother, can't you just eat a meal at home before leaving?"

Yu Liansheng chuckled, and said, "I've been stuck talking for a long time now. On the way back, I have to hurry up and go back to the palace. I'm leaving now. I'm glad to see you all are well."

Xueyan hurriedly went back to the house and took out a big bag, handed it to the little eunuch who followed, and said to Liansheng: "I made clothes for Cong Xiang, and I also made clothes, shoes and socks for big brother."

Yu Liansheng smiled and said, "Thank you, sister, for your trouble. You stay, I have to go."

Zhao Yun and Xueyan still sent him out, and Fang returned to the house.

Xueyan said with emotion: "The heights are extremely cold. The common people envy the dignitaries inside and outside the court and their power and power, but they don't know that the dignitaries envy them for their carelessness. They only know that they have enough food and clothing and feel that their life is enough."

Zhao Yun dragged her to the study room, and as he walked, he said: "Hearing my brother-in-law talk about court officials, I feel very uncomfortable. At the beginning, I studied for the purpose of helping the world and the people. Unexpectedly, I forgot my original intention after I became a high-ranking official. Filling your pockets, but forgetting your responsibilities. You can practice calligraphy with me for a while."

Xueyan knew in her heart that he had lost his temper as a scholar, so she didn't refute, and just stood beside him to study ink for him.

At first, Zhao Yun's writing was full of anger, and the sharpness was revealed between the hooks and folds, almost breaking out of the paper, and the writing was extremely heavy, but later it gradually became calm, introverted and smooth.

They are happy as husband and wife, but the disaster relief outside is in full swing.

Lin Daiyu has obtained such benefits, how dare others lag behind?Therefore, Zhou Yuan became more and more generous. Zhou Yuan was overjoyed to see the expenditure of the household department, not only in the capital, but also in various disaster-prone places outside, there were many families helping the poor. Kindness, good enough to be rewarded from above.

It's just that Emperor Changqian's extra rewards are very rare and cannot be taken lightly. After all the victims of the disaster are resettled after the year, Fang chooses one or two female family officials who have given the most generous rewards. Although they have not raised their ranks, they are enough for them Very happy.

Zhou Hong was at home that day, smiled and said to Daiyu: "You are more noble than me now."

Hearing this, Daiyu gave him a sideways glance, grabbed his sleeves, and said: "Then I hope you will earn me a higher order. Although I don't care, but now I care very much, lest outsiders laugh at you." .”

Zhou Hong is still from the third rank, and Daiyu is already the first rank, and she didn't get it from Zhou Hong's achievements, so it is inevitable that there will be some gossip outside.

Zhou Hong was open-minded, and with Daiyu's words, the sliver of discomfort dissipated, he held her hand behind his back, and said with a big smile, "Okay, wait for me to earn you a higher order, and I will never let you stop at Mrs. Yipin." .”

Daiyu chuckled and said: "Madam Yipin is also rare, I don't know how many people envy me!"

Zhou Hongdao: "Then let them envy you even more in the future."

Daiyu smiled and said, "I'll wait."

Rubbing the back of her hand, Zhou Hong suddenly said: "Earlier this morning, the sage issued a decree to transfer Marshal Sang back to the capital, and sent General Sang Qing to guard Shanhaiguan, and was promoted to a second-rank general. General Sang Qing, do you think I am asking to go back to Shanhaiguan, or to go elsewhere?"

Daiyu was startled, although she was reluctant, she knew that his ambition was not in the capital, and said: "If my selfishness is followed, it is much safer to guard the frontier than to go to the battlefield, but your eagle wings should not be blocked by the palace wall." Bie, I know that in the past two years, although others have envied you for being the commander of the Imperial Guard at a young age, you are not very proud in the capital. Therefore, I will listen to what you mean. If you guard the frontier, I will accompany you all the way If you go to the battlefield, I will wait for you at home."

For a lifetime, I will never leave, and I will live up to my previous oath.

Zhou Hongdao: "Xihai Yanzi is where the military power of Nan'an County Prince's Mansion is located, and the saint wants to take it back. In addition, in the past few years, he has fought against various small countries in Xihai Yanzi, and he can return early with a big victory, but the Nan'an County King who is guarding Xihai Yanzi has always been It's hard to tell the outcome of the fight with that side, I don't know how much military pay was spent, and how many soldiers were killed or injured."

Daiyu listened, thought for a while, and said: "The king of Nan'an County has good intentions and good means. If he doesn't win a day and doesn't return for a day, the sage will have no excuse to regain his military power. Even if the sage sends someone to the county palace, it is easy to be suppressed by the king of Nan'an under the command of the king of Nan'an. Such a stalemate may be deliberately done by the king of Nan'an."

Zhou Hong nodded and said: "I think so too, so I plan to go to Xihai Yanzi."

Daiyu has long heard that there are many small barbarian countries along the West Sea, and she also knows that the people there are tough, because it is a place where outsiders live together, it is difficult for outsiders to gain a foothold, even court officials are reluctant to go there, but businessmen are very willing to cooperate with foreign Back then, Baoqin said that she went there with her father when she was eight years old, that's how it was.

Now that Zhou Hong plans to go there, Daiyu is worried that Zhou Hong will not be satisfied there, and also worried that he will be suppressed by the king of Nan'an County when he goes to the army, and said: "Although you have this intention, it will only be three years after you enter Beijing this year and next year." , the saint will send you there in advance?"

Zhou Hong said nonchalantly: "As long as I have the heart, the saint will not disagree."

Emperor Changqian wanted to take back his military power a long time ago, but it was a pity that the king of Nan'an County was very cunning and had nothing to gain. In the past two years, he also wanted to send a military officer there, trying to work hard for a few years to replace the king of Nan'an County, but few people dared to go.

Zhou Hong was willing to go there because first, he liked the outside world and had no restraints, and he didn't want to be ambitious only to protect the safety of Emperor Qianqian in the capital, instead of defending his family and the country; second, he didn't want to succumb to Daiyu. , I would rather earn a higher order for Daiyu myself.

Daiyu said softly: "You have gone, can I follow?"

Zhou Hong was stunned, and said: "The side of Xihai Yanzi is different from the capital, you may not be used to it after traveling all the way."

But Daiyu smiled and said, "So what? I'm just so delicate? I used to be from the south of the Yangtze River. When I first came to Beijing, I was very unsuitable. Now I live in the capital more than in my hometown. Could it be that I live in the West Sea? , I can’t do it? As long as I can go, I don’t want to stay in the capital, anyway, my grandmother has already gone, and Mr. Zhao will always follow you, and Xueyan will follow too.”

The most important thing in Daiyu's heart is Jiamu and Xueyan. Jiamu is gone, and Xueyan will not be separated.

Zhou Hongdao: "Because the king of Nan'an County is guarding the West Sea, so according to my rank, I can bring my family with me."

Before she could finish her sentence, Daiyu interrupted her and said, "In this case, if you go to Xihai Yanzi, I will follow you. I don't feel relieved that others will take care of you! If you have suffered any grievances in the army, don't worry about me. Wouldn't it be good for someone to try to avoid it for you? Why leave me a lone ghost in the capital looking forward, not knowing when you will return."

Zhou Hong felt warm in his heart, sighed, and said: "The West Sea is very chaotic, you follow me, I am at odds with Nan'an County King, after all, I can't avoid all kinds of open and dark arrows, you follow, how can I rest assured?"

After hearing this, Daiyu recited a Buddha, and said: "I stay in the capital, can I rest assured? I am even more worried about you. Right now, I am happy that we have no children. If we have children, maybe we will have children." I hesitated, I can't just ignore it, now I don't have it, no matter the mountains of swords and fires ahead, I will accompany you."

Zhou Hong thought for a long time, and said: "In this case, I will take you there, and you are not allowed to complain when you get there."

Daiyu smiled and said, "Don't worry."

The next day, when Zhou Hong entered the palace, Daiyu first asked Yuanyang to look for books in the study, but she found out everything about Xihai Yanzi, and at the same time called Xueyan. She trusted Xueyan very much, so she naturally went to her first.

After hearing Zhou Hong's plan, Xueyan was stunned for a moment, and then thought that the Rongguo Mansion would raid the house at some point, and she might not know how to disturb Daiyu at that time, it would be the best policy to avoid it.

Therefore, she thought for a while and said: "I guess the general will not be sent to Xihaiyanzi this year, so you might as well collect more books about the culture and customs of Xihaiyanzi, learn about the people's livelihood there, know the climate there, and be prepared. And going, it’s better than getting there and not getting used to it, which would lead to acclimatization.”

Daiyu nodded and said, "I'm planning to do that, and I've asked Yuanyang to find out all the books. But you said, you won't be sent to the West Coast this year? Why? I heard what he said, the sage wished to send someone sooner. go."

Xueyan smiled and said, "When the sage first planned to send people there, I thought they would all be appointed for three years?"

Daiyu recalled the mansion newspaper she read on weekdays, nodded and said: "That's true, you are right. Yes, even if he is willing to go, he will have to wait until next year. This year has not yet expired, and he suddenly passed away. Isn't it trying to cover up? On the contrary It is easy to arouse the jealousy of the king of Nan'an County. I see, I have to stay in the capital for a year. Forget it, the king of Nan'an County has not triumphed for so many years, and he does not expect to win battles in this year. It is just a pity that there are casualties every year. I don’t know how many families are separated by yin and yang.”

Xueyan sighed and said, "This is also a helpless thing."

A tear appeared in Daiyu's eyes, and she wiped it away with a handkerchief, and said, "I plan to go with him, what about you? Mr. Zhao must follow, don't tell me you want to stay at home alone?"

Xueyan said: "The girl has gone, how can I guard the capital alone? Naturally, I will accompany the girl."

Daiyu said with a smile, "Don't talk about staying with me, be careful Mr. Zhao is jealous. Since we are all planning to go there, we have to think about it now, learn more about the West Coast, and make plans when we go."

Xueyan nodded and said: "Xihai Yanzi is bordered by many foreign countries, and often has business dealings with our Celestial Dynasty. It is the same as the trading ports in southern Guangdong, but there are many foreign countries, people are chaotic, and their accents are different. We have to Learn their words and know their taboos, the most important thing is that the four seasons are like spring over there, and it is easy to make people feel uncomfortable after traveling thousands of miles."

Daiyu said: "If you really want to go there, you have to pay attention to these things."

Xueyan smiled and said: "The general hasn't got the meaning of the sage yet, let's make plans first here. When the news is confirmed, it's not too late for us to discuss."

As Xueyan said, Zhou Hong's request was refuted by Emperor Changqian.

After thinking about it, Zhou Honglue knew the reason, so he asked to go to the barracks to train the soldiers first, so as to adapt to the West Sea.

Emperor Changqian agreed, and said: "I am very relieved that you have the intention to do so. If you do so, you can go to the camp and train for a year. Next spring, I will answer your request. If this year Nan'an The king of the county was able to triumphantly. I ordered you to guard the coast of the West Sea. It would be more stable. If the king of Nan'an County is still stuck with the countries in the West Sea, I am afraid you will have to work hard. Even if you go there, you will bring a large army, but Nan'an County The king will not give you the opportunity to make contributions and rise up, and I am afraid he will target you everywhere."

Zhou Hong had a murderous air all over his body, and said: "As long as you can do your best for the saint, the court and the people, no matter how miserable you are, you will have no regrets."

Emperor Gan, Zhou Hong's loyal leader, had no doubts. Even if he made a decree to transfer Zhou Hong to the camp and take charge of an army of [-], this incident did not cause any disturbance in the capital. After all, the military officers in the capital often in this way.

When Daiyu and Xueyan heard about it, they immediately collected books about Xihai Yanzi, and even wrote to ask Baoqin.

Now that Baoqin has returned to Jinling, she doesn't go outside the door, and rarely socializes with others, but she never breaks up correspondence with Daiyu. When she heard Daiyu's inquiry, she told Daiyu everything she knew, and then told Daiyu On a regular basis, my father found out all the books he got along the West Sea from traveling all over the world, including some foreign languages ​​from various countries in the West Sea, and asked someone to send them to Daiyu.

Daiyu has not yet received Baoqin's reply, but there is a happy event here.

Sang Long has already returned to Beijing, and Daiyu hurriedly went to see him.

Sang Kun is still guarding the southeast coast, and Sang Qing has gone to Shanhaiguan. The family is not reunited, but Sang Long has not returned to Beijing for many years. When he returns to Beijing today, he will inevitably feel as if he has passed away. However, Sang Long excused that the country's filial piety was not over, so he didn't hold a big banquet to avoid leaving a bad impression on Emperor Changqian.

Emperor Changgan first gave Sang Long a three-month leave. Sang Long was very free and had already written a letter to beg for the bones, but Emperor Changgan refused.

Sang Long knew that he had to study several more times in a row, and the Changgan Emperor would reluctantly agree. This is a common thing in officialdom, so he didn't care. Others laughed at Sang Long, but Sang Long and Sang's mother He said: "I'm getting old now, it's time to give way to the young people, and if I'm in charge of the military power in the capital, I'm afraid that it will be difficult for my descendants to be promoted, why bother."

Mother Sang agreed very much, looked at his white hair, and said: "We are all old, over 70 years old, and have been busy all our lives. It's time to rest. Let the young people do the rest."

Sang Long said with a smile: "Speaking of young people, I have an excellent one under my command."

Sang's mother asked who it was, and Sang Long smiled and said, "It's Liu Xianglian recommended by Brother Hong, who is very skilled in martial arts. At first, when others saw him as beautiful, they looked down on him. After being beaten up by him, he took the lead in several battles and made a lot of contributions, and now he is the leader of the sixth rank and thousand."

Sang's mother has been in the capital for the past few years, and she knows a little about the affairs of each family, she said, "But that Liu Erlang who was coaxed?"

Sang Long laughed loudly and said: "Brother Hong also said the same in his letter, so everyone in the capital knows it."

Sang's mother shook her head and smiled, "Not everyone knows about it, but I heard Yu'er said a few words. I felt sorry for it before, but now it's good to make contributions. This time he came to Beijing with you? Why don't you leave it to Qing'er?" ?”

Sang Long said: "I originally planned this way, but he felt that Brother Hong was more suitable for him, so he came to Beijing with me, and planned to follow Brother Hong in the future. My son came to pay my respects, and told me some things in private, so I asked Liu Xianglian to follow him, we are a family anyway, we can go with anyone."

Mother Sang nodded yes.

When Liu Xianglian returned to Beijing, she was no longer the son of a down-and-out family. Seeing him wearing the uniform of a sixth-rank military officer, all relatives and friends couldn't believe it.

Liu Xianglian declined several times, but was dragged away by Xue Pan.

Because there were only two brothers and did not invite others to accompany them, Xue Pan said: "My good brother, I haven't seen you for a few years. You have such abilities, which is really enviable. People often say that when you start a family and start a business, brothers should also start a family." , I will ask someone to prepare a new house for you, prepare a bride price, which girl you fancy, just tell me."

Seeing his rich and powerful appearance, Liu Xianglian couldn't help but smile and said, "I haven't seen you for a few years, but you are still the same."

Xue Pan complained: "Brother, you don't know how hard I have been for the past two years. There is a rouge tiger at home, and I am strictly controlled. Let me go east, but I dare not go west. If it is not because of the brother's achievements She still doesn't let me out." Although Xia Jingui is arrogant and domineering, but because he has read books and can read, he is not ignorant, and his family is a down-and-out imperial businessman, so he naturally refuses to stay away from a military officer like Liu Xianglian who is getting promoted step by step. So he grabbed Xue Pan's ear and gave orders in the middle of the night.

Liu Xianglian just came to Beijing, met her old friends, and knew Xue Pan's life already, so she couldn't help smiling.

Seeing that he was still handsome, but calmer and more heroic, Xue Pan couldn't help being very envious, saying: "My good brother, I am proud of you now. I used to laugh at me for taking care of you, but now they are too late to envy them."

When Baochai heard that Liu Xianglian had been promoted, she was also stunned. She couldn't help regretting her disregard in the past, and urged Aunt Xue to treat him kindly.

When Xue Pan came back drunk at night, Xia Jingui immediately asked him. He heard that although Liu Xianglian had not forgotten Third Sister You, she was already planning to marry a wife and have children, but it was still her previous plan to marry a beautiful woman.

When Aunt Xue heard this, she immediately thought of Baoqin and said, "I have a very good person. Tell Liu Erlang about it."

Xue Pan's drunkenness suddenly woke up, and he hurriedly asked who it was.

Aunt Xue smiled and said: "It's your sister Qin. In terms of appearance, there are few people who can compare to her. Her family is rich, and she is better than ordinary poor people. She has been able to read and write since she was a child, and she has traveled far and wide. She is very knowledgeable. Isn't it worthy of Liu Erlang's behavior?"

Although Liu Xianglian is Xue Pan's sworn brother, but who knows if he will change his mind in the future, it would be better to get married.

Baochai also said: "Liu Erlang regretted mistrusting people's words at the beginning, and then he didn't care about Third Sister You's reputation. Double, as long as brother Haosheng explains clearly to Liu Erlang that the Mei family's resignation is not the fault of sister Qin, but the Mei family's ungratefulness, Liu Erlang will definitely listen to it."

When Xue Pan heard this, he clapped his hands and laughed loudly, "It's really a match made in heaven. I'll tell him tomorrow."

Xia Jingui thought that Baoqin was not like Baochai, young and hot-hearted, beautiful and smart, so she didn't object.

A few days later, Xue Pan saw Liu Xianglian again and brought up the matter.

Liu Xianglian didn't dare to act recklessly for her life's major events, so as not to cause the sorrow of Third Sister You again, so she said: "I have to see Baoyu in a while. I sent a post yesterday. I will reply to you when I come back."

Xue Pan said, "Are you going to find Baoyu? Go together, go together. I am also Baoyu's uncle!"

Liu Xianglian was very surprised when she heard the words, and said, "Baoyu and Lingmei are engaged?"

Xue Pan laughed and said: "Not yet, after going out of the filial piety of the country, you can also get the filial piety of the old lady, and then you can get married, but there is something that the empress said when she was alive, so neither family can regret the marriage. It's settled, my aunt loves my sister again, so naturally I hope that my sister will come in as soon as possible."

After hearing this, Liu Xianglian didn't care.

When she arrived at Rongguo Mansion, Liu Xianglian was taken aback when she saw Mingyan standing in front of the Heiyou Gate to the east of the main entrance.

Mingyan saw Liu Xianglian riding a tall horse with a heroic appearance, she couldn't help being dazzled, she finally came to her senses, and hurried over and said, "Second Master Liu, our Second Master is waiting at home, I'll lead the horse to guide you .”

Liu Xianglian jumped off the horse, handed him the reins, and followed him into the black oil gate, wondering: "Why did you move?"

After hearing this, Ming Yan couldn't help smiling bitterly and said: "Last year when the old lady went away, the Elder Master immediately separated the family and drove us to live in the East Courtyard. The East Courtyard is small and there are many sisters in the Second Master's room. Very uncomfortable to live in."

Since moving, Baoyu only felt inconvenient everywhere, and had made several troubles.

When the family was separated, Jia She assigned almost half of the servants to the second house, and Zhou Rui also lost his job of managing the land rent in spring and autumn. .

The East Courtyard was originally small and unique. Back then, only Jia She and Mrs. Xing lived here. Together with the concubine Jia Cong and a group of concubines, there were no other masters. Fang Yi lived here for many years, but the second room was full of people, how could they fit in?Jia Zheng and his wife, Li Wan's mother and son, Tanchun and Jia Huan's siblings, as well as Baoyu, especially there are more than a dozen girls in Baoyu's room, all of them big and small, and none of them are willing to be kicked out.

So now Jia Zheng and Mrs. Wang live in the main room, Aunt Zhou and Aunt Zhao live in the side room, Aunt Zhou shares one room, Aunt Zhao and Jia Huan share two rooms, and Tanchun and Baoyu live in the east and west rooms of the main courtyard, which is very crowded. The small outer study room was given to Li Wan's mother and son, and further outside was the stable.

Li Wan's mother and son don't have to worry, the outer study room is quite spacious, but the smell of the stable is very bad. When Jia Lan lived in Rongguo Mansion, he could still study in Jia Zheng's study room. Now there is no place for him to invite his husband to study. Li Wan cried bitterly every night.

At first Mrs. Wang wanted Tanchun to live with Li Wan, but Li Wan only said that Jia Lan was too old, thirteen or fourteen, and they couldn't live together.

Even so, every time a visitor from the second room had to enter through the Yimen on the east side of the study, behind it was the courtyard where Jia Zheng and others lived. Li Wan had no choice but to take Jia Lan to close the door and shut the door. Do not listen.

When Liu Xianglian walked in, she frowned.

In the past, he would not have cared about these cumbersome rules, but now that he has experienced many things, he acts more cautiously. Hearing that Jia Zheng's family is crowded in a small courtyard, he sighs in his heart. She has been living here for many years, so he must have let Jia Zheng live here on purpose, after all, moving out will make him more prosperous.

Baoyu had already rushed out to meet Liu Xianglian, and when he saw Liu Xianglian, he couldn't help sobbing: "You have been away for several years, why are you only coming back now?"

Baoyu sighed and said, "It's hard to say, please go inside."

Liu Xianglian followed him to the wing room where he lived in the courtyard, and as soon as he sat down, a servant girl made tea. It was not like when he came to Rongguo Mansion as a guest, there were servants serving him in the hall outside, and no female relatives were seen.

Before he could speak, he heard a quarrel in the servant's room. Baoyu heard it