[Red Mansion] Ronghua Road of Mrs. Hou's Mansion

"I heard that among the two concubines of the second master Lian of Rongguo Mansion, one of the concubines suffered from dystocia and collapsed during childbirth, and ended up with two dead bodies. The one a few days ago had another dystocia, and the midwife said that only one concubine could be saved. How can a concubine be with my brother?" Erbi, the master of the Rongguo Mansion naturally chose to keep the concubine young, gave the concubine's father some money and then sent it away."

Sister Feng raised her head and asked, "A brother?"

Xiang'er said: "That's right. I heard that Lian's second grandma had a poor brother who lost his mother when he was born, so she decided to take him to her side as her own and raise him as her own. She also wrote it down in her name and made this child a legitimate son. Who in the Rongguo Mansion doesn't praise her for being virtuous and magnanimous?"

Since Fu Qiufang was pregnant for the first time and was miscarried by Mrs. Wang, she has not been pregnant for a long time.Two years later, she finally became pregnant again. Because she was still in charge of the house, she was too tired and accidentally had a miscarriage.Ask the imperial doctor to see it, and the imperial doctor said that it is difficult for her to conceive again.So Fu Qiufang took the initiative to propose that most of Jia Lianna's two concubines should be used to open up branches and leaves for the big house.

The two concubines were also considered to be up to date, and soon became pregnant, but they didn't have a good life, and they both died of dystocia.Fu Qiufang can not only have more legitimate sons by her side, but also can save two people from competing with her, and can win people's hearts even more.

Thinking about it now, if Sister Feng did what Fu Qiufang did back then, she wouldn't be caught.

"It seems that there are rumors in the capital that the imperial concubine did something wrong to offend His Majesty and was demoted to the concubine position. Now she should be called the concubine Jia."

Sister Feng knew about Yuan Chun's demotion. Presumably, the emperor found out that King Fu's interest in Daiyu was related to Yuan Chun, so he found a reason to warn her.

Yuanchun was rejected by the emperor, and Jia's family also suffered.The emperor was just warning the Jia family, don't think about playing tricks under his nose, they won't be able to get on the stage, and they will play with firecrackers.

If the Jia family understood what the emperor meant by this move, they should put down their banners, keep their duties, and keep a low profile.However, they were all thinking about the prosperity and favor of the Jia family, and they couldn't just count on Yuan Chun alone, so their desire to make the Jia family and the Lin family become in-laws again was even more urgent.

"Miss Lin knows that it is inconvenient for Madam to leave the mansion right now. Originally, she was going to visit Madam at the mansion today, but Miss Lin's aunt has gone to the Lin Mansion again. Miss Lin has no choice but to temporarily change the itinerary." Xiang'er complained, "What aunt, she's just the daughter whom the old matriarch recognized halfway through. She never knew Miss Lin well before, but now she always has the cheek to bother Miss Lin. Miss Lin is also a well-educated person, so drive her away." She is impossible."

Sister Feng picked up a mulberry with a toothpick, and said with a smile: "So what if I recognized it halfway? As long as it is recorded in the name of the old lady, it will be Sister Lin's aunt and elder, and Sister Lin will naturally be polite to her. "

In some families, the husband lost his original spouse, and there are not a few people who marry the younger sister of the original spouse as the continuation string. The Jia family's intentions are clearly revealed.

"The only thing they can rely on now is the big tree of the Lin family, but their methods are too nasty, and I don't know if Mr. Lin is willing to let them rely on it."

Jia Mei has been to the Lin Mansion several times, and each time she went to the inner courtyard to look for Daiyu. Even if she wanted to get in touch with Lin Ruhai, she had no reason to do so, so she had to start with Daiyu.She thought that if she could please Daiyu, she could also make a good impression in front of Lin Ruhai.

When Daiyu sent her out of the house, Jia Mei happened to meet Lin Ruhai at the door. Even though she had a lot of thoughts in her heart, she was still so reserved on the surface.

She saluted, Lin Ruhai didn't ask any further questions, just nodded and entered the mansion.

Back at Rongguo Mansion, Mother Jia asked about Jia Mei's situation in Lin Mansion.

"Miss Lin is generous and courteous, and she doesn't hesitate to teach me. Master Lin is also very polite to me."

"What did Uncle Lin tell you?" Mother Jia asked again.

Jia Mei shook her head, "Every time I go to the inner house with Miss Lin, or to chat and enjoy the scenery in the garden, it's really hard to see Mrs. Lin. Besides, Mrs. Lin is busy with official duties, and there are differences between men and women, let alone many Talk to me."

Mother Jia was naturally dissatisfied with the result, "Could it be that he doesn't understand our intentions?"

Lin Ruhai naturally knew the purpose of the Jia family, but due to the little affection of the relatives, he could only pretend not to know, and it was fine to stay far away.

After Jia Mei withdrew, Jia Zheng sighed, "Mother, let's just forget about it. If he really doesn't want to, we can't force it, so as not to cause any bad things, and even relatives won't have to do it at that time." The reason why he is still willing to associate with my family is all because of his niece's face."

Mother Jia said helplessly, "Do you think I'm willing to let someone take Min'er's place and find Yu'er a stepmother? But even if we don't take action, Lin Hai will definitely marry a step-wife. By then, the Lin family and the Jia family will not have many people." The relationship is broken. Now that the empress has been demoted, we can't visit the palace as before, but falling out of favor is certain. I do everything possible to maintain the relationship between the Lin family and our in-laws, and it's all for the sake of the Jia family."

Jia Zheng bowed his head and walked a few steps, "But now it seems that this plan will not work at all. The most urgent thing is to find out about the situation of the empress in the palace."

"Of course I know this, but now many people avoid the Jia family, who can help us?"

Jia Zheng sat on the chair, frowned and pondered for a long time before hesitatingly said: "From this point of view, I can only ask for the Marquis of Jing'an. He is His Majesty's confidant, he can come and go in and out of the palace at will, and the queen is him." My aunt, if you want to inquire about the harem, it's not a problem."

Mother Jia took a sip of tea, "What you said is of course reasonable, but we don't have any friendship with the Marquis of Jing'an. Feng girl also intentionally distanced herself from our family. She didn't even post a message to the Jia family at the plum appreciation feast last time. Is it useful to ask her for help?"

Moreover, Mother Jia is used to being flattered, so naturally she couldn't bear to ask Sister Feng for help. She was still used to the way Sister Feng flattered her before.

After thinking for a while, Jia Zheng said, "In this situation, we can only try it out. Why don't we hold a banquet at our residence and invite Mrs. Hou over?"

The teacup was placed on the table, making a sound.Jia's mother said: "It's not right. Ever since Feng girl was pregnant, the whole Gu family treated her as a treasure. How could they allow her to leave the house?"

"Then we can only take the initiative to go to the Gu family to meet her."

Mother Jia knew that this was the most appropriate way.But Jia's family doesn't come to the door on weekdays, and they visit at critical times, and outsiders can tell what's going on at a glance.Let her take the initiative to beg a junior, she still feels uncomfortable.

Jia Zheng saw what Mother Jia was thinking, and said, "It's not necessary for mother to come forward in person, just let Brother Zhen's daughter-in-law and Brother Lian's daughter-in-law go together."

Of course, Mother Jia wouldn't go and didn't need to go, but she just said "hmm" with a wooden face.

Shaoqing said again: "Take Baoyu and go together. He and Feng girl are cousins, so don't alienate them. Besides, since your wife passed away, Baoyu has been in a depressed mood. Let him go out for a walk. It's good to relax."

On this day, Sister Feng was sitting on the porch with Daiyu, basking in the sun and talking and laughing.

Daiyu laughed and said, "Sister Feng has to be careful now, if you hurt my little nephew, I won't forgive you."

Sister Feng relaxed and leaned on the back of the chair, stroked her lower abdomen, squinted her eyes and looked at the sun above her head, "Maybe it's my niece."

"It would be even better if it's a niece, but you have to teach her well, don't become a hot temper like you."

Ping'er brought pastries and fruits, and couldn't help laughing: "With Miss Lin here, our sister will definitely cultivate a dignified and elegant lady."

Sister Feng's illiteracy doesn't prevent her from liking a talented person like Daiyu.Her eyes lit up, "When Sister Qiao grows up and reaches the age of enlightenment, why don't you be her teacher?"

Daiyu never refused Xiangling, and naturally she would not refuse Sister Feng either.She smiled, "Who doesn't know your temper, if I don't teach well, don't kick me out."

Sister Feng hurriedly said: "No, no, I can't wish for you to come. I don't know how many women in the world can't compare with you."

Daiyu laughed, "My sister will make fun of me."

"This is a promise." Sister Feng smiled brightly, "The apprentice ceremony and so on will be indispensable at that time."

Daiyu was a little ashamed and smiled without saying a word.After a while, she suddenly thought of something, "I just heard you say 'Sister Qiao', have you already named the child?"

Sister Feng nodded, "It's just a nickname."

Daiyu gave Sister Feng a small dress and tiger-toed shoes, "When Sister Qiao is born, you have to tell her that I made this for her."

Naturally, the Jing'an Hou Mansion has everything, which represents Daiyu's wishes.

Sister Feng felt warm in her heart, just as she was about to say something, the lady guarding the door came over.

"Ma'am, the two grandmas of Rongguo Mansion are here to visit."

The only people in Rongguo Mansion who can be called that are Li Wan and Fu Qiufang.Sister Feng was a little surprised, what are they doing here?

She thought about it for a while, and finally realized that it was for Yuan Chun in the palace.

Since people came to the door, she couldn't avoid it, so she asked them to come in.

It's just that they didn't expect Jia Baoyu to come with them.

At the same time, Daiyu was also surprised.Jia Baoyu had been depressed for a long time, unable to arouse interest in doing anything. Seeing Daiyu whom he hadn't seen for a long time, he lifted his spirits and immediately stepped forward and said, "Sister Lin, we haven't seen each other for a long time. I've always wanted to see you. I never thought I would meet Sister Feng today. Is my sister okay?"

Daiyu stood up, took a step back subconsciously, and said with a faint smile, "Thank you cousin for remembering, everything is fine with me."

Jia Baoyu sighed, and wanted to say, "Jia Zheng urged him to study and take the imperial examination all day long, and asked him to meet those ordinary people. It would be better to talk and laugh with his sisters before."

Li Wan interrupted him in time, and said to Daiyu: "Sister Lin is here too, you and Sister Feng have a very good relationship." After speaking, he pointed to the little clothes in front of Sister Feng, "I think this is Sister Lin Is it your craft?"

Sister Feng laughed and said, "Sister Lin did it."

"Sister Lin is really ingenious, brother must look good in it." Li Wan looked at Sister Feng's swollen belly, and said with concern, "I haven't seen you for a long time, sisters, we are all happy for you when we learned that you have a child." The child is five months old now?"

Sister Feng nodded, "It's been more than five months."

"Pregnant women are the hardest. You have to take good care of your body so that you can live well."

Seemingly not knowing how to speak, she fell silent again.But Jia Baoyu was still staring at Daiyu obsessively, which made Daiyu feel uncomfortable.

At this time, Yingzhu came out of the room, "Miss Lin, I can't embroider well in one place, can you teach me?"

Yingzhu came in time, and Daiyu breathed a sigh of relief.He got up and said, "Okay, I'll go and have a look."

Jia Baoyu followed a few steps and called out: "Sister Lin, sister Lin..."

Sister Feng smiled and said: "After walking all the way, won't my cousin sit down and have a rest and drink some tea?"

After talking, let people serve tea and food.

Jia Baoyu knew that he couldn't wander around other people's homes, so he had to sit down and pick up the teacup.

"I know my cousin is an elegant person. This is a new Longjing tea produced this year. Is it okay if you try it?"

It was indeed good tea, but Jia Baoyu felt bitter, and even the best tea was tasteless.

Li Wan and Fu Qiufang also took a sip and praised each other.Fu Qiufang couldn't help thinking that not long after the new tea came out, it traveled all the way to Gu's mansion, which shows that Jing'an Hou is really kind to Sister Feng.

Sister Feng said: "It's good that you two like it. But I can't drink tea now, so I don't have the good fortune."

Li Wan smiled faintly, "If you are still in Jinling, why would you send someone all the way here?"

Fu Qiufang also laughed and said: "I heard that Lord Hou specially invited a cook from Jiangnan for you. It can be seen that he really treats you well. I don't know how many people envy him."

Sister Feng still smiled and said: "Speaking of which, I haven't been back to Jinling for many years, but I miss my childhood in my hometown."

Li Wan put down the teacup and sighed: "Time flies so fast. In a blink of an eye, all the sisters have grown up. Back then, Miss Bao, Miss Xichun, Miss Yun, and Miss Lin all lived in the West Mansion, and you often went to the mansion too. Being a guest, everyone talking and laughing together is so lively, in a blink of an eye you are married, Miss Bao and Miss Lin have also moved out, it is not so easy for the sisters to stay together all day."

"People have to grow up. When they grow up, many things are different. It is human nature to be a little distant." Sister Feng said with a smile.

Li Wan could only nod his head and said: "Looking at it now, only sister Lin and you have the same relationship as before, which is really rare."

Sister Feng didn't answer.

Shaoqing, another servant girl came to report, saying that Master Hou was back, and when he heard that his wife was entertaining guests, he went to the old lady's place first, and reminded his wife not to be tired.

The last sentence, why does it mean to drive away customers?

Fu Qiufang and Li Wan naturally heard it too, thinking that the Marquis of Jing'an was really just like the rumors, he had an unruly temper and didn't bother to give anyone face.

Li Wan thought of what Jiamu had told her, sighed secretly, made up his mind, and told Sister Feng what he wanted in the future.

"I know this is embarrassing for you, but there is nothing we can do. The second master has no official position now, and the second master Lian is just a sesame seed donated with silver. He really has no connections. If it is not a last resort, I won't bother you. "

Sister Feng understood, and just asked, "What does Grandma Zhen want me to do for you?"

Li Wan didn't know whether Sister Feng agreed or not, so he paused and said, "We would like to ask the Marquis for help, to find out what mistakes the empress made to make His Majesty angry, and why she was demoted from a noble concubine to a concubine. Your Majesty has always loved her." Lord Hou, the Empress is also Lord Hou's biological aunt, and it would not be difficult to plead for the noble concubine... Lady Jia Concubine."

Hearing this, Sister Feng was silent for a long time.

The Jia family only wanted Gu Xingchi to help, but they didn't want to think about it, how could a courtier manage the affairs of the harem?Pleading for the concubine for no reason, wouldn't someone with a heart be charged with secret communication?What if the emperor really got tired of Yuan Chun, Gu Xingchi pleaded for Yuan Chun, and the emperor turned his anger on Gu Xingchi?Although Sister Feng knew that the emperor would not be angry with Gu Xingchi, she was still annoyed by Jia's actions.

"Since His Majesty is unwilling to announce it to the world, it must be a secret matter of the harem. If someone inquires about it and His Majesty finds out, it will definitely attract thunderous wrath, and the Gu family will also be implicated." Sister Feng refused cleanly.

Li Wan didn't expect Sister Feng to reject her straightforwardly, without showing any kindness at all, she was disappointed and complained at the same time.It was a bad start, so I had to take Jia Baoyu to leave.

Jia Baoyu was still looking in the direction of the door, but unfortunately Daiyu did not appear, so he could only leave slowly.

Sister Feng stayed with Daiyu for a while, and reminded softly before parting: "My sister treats people with sincerity, she is the most pure person, but you have to be more careful with certain people, don't be used and deceived by others. As for your half-way recognition Aunt, go as far as you can."

Daiyu is also a thoughtful person. Although she vaguely understands Jia Mei's purpose, she will not refuse Sister Feng's kind reminder.She nodded, "I know."

Back at Yusheng Residence, Sister Feng saw Gu Xingchi sitting on the porch, picking up a tiger-toed shoe to look at.

Sister Feng smiled and said, "How about it, is sister Lin ingenious? I have already agreed with her that I will ask her to be my daughter's first teacher in the future."

Gu Xingchi doesn't know Daiyu well, but he can trust Lin Ruhai.Like a father, like a daughter, Daiyu's talent and character are naturally not bad.

He hugged her shoulders and took her back to the room, "You have the final say."

"Did the child make trouble with you?" Gu Xingchi carefully helped her to the bed, and added a big guide pillow behind her for her to lean on.

Sister Feng smiled softly, "She is very obedient today, but someone else is bothering me."

Gu Xingchi said: "For those who don't want to deal with it, just turn them away, why bother yourself?"

"That can't be done. If I do this, I'm afraid someone will say that I'm defiant and ruthless the next day."

Gu Xingchi stroked her hair pityingly, "I've never been afraid of these things. You are my wife, so naturally you don't have to be afraid."

Sister Feng explained Li Wan and Fu Qiufang's intentions to Gu Xingchi, and asked, "Actually, I'm also very curious why His Majesty punished Concubine Jia again, and what mistakes did she make? No, His Majesty should have captured her again." What's wrong."

"The concubines in the harem fight with each other. Some are jealous, and some make trouble. There are various methods and endless ones. Concubine Jia is naturally being targeted by others."

Sister Feng grabbed his sleeve and urged: "Okay, don't be tricky, just talk."

The smile in Gu Xingchi's eyes grew stronger, "Do you know how to hold a piano?"

Sister Feng blinked, "Of course I know. Is this related to her?"

Gu Xingchi said: "To be precise, she is just an excuse for Your Majesty to punish Concubine Jia."

Sister Feng was slightly stunned, "I thought, because His Majesty knew that Jia Bin deliberately let King Fu see Daiyu, and wanted to warn her not to stretch her hands too far."

"There is also this reason." Gu Xingchi raised his lips slightly, "The main reason is that Jia Bin discovered something terrible and wanted Baoqin to send a letter. That night, Baoqin handed over the letter to a person who used to buy The eunuch asked him to find a way to send him to Rongguo Mansion. Unexpectedly, Concubine Zhao Rou found out, and sued Baoqin and the eunuch for the crime of messing up the palace."

In the palace, secret meetings between maids and guards, or secret meetings between maids and eunuchs is a serious crime in the palace, and naturally it must be severely punished.

"So you alarmed His Majesty?" Sister Feng smiled, "Shouldn't the Queen be in charge of such matters, Your Majesty really has a lot of time."

Gu Xingchi said deeply, "You should ask, what was written in that letter, and why did it alarm His Majesty?"

The two looked at each other in silence, after a while, Sister Feng vaguely understood something, "I see."

Yuan Chun sent Baoqin to deliver the letter in such a hurry, presumably he had already sensed that the emperor wanted to do something to the Jia family.In order to remind the Jia family, Yuan Chun took the risk to do so, but it was a pity that he was discovered.

"Spying out on the emperor's secrets, and even daring to send a letter to Jia's family, can His Majesty not be angry? But this matter can't be said directly, so Baoqin and the eunuch were executed for the crime of filth and chaos in the palace. name, demote the imperial concubine to the position of concubine."

Sister Feng was thoughtful, and couldn't help sighing: "It seems that the life of Concubine Jia in the palace will be even more difficult in the future."

Because she offended the emperor.If you offend other concubines, you can still fight, but if you offend the emperor, you have no chance to fight.

"So, just pretend you don't know about this matter. In the harem, except for the queen and Concubine Zhao Rou, all the maids and eunuchs present were executed."

Gu Zhaoyu has been grounded for more than a month, but she is still silent and calm, as if she does not intend to admit that she is wrong.Mrs. Gu didn't care about her, as if she didn't exist.

Feng Shi didn't dare to intercede for Gu Zhaoyu anymore, and she didn't have the energy to intercede anymore because she was ill.Originally, she was anxious because of Gu Zhaoyu's matter, but there were still a few goblins dangling in front of her eyes, and she fell ill when she was anxious.

In the room, Gu Zhaoyu is copying the copybook, which can also pass the time.

After a while, she heard the sound of the door being opened, and a few beams of sunlight came in. She was a little uncomfortable and covered her eyes with her sleeves.

But after a while, the door was closed, and then a food box fell on the desk.

The mother-in-law said: "Miss, this is the meal for this morning. You can use it slowly. The servants are going down."

After saying that, he turned around directly.

Although she didn't know why the old lady locked up the eldest girl, she must have made a big mistake and made the old lady angry.Thinking about the identity of the second girl's future Princess Qing, her attitude towards Gu Zhaoyu became more contemptuous.

"Wait." Gu Chaoyu said coldly, "Where's my mother?"

The mother-in-law said: "Yo, the eldest lady is still thinking about the second lady. But the old lady ordered that no one is allowed to visit you unless you admit your mistake. Besides, even if the old lady agrees, the second lady can't come."

Gu Zhaoyu's complexion changed, and he stepped forward, "What do you mean, what's wrong with my mother?"

The mother-in-law was a little impatient, but Gu Zhaoyu wouldn't let her go.

"Of course it's because you're sick with your temper."