An old lady's life

The face of the old concubine of Pingyang Palace looked rather cold. Although she repeatedly expressed her kindness, people who met for the first time really felt that this old lady must be the kind of person who has always been in a high position and said nothing.

In fact, the old concubine of the Pingyang Palace is indeed a person who is the same, because she knows that her character is relatively strong, and ordinary men can't bear it, so she chooses a man with a gentle temperament as her husband.Of course, she is very capable. Back then, she tried her best to plan and obtained the title of prince for her husband, and after the old prince passed away, she refused to let her son be demoted to become a prince. This shows the ability of this old princess.

Also under her strength, her son is also relatively gentle, not a very assertive person, so the current Princess Pingyang is also a relatively strong woman like her.

Ai Cao knew about the past of this old concubine, and admired her very much. After all, there were very few women in ancient times who could achieve her level.

The old concubine of Pingyang Wang sat beside her holding the wormwood, "Mrs. Lin, you should have come out for a walk."

Ai Cao accepted the words kindly: "Yeah, how much time wasted admiring the beauty of the world, fortunately it's not too late. I will follow the old concubine as an example in the future."

The old concubine smiled sincerely when she heard this, "I like to hear this, even though I don't know what I have done, I can make you a role model."

Seeing how friendly her cousin and Mrs. Lin are, the old princess of Nan'an couldn't help but click her tongue. The cousin is a proud person, and ordinary people can't catch her eyes.

Ai Cao glanced around, there were quite a few noble ladies, all in their sixties, and she was still young among them, although she felt that some people looked at her strangely, she didn't care, and her eyes fell on the old lady of the Nan'an County Prince's Mansion. On the princess, "Thank you, Princess Huo, for posting to me, otherwise I wouldn't be able to get to know you ladies."

The wives present here are either Mrs. Hou, Mrs. Duke, Mrs. Wang, or the wives of first-rank officials. In short, none of them have a small background. Some of them, Ai Cao has seen in Lin Mu's memory, but they are all ten. What happened many years ago, I saw it again, compared with my memory, I found that apart from being a little older, everyone is still handsome.

After Ai Cao finished speaking, someone laughed and said, "I met Mrs. Lin a long time ago, and now I find that Mrs. Lin has not changed much compared to before, but we are old."

"Yeah, everyone is about the same age. It seems that Mrs. Lin is several years younger than us." She is still young when she is several years younger. Compared with some people present, Mrs. Lin's face is like that of two generations , vividly makes people feel that the years are urging people to grow old.

Ai Cao responded cheerfully: "Really? I didn't realize it. It's good to be young. Even if I am old, I don't accept old age. Women, be nice to yourself, be happy every day, eat and drink , don’t get angry easily, look at more beautiful things, you will find that the world is so beautiful, but I am old, this is not good at all, so be young.”

These words immediately made everyone burst into laughter, and the old princess of Pingyang Palace laughed and said: "You are still really narrow, but you are right, we are all very old, there is nothing to worry about every day, we really should be happy live."

This flower viewing party is not only the addition of a strange lady named Ai Cao, but also two other ladies brought along with them, not to mention the husband's family background, everyone is willing to skip this topic together.No matter what these ladies think in their hearts, they won't show it on the surface, and everyone is in harmony.

The old concubine of Nan'an County Prince's Mansion also laughed when everyone was laughing, but she was wondering in her heart, why is it different from what she thought?Why did Shi Qiongying ask her to help?It seems that she has to ask Shi Qiongying when she goes back.

But Mrs. Lin is quite good at talking, talking with her is also a kind of enjoyment.

The homework prepared by Ai Cao yesterday was also helpful. At least the tea leaves brought out by the Pingyang Palace were Dafeng’s top-grade rain tea, and there were quite a few varieties.There are many varieties of flowers and luxuriant foliage in the garden of Pingyang Palace, which makes everyone stop and admire frequently.

The wormwood is standing next to a pink flower, which is pink and tender, and the color is delicate. The peony usually blooms in April, which is the end of March, and it is less than a few days away from April, but this peony is still blooming. morning.

The ladies of the congregation were in twos and threes, and she also stood and chatted with a lady, but after a while, the lady was called away by others, she thought she would be alone, and the old princess of Nan'an County Palace came over.

"I don't know if Mrs. Lin has seen Shi Qiongying recently? Rong Guogong passed away, and Rong Mansion closed its doors to observe filial piety. I haven't seen her for a while. I wonder how she is doing?"

When she spoke, Ai Cao's mind was already running at high speed, and when she finished speaking, she remembered that Shi Qiongying was Jia's mother's boudoir name.

"It's very good. My mother-in-law's eldest daughter-in-law gave birth to a boy safely at night. This is a great event for the Rong Mansion, but because it is during the filial piety period, the princess was not informed."

The old concubine of Nan'an County was really surprised. Although she would know about it in a short time, but if she didn't ask specifically, she really couldn't find out immediately.

"Madam is right, this is really a happy event." It's a pity that she couldn't come to congratulate her.

Ai Cao stretched out her hand and caressed the pink flower in front of her, "My mother-in-law is pretty good, and when the Rong Mansion pays filial piety, there will be time for the princess to talk to her mother-in-law again."

We had a banquet at Pingyang Prince's Mansion at noon, and we continued our tea party in the afternoon. Maybe after half a day of running-in, we became more familiar with each other, and there were more topics to talk about.

In the morning, we didn't talk about family background and status, but in the afternoon we talked about the younger generation's marriage. Of course, this topic was brought up by Ai Cao. It can't be helped that we are getting older, and we only have this hobby.

But when everyone was talking happily, a lady said with a gentle smile: "When it comes to children, I'm afraid that Mrs. Lin is blessed. My son passed the exam at a young age. He is very talented. Sooner or later, he will be reused by the emperor. The daughter-in-law is also the daughter of the Duke of the state, and she is beautiful, so I can't do it, my son will only cause trouble, and the only thing to be gratified is that I gave birth to grandchildren early."

The lady spoke in a twists and turns, her voice fell, and others were still a little confused. They didn't know what Mrs. Wei meant by her words. Although they sounded good, why did she hide a knife in her words?

The old concubine of Pingyang Palace frowned, but said nothing, but the old concubine of Nan'an County said indifferently: "Whose family's children don't worry? Mrs. Wei is too modest."

Ai Cao just glanced at Mrs. Wei, her expression remained unchanged, and she nodded again and again when she heard this, "Yes, it is a blessing for parents to worry about their children."

She sighed, and immediately turned to another topic, but her mind was preoccupied with finding the reason why Mrs. Wei was bothering her. Whether it was Lin's mother's memory or her memory, she really didn't know this Wei. Ge Lao's eldest daughter-in-law.

This person will never target her for no reason, but it's a pity that Ai Cao still can't think of a reason after thinking about it for a long time.

Around Shen Shi, today's gathering was over, and Ai Cao also left the Pingyang Palace with most of the people, and made an appointment with several wives, and they will send posts to each other in the future, and everyone will play together.

Hey, I found a little friend to play with again, Ai Cao is very happy.

The old concubine of the Nan'an Prince's Mansion did not leave, and she still had something private to say with her cousin. As a half-master, after sending everyone away, she turned back with the old concubine of the Pingyang Palace.

"Mi'er, Mrs. Lin is good, we can visit often in the future." The old concubine of Pingyang Palace did not say too much. She is in charge of the real power of Pingyang Palace and knows much more information than others. For those who know a thing or two, there was no way to know each other before, so don't let go of such a way.

The old concubine of Nan'an County Wangfu frowned, "She is different from what I thought, I thought..."

"What do you think? She hasn't been out and about for more than ten years. What do you know? Mi'er, you are too self-righteous, which ruined a good game of chess." The old princess of the Pingyang Palace said indifferently. I have never seen anything, I have learned to be calm in any situation.

"Cousin, don't mention that dead ghost to me. When I die, I won't be buried next to him. After seeing those two disgusting men and women for the rest of their lives, who wants to suffer again? If there is no other way, I would have divorced him long ago! "The old concubine of Nan'an County Prince's Mansion pulled a long face, that scum who almost spoiled his concubine and killed his wife!

"Okay, okay, I won't mention it. You are too impulsive. You don't have the right to speak about things you don't understand. What's more, when the cousins ​​were affectionate and righteous, you insisted on intervening."

"My old lady didn't pressure him to get married, is it my fault?"

"Men are such superficial characters. Are you still angry? It can be seen that you haven't let go of it. Some things have passed, don't take it to heart, be more open-minded, Mrs. Lin is right, women should treat themselves better, and you shouldn't Competing with your daughter-in-law all day long, aren't you just repeating the path of your mother-in-law?"

The old concubine of Nan'an County Prince's Mansion stopped talking, and every time her cousin talked clichéd, it made her feel bored.

The afternoon sun was quite strong, and the carriage was driving slowly on the streets of Beijing. Ai Cao lifted the curtain to look, and there were still many men dressed as scholars on the street, who looked extremely romantic and unrestrained.Below a restaurant, a group of young scholars passed by. On the second floor of the restaurant facing the street, several young girls stood at the window. When the young scholars looked up, they all blushed.

It's nice to be young!Wormwood is so touching!

As soon as he stepped into the Lin family, Jia Min greeted him. There was only three people in the Lin family. Lin Hai was not at home during the day, and her mother-in-law went out for an appointment. Jia Min really felt that the home was too spacious.

Jia Min held Ai Cao's wrist all the way to Huifangyuan.Along the way, Ai Cao talked about the interesting stories in Pingyang Prince's Mansion today, Mrs. So-and-so, Princess Mou Mou, they are all Yipin Gaoming's wives, and they all have a lot of background.

Jia Min covered her mouth and said with a smile: "My mother used to like to attend these gatherings, but unfortunately my father has been ill for a year or two, and my mother seldom participated. The old princess of Nan'an County Palace and my mother knew each other in her boudoir, and I used to go there often. The naughty son of Nan'an County's palace, the old concubine is very kind to me."

"The old concubine Huo is very talkative, but overall she is not as good as the old concubine of the Pingyang palace. I really admire the old concubine when I come into contact with the old concubine personally." The concubine contributed a lot, and no one dared to underestimate her.

Jia Min thought for a while and said, "The old concubine of the Pingyang Palace, I haven't seen my daughter-in-law much, and I've been to her house twice."

The mother-in-law and daughter-in-law were talking happily, and finally Ai Cao remembered Mrs. Wei who spoke with a knife. Jia Min thought for a while and exclaimed: "Mother, Mrs. Wei and Mrs. Anhou are sisters. Mrs. Hou is young."

The reason why Anhou's Mansion is now Anhou's Mansion is because the emperor has not given an additional name, so the prefix is ​​still An.The word "an" is a bit embarrassing now, because many of the original marquis' mansions in Beijing are called some Anhou's mansion, such as the original Jing'an marquis' mansion of the Lin family.

Ai Cao suddenly understood, and the corner of her mouth twitched, "The fire at the city gate caused the fish in the pond, and I am the fish in the pond. How can such a powerful person as Princess Jingrong choose such a daughter-in-law, what a pity!"

The mother-in-law and daughter-in-law talked enthusiastically, Lin Hai in the yamen will pack up his things now, and is going to get off work.The recent scientific examinations, all the bachelors of the Hanlin Academy, etc. are busy, and the only ones who can be regarded as leisure are Lin Hai and the others.

Before the coachman arrived, Lin Hai leaned against the big tree at the entrance of the Imperial Academy, thinking about things, and became a little lost in thought.Unexpectedly, as soon as the coachman arrived, he was about to board the carriage when he was stopped by an immature male voice. Lin Hai looked up and saw the Seventh Prince, the Tenth Prince and several entourages standing there.

"I will see the Seventh Prince and the Tenth Prince." Lin Hai got off the carriage and cupped his hands.

The two princes approached, and the seventh prince nodded reservedly: "Master Lin, are you planning to return home?"

But the tenth prince rushed to talk: "Master Lin, Brother Seven and I are going to go shopping in the street, why don't you accompany us?"

Lin Hai was really surprised. Looking at the sky, it was still early, so it would be okay to go, "Okay, the two princes don't mind, I will accompany you as an official."

It happened that he wanted to see what good things there were on the street, such as buying some small gifts for his mother and wife, or what new books were available at the book fair.

The Seventh Prince and the Tenth Prince are not as cheeky as Hao Ding, nor as unscrupulous as Lou Gao. Since they met Mrs. Lin on the day of Lantern Festival, they have never met Mrs. Lin again.

It is a rare person who can talk, the tenth prince doesn't care at all that the old lady is an elderly woman.

Going shopping with the prince, the seventh prince bought less things, but the tenth prince wanted everything he saw, and the entourage who followed him was full of things in both hands.

Lin Hai also bought some trinkets, the ones for his mother were more colorful, while the ones for his wife were all made of wood, which didn’t cost much, but the workmanship was exquisite, so it’s fresh.

Lin Hai was very patient, and the tenth prince liked him very much. After talking, Lin Hai politely invited the seventh and tenth princes to visit Lin's house when they had time.

This is not a big deal at all, any prince has no relatives outside, the seventh prince and ten princes also have grandparents, and they will go to their grandparents' house when they have time, but they have never been to the house of a minister who is completely irrelevant.

Lin Hai was just talking politely, but it's a pity that the Seventh Prince and the Tenth Prince took it seriously, because the Seventh Prince had always known that Lou Gao and the others had contacts with the Lin family, and he really wanted to see the warm-hearted old lady.

It was about half past one hour before Lin Hai returned to the Lin family.

The days are getting longer and the nights are getting shorter, and the Lin family's dinner time has also been shifted, basically around Xu time, so it's not too late for Lin Hai to come back.

Lin Hai mentioned the Seventh Prince and the Tenth Prince, but he didn't say that the Seventh Prince and the Tenth Prince came to visit. It was just his polite words, and he didn't take it seriously, so he didn't mention it to his mother and wife.

"The Seventh Prince and the Tenth Prince, long time no see. They will be drafted soon. I wonder who the Seventh Prince's concubine will be? I hope she is a girl that the Seventh Prince is satisfied with, otherwise it will be too sad to be respectful to each other like ice."

Lin Hai didn't know whether to laugh or cry, "Mother, that's not how to treat each other like a guest."

Jia Min suppressed a smile, and Ai Cao rolled her eyes at Lin Hai, "Ice cubes of ice! You have no imagination at all. Human progress lies in innovation. Haier, it seems that you are destined to be an old-fashioned old man."

Lin Hai was really helpless, "Okay, what mother said is reasonable." It is obvious that respecting each other as guests is a word to describe the deep relationship between husband and wife, but it changes when it falls into the mother's mouth.

After the palace examination, there is a draft. The draft in the Dafeng Dynasty is not as mandatory as in the Qing Dynasty, and the time is very short, only half a month.This was in the autumn of the previous year. Every family took the initiative to sign up. Of course, there were candidates that the emperor liked. The emperor would also hint to the important ministers in advance, or if the important ministers had any ideas, they could also tell the emperor in advance. Anyway, everything follows the superficial rules. If you love me, you can show the majesty of the emperor, but you can't resist the order anyway.

Two days later, Rong Mansion's newly released Third Master Lian Xisan, because he did not inform his old friends in Beijing, only the closest relatives knew about it. When Ai Cao and Jia Min arrived at Rong Mansion early in the morning, they saw the married girl and The third girl, Mrs. Baolinghou, and the Xu family of Ningfu also helped.

When Ai Cao saw this situation, her eyes lit up immediately. There was no one else of their generation, so she could dominate Hongye today.

Hongye greeted the wormwood in person, "Mother-in-law, please come here to attend my little grandson's third bath."

Ai Cao patted Hongye's hand, blinked, and smiled all over her face, "My mother-in-law doesn't think I come here often, that's good. I heard that the young master's name is Lian'er, which is a good name. He will definitely be rich when he grows up." Handsome, fascinated thousands of girls."

Hongye glared at Ai Cao vaguely, then took her to sit together, and introduced her niece and daughter-in-law to Ai Cao.

Mrs. Baolinghou, Luo Shi, looks about [-] years old, she is very beautiful, probably because of her heirs, her brows and eyes are a bit gloomy, Ai Cao just took a look at her, and didn't mention it, so as not to arouse Luo Shi's anger disgusted.

Isn't Luo Shi suffering in her heart? She is about the same age as Zhang Shi, and Zhang Shi also suffered a lot from the heirs in the years when they got married, but Zhang Shi endured all the hardships. Not only did the eldest son recover well, but also gave birth to the younger son safely. She thought Why is it so difficult to have a baby?The imperial doctor had seen her and said that she was fine. She didn't dare to think about whether her master had a health problem, so she could only feel bored in her heart.

"Sister-in-law, is there a letter from uncle? How is it in Sichuan? The weather there is very different from the capital, can uncle adapt?" Jia Min sat beside Luo Shi and guided her to speak.

The elder cousin has a deep affection for the elder cousin, and Jia Min is very envious, but the elder cousin has never given birth, and now Jia Min also has this trouble, so she can't help feeling the same.

Luo said with a smile: "Father is very good, he has adapted to life in Sichuan, and the second and third brothers are also very good."

Jia Siyao and Jia Xiyao joined the conversation team, Ai Cao and Hong Ye whispered, until Xu Shi came out with a light blue swaddle in her arms.

Mrs. Xu came to help early this morning. Although there were not many people who came, she couldn't do much, but her family had to help her aunt's family's happy event.

Jia Lian has opened his eyes now, they are white and tender, the eyeballs are rolling around, very lively and lively.

The female relatives were rare, and they rushed to report to Jia Lian, but Jia Lian didn't cry, and let everyone wait and see. After everyone saw it, Ai Cao was finally hugged into a swaddling baby.

"This child is really good-looking, and the mother-in-law will not worry about not being able to marry her granddaughter-in-law in the future."

Jia Min held back her laughter, her mother-in-law is getting angry as a matchmaker now, she asks this question everywhere, even a newborn child like Jia Lian won't let her go.

Everyone hugged here, and a woman came to report that it was almost auspicious time, and all the female relatives came from the flower hall to the front hall.

Jia Amnesty, Jia Zheng, and Yu Qiu were all there, as were Jia Zhen, Jia Hu, and Jia Zhu Qiyue. Anyway, the men were all in the front hall. When they saw a large group of women coming out, they immediately stood on one side and left the other side for the women.

It makes sense for Yu Qiu to be here, he already lives in the mansion, even if he doesn't entertain outside parties, he can't pretend to be deaf and dumb, so he also specially bought a gift, the all-purpose longevity lock , It's not worth the money, but it's good to think about it.

Now that the weather has become warmer and the water has been basked in the sun, it will not be too cold. Jia Lian just stretched his arms and legs in the basin and moved, thinking that he was going to cry, but he didn't cry at all. Gifts, the admission grandma read in her mouth with a handful of green onions, and when others harassed her, Jia Lian had a bad temper and immediately cried loudly.

Until the end of the third bath, he was still sobbing, no one hugged him, and hurriedly sent back to Mrs. Zhang in the east courtyard. Now this kid stopped crying, and there were still tears hanging from his big bright eyes, aggrieved Look in the direction of the mother.

The front hall is a little far away from the east courtyard, and Mrs. Zhang didn't hear the sound. Seeing his son's pitiful appearance, he couldn't help being a little funny, so he hugged him and coaxed him, and he stopped crying.

Ai Cao looked at Mrs. Zhang carefully, and she looked fine. Although she was a bit weak, she would recover after spending some time in the future. Jia Hu and Jia Lian will not lose their mother, and Jia She will not lose their wife. If you want to come to Jia She He and Jia Lian will not become like in the Red Chamber in the future.

A group of people huddled in the confinement room, especially when Jia Min asked about Jia Lian's funny stories, the room was full of laughter and laughter.