[Red House] Raiders of life

"Look at this girl, she's really pretty." Lin Ning held Xue Baochai's hand and talked about the scene, and asked Shan Shan to pick out a jade bracelet and put it on Xue Baochai herself as a meeting gift.

Xue Wang's face was full of smiles, "I can't be praised by the old lady. But the granddaughter of the old lady is really beautiful. People like it at first sight."

Daiyu hurriedly got up and said "I dare not".

The two sides exchanged pleasantries, and Xue Wang said: "Speaking of which, we are all family friends. We should have come to visit early in the morning. Unfortunately, when we went to Beijing, my brother had been transferred and left Beijing. It took us a lot of money to buy a house. It took a lot of work, and after the arrangement was completed, it was the end of the new year, a bunch of trivial things. I didn't have time to come and see the old lady."

Lin Ning smiled lightly, "Is everything settled now?"

"It's all settled." Xue Wang smiled and turned to order the servant to bring all the gifts.The presents were all arranged according to the personal list, and they were handled very meticulously. From top to bottom, every master, including the youngest Jia Ying, had a copy.As Lin Ning is an old matriarch, it doesn't matter if he is more expensive.It's just that Daiyu's and Lin Jin's are more precious.

Lin Ning was taken aback, and Mrs. Xue Wang glanced at Xue Baochai, and then said: "Two days ago, my wicked man ran into Brother Lin in a restaurant, and there was some misunderstanding because we didn't know each other. I don't know if Brother Lin is there? Now I happen to be visiting his uncle in the outer courtyard, if brother Lin is here, can you ask him to come over, I will ask Pan'er to accompany him."

Although the Wang family is dead, she is also Jia Zheng's original spouse, so it makes sense for Xue Pan to call Jia Zheng's uncle.

Lin Ning didn't know about the Zhuangyuan Building two days ago, Lin Jin didn't say anything, and neither did Jia Hu.Therefore, upon hearing this, Lin Ning was quite puzzled.But without knowing the details, Lin Ning would not call Lin Jin out in vain, so as not to make things difficult for him in time, no accepting it, no accepting it.

"Unfortunately, brother Jin went out today."

Not to mention that the boy should search for it, not to mention that the misunderstanding between the children is nothing, Xue Wang was a little anxious, and wanted to say more, but Xue Baochai pulled the corner of his clothes.When Wang Xue turned her head, she saw Xue Baochai shaking her head, and had no choice but to suppress her thoughts.Xue Baochai kept smiling, and said: "It's nothing. I'll let my brother come over again when Uncle Lin is around."

Lin Ning smiled, neither saying yes nor bad.After Xue's family left, someone called Lin Jin over, asked the reason for that day, and sighed inwardly: No wonder Wang Ren was ruined by such a coincidence, and even broke his leg.The old grievances between Jia and Wang's family is one aspect, and the other is Lin Jin's matter.

********

Xue House.

Xue Pan was a little unconvinced, and muttered: "Why aren't you at home, you went out. I saw him going to the outer study in the outer courtyard later, but I didn't have time to stop him. Fortunately, the young man next to him was still there." I am ashamed to tell me that I was wrong. Our family came to the door to apologize, but they still put on airs."

Xue Pan was very indignant, "Brother Wang Ren and I didn't do anything, and he even kicked my cousin. Speaking of which, he should apologize to my cousin. How could my sister return the favor?" Let me make amends to him. It's good now, the hot face sticks to his cold ass."

Xue Baochai put his breath on his chest, turned his face away, thinking that he also has a brother, and she also has a brother, but her brother... Xue Baochai felt wronged and couldn't help crying.

Xue Wang felt distressed, and pushed Xue Pan, "Why do you say that, your sister is also doing it for your own good, and for the good of our family, but you still blame your sister."

Xue Pan was taken aback, and pursed his lips, "I don't mean to blame my sister, I just think Jia Lin's family is deceiving too much."

Xue Baochai wiped his tears and said: "I heard that literati are the most honest and upright. The uncle of the Lin family comes from a family and has a reputation. You treat him like a rabbit and molested him. How can he swallow this breath. It is my uncle who controls the nine provinces. , but not in Beijing. We have nothing to rely on. And Mr. Lin is in the south of the Yangtze River, and our family still has a lot of property accumulated over the years. If Mr. Lin revealed such a sentence or two in his letter from home, Mr. Lin would move his fingers. There is no one in our Jinling, so those properties are not wiped out?"

Both Xue Pan and Xue Wang were shocked.Since Xue Ling's death, Xue's family has deteriorated year after year.Although they have entered Beijing, Jiangnan's property cannot be transferred or sold at once.Now that the Xue family's wealth is not as good as it was back then, and they have nothing to earn, how can they stand such a blow.

Mrs. Xue Wang mumbled: "It's not like this, isn't there still the Zhen family?"

"Mom, if you talk about affection, the Zhen family was the closest to the Jia family in the early years. I don't know why they have gone away in the past few years, but if the uncle still has some affection. Our family is indifferent to the Zhen family. Besides, there are What about the Zhen family, we have been in Jinling for so many years. I have probably heard about the Yangzhou incident, and the Wuyan business that started with the Zhen family, Mr. Lin did it just as he said. Did the Zhen family come forward and say a word?"

Xue Baochai looked sad, and sighed, "Just don't talk about that. Jia's family still has a county princess. Although my aunt has passed away, she is also our eldest cousin from the perspective of relatives. Now my uncle is not in Beijing. We should get closer to the cousins ​​of the Jia family."

These words are reasonable, and both Xue Pan and Xue Wang's hearts moved.

********

Chengjun Palace.

Lin Ning looked at Jia Qiong's belly, his eyes were full of joy, "You were only 15 years old when you got married, and I was always worried that if you had a child too early, you would not be able to bear it. It happened that the prince went to the northwest, and this time It's been a few years, although the husband and wife are separated, I think it's better to wait. Now that you are old and your body has grown, it is suitable to have a child."

Jia Qiong stroked her stomach, and she was also very happy, "Grandmother loves to worry. Now that we are all grown up, grandma should enjoy herself."

Lin Ning responded with a smile on his face, turned around and began to tell Baoqin many precautions for pregnant women, which made Baoqin joke again and again, "The old lady said that she should enjoy peace of mind, don't worry about it."

Lin Ning glared at her, but stopped talking, and mentioned that the emperor pointed out the side concubine for King Chengjun recently.Lin Ning originally wanted to comfort Jia Qiong, but Jia Qiong thought better than her.

"Grandmother, don't worry, I know it well. The other princes are all wives and concubines, and their children are around their knees. Only the prince's mansion is deserted, and his knees are empty. Although it is because the prince has been in the northwest, the emperor may not be able to see it anymore. I married into the royal family, and the prince has great ambitions, so he would guard me alone. I dare not have such delusions. Now the prince treats me with affection and respect, and I have children again, so I am not afraid of them. What should come will always come.”

Lin Ning sighed, this is the sorrow of women in this era.She opened her mouth and didn't continue the topic after all.

Baoqin brought freshly brewed tea, Lin Ning picked it up, at first he thought it was Ru kiln white porcelain, but when he got it in his hand, he found that it was jade, the whole body was snow white, like a porcelain cup, with twig patterns painted on the surface.

Seeing Lin Ning's surprise, Jia Qiong smiled and said, "This is from Xue's family. During this period, my aunt and cousin came here several times and sent some things."

Lin Ning was stunned for a moment, and put down the teacup.In fact, the Jia family and the Wang family had an unhappy fight, and the most difficult thing to do in the middle was Jia Zhu and Jia Qiong.After all, it is my uncle's house.What Wang did is unknown.Therefore, for Jia Zhu and Jia Qiong, the Wang family is their mother after all, and the Wang family is also their uncle's family after all.

It's just that the Wang family didn't show much to the two children in the early years. When the Jia family rose to power, the Wang family made troubles about Wang Xifeng and Jia Lian.Both Jia Zhu and Jia Qiong inevitably had a bad impression of the Wang family.But this does not mean that they have no expectations and ideas for their relatives on the mother's side.Now a biological aunt has come, not to mention being close to me, she looks somewhat similar to Wang's.Although Jia Qiong has never seen Wang Shi, there is a portrait of Wang Shi.In this way, it is inevitable that there will be some empathy.

"I heard that the Xue family came to Beijing in the name of their girl's going to be selected as a palace servant. Have you mentioned this to you?"

"Not at all." Jia Qiong shook her head, but she heard some hints of Lin Ning's voice, "Grandmother, don't worry, I can save it. If you really think about the relationship between relatives and treat me well, why didn't I leave the cabinet in previous years?" Didn’t they have this kind of heart at that time? Even when they were in Jinling, they could always send something during the festival. I remember, when I was young, my grandmother missed me and my second brother, whether it was the Wang family or the Xue family. , during the four seasons, all kinds of etiquette were properly prepared and sent over in our name. No matter how our family is with the Wang family, no one has ever caught me and my second brother on it. Except for the meager gift in return, I never thought of giving me and my second brother something extra, just not even a word of care."

Jia Qiong's expression showed a bit of sadness, and Lin Ning couldn't say anything more, so he only talked about the child, "Now that you have a body, you can't be so sad at every turn. You frown too much, Be careful that the children born in the future will also learn from you."

Jia Qiong chuckled, looking at her belly, which hadn't yet appeared, her expression softened a bit.

Lin Ning relaxed, thinking about the Xue family's affairs and said: "It's good to have a relative to visit. It's just that I have to let you know, so as not to be used as a raft in the future."

Jia Qiong concentrated, only listening to Lin Ning said: "It is true that the Xue family girl is going to run for the election, but the quota is probably gone. Why do you think they are in such a hurry to go to Beijing? Xue Pan is in Jinling with a man named Feng Yuan. A big fight was fought for the home of a kidnapped daughter. During the melee, Feng Yuan died. They got involved in a murder lawsuit. The prefect of Jinling sentenced Xue Pan to death, but said that he had already been imprisoned for his life. Let the Xue family go. The Xue family hastily left Jinling and went to Beijing to seek asylum."

Jia Qiong was dumbfounded.Not to mention people like them, who seldom fight by themselves, they are all servants.This crime can be blamed on domestic slaves.Even if it is really his own hands, he can also find someone to condemn him.How can anyone just judge the crime like this.It's fine if the judgment is biased. What's the matter with this wronged soul?What about household registration?

Lin Ning saw Jia Qiong's thoughts at a glance, and said, "I don't know the twists and turns here, but I found out that the Wang family sent someone there at that time."

In other words, there may be handwriting of the Wang family here.Jia Qiong's heart froze, and his feelings for the Wang family inevitably became more complicated.

It would be fine if Jia Qiong married someone else.It's Tu Mingyuan who married too much.In this way, the Xue family is in-law after all, and this matter really has to be said.It's also good to have a bottom line in my heart, so as not to be brought up in the dark when it comes to time, or to be used for fuss.What if someone puts a hat on it and says that the Xue family relied on Jia Qiong's power to beat people to death without paying for their lives?

Now seeing that Jia Qiong has a solid foundation in his mind, Lin Ning still trusts the character and means of the child he brought up, so he won't mention it any more.

Jia Qiong also exposed it and asked about the situation at home.Lin Ning answered them one by one, and Jia Qiong asked Baoyu again.Lin Ning laughed, "At the beginning of spring, I brought many girls to pick a lot of petals to make things. The ones I brought you this time are his new ones. Even pregnant women can use them."

Jia Qiong was overjoyed, and asked Baoqin to bring it, and opened a bottle of lotion to try it.

"It's much better than what he did last time." The joy on his face hadn't faded yet, Jia Qiong shook his head again, "It's just that if father knows, Baoyu may be punished again."

She still loves her little brother.When she was young, in Lin Ning's room, she had hugged him, kissed him, even held his little hand and let him paint.Although the two are not siblings from the same mother, Mrs. Liu treats her well. Although she can't be said to treat her as her own, she has done her duty and responsibly what the aunt should do.What's more, Baoyu and Jia Zhu are very different in age, even if they are a bit smart, they can't catch up with Jia Zhu, and won't steal Jia Zhu's light.Therefore, Jia Qiong is also willing to pamper and pamper this lovely younger brother.

Lin Ning sighed, "Your father is just too pedantic. But I'm here. I saw his current skills, and the skin care series he often makes are already very good, so I thought about giving the rouge shop to him. Him. Let him try."

Jia Qiong said hello, and asked Baoqin to bring 1000 taels of silver over and over again, clamoring to buy shares.Lin Ning couldn't laugh or cry.

********

The third day of August is Jia Shishi's birthday.Today is also Lin Ning's birthday, although it is not the whole life.But the children were filial, so Lin Ning held a birthday banquet along with them.

Now that the king of Chengjun has military exploits and was sent by the emperor to the Ministry of Household Affairs, and gradually showed his prominence in the court, everyone naturally valued Jia Qiong more.Even with Jia's family, the tide has risen to a higher level.

On the big birthday, the Wang family, Xue family, Shi family and many powerful families in Beijing all came.Even the Jia family made it clear that they didn't have a big feast, and they all sent gifts.

Lin Daiyu, Xue Baochai and Shi Xiangyun got together for the first time and got together.However, there is no Wang family in this life, and the situations of the Xue family and the Jia family are different.Xue Baochai was also mostly polite to Lin Daiyu.What about Shi Xiangyun?In these years, Lin Ning hadn't cared much for her, and he only stayed for two days when she came to celebrate her birthday.Without the backing of Lin Ning, Shi Xiangyun knew what was good and what was wrong, and he only regarded himself as an ordinary guest.

Now the three girls have no interests, let alone conflicts, and they are talking sincerely.After talking back and forth for less than a quarter of an hour, the idea of ​​starting a poetry club came up.It was agreed that Daiyu would be the host after seven days.

As soon as Daiyu said about such trivial things the next day, Lin Ning agreed, "It's also a coincidence that it's autumn, and you can enjoy chrysanthemums. Two days ago, your third cousin got several baskets of crabs from somewhere, and you can use them Come make a crab feast." Turning around, he ordered Coral, who was already a daughter-in-law, to make an agreement with the kitchen in advance.

Lin Daiyu showed joy, Lin Ning embraced her and said, "You are small and have a weak spleen and stomach, so don't eat too much."

Daiyu agreed, and the grandfather and grandson talked for a while, and someone came to report: "The eldest girl in the East Mansion is gone."

Lin Ning was stunned for a long time before he came to his senses. The eldest girl in Dongfu was talking about Jia Jing, who was also Xichun in the original book.Because she never lived in Rongguo Mansion in this life, she never ranked according to the girl's family on Rongguo Mansion. On the other side of Ningguo Mansion, Jia Zhen was the only girl in her life. She ranked first and was called the eldest girl.

Speaking of which, Jia Jing came to celebrate her birthday yesterday, but because she was small and had a cold and headache, she went back after sitting for a while.But people were nice back then.Why did it suddenly disappear?

The funeral of the younger generation does not require Lin Ning to come forward.Daiyu is a guest, and they don't have much friendship with each other, so there is no need to go there.Only Mrs. Fang and several sisters-in-law went there.

After coming back, she said: "Sister-in-law You said that Sister Jing and Rong's daughter-in-law were on good terms in the past. When she went to talk to Rong's daughter-in-law last night, she accidentally stepped on the air and rolled down the stairs of Zhenbao Building, hurting her. At the end, I went there early this morning. Rong's daughter-in-law blamed herself, she passed out from crying, and she is also sick now."

Lin Ning rolled his eyes, feeling suspicious, how could it be such a coincidence?But still at night?Or go to Qin Keqing?

Whether this is good or not, I will not mention it for the time being.Even if they really have a good relationship, Qin Keqing has a husband.Talk to someone at night?Aren't you afraid of disturbing the good things of other people's couples?

Lin Ning's expression froze, could it be that he happened to meet Jia Zhen and Qin Keqing, and was murdered?It is impossible to hide the commotion at night, so I can only find such excuses?

When Jia Rong got married, Lin Ning also persuaded her, but she is considered an old lord here, but in the East Mansion, she is just an aunt in the next room.Wherever there is such a thing as Jia Zhen marrying his son a daughter-in-law, he can only ignore it, but the relationship between the two prefectures has become more and more cold.Both sides know that it is just a matter of saving face.

A little later, when Jia Hu came back, Fang told him the same thing again, but added, "When I passed by, I met Jiao Da from the mansion over there talking nonsense after drinking wine. He yelled at the main courtyard about climbing ashes. Later, he was tied up by Big Brother Zhen."

Jia Hu was startled, Fang said again: "He's drunk, maybe he's just talking drunk."

Jia Hu shook her head, whether she was drunk or not, she had to check it out.After all, a good little girl suddenly disappeared, and then, Qin Keqing fell ill by such a coincidence, plus this sentence...

Jia Hu's eyes flashed, "Does grandma know this?"

"I didn't tell my grandmother. Didn't my master say that my grandmother is old, don't let my grandmother worry about ordinary things? Therefore, I didn't say anything, and I also asked my two younger brothers and sisters not to say anything. My grandmother never liked Dongfu. I won’t go over and ask anything.” Fang glanced at Jia Hu, “But do you want to tell grandma?”

"No need. I haven't figured it out yet, so don't make it rain. Leave it to me."

********

After that, Qin Keqing's health went from bad to worse, and there was no good time.Just like that, until August of the following year, a whole year later, it was still gone.

Lin Ning sneered as he watched Xue's family scrambling up to the coffins made of nanmu wood, and funeral ornaments made of gold and jade.

After the funeral, a storm centered on the fifth prince swept from the south of the Yangtze River to the capital.Lin Ruhai won, and the Zhen family lost.Knowing that Lin Ruhai was safe and sound, both Lin Jin and Lin Daiyu breathed a sigh of relief.

Before the aftermath of this turmoil had completely dissipated, the palace issued an imperial decree to bestow the concubines and allow the concubines to visit their relatives.Only this time, Jia Qiong became the princess of Chengjun, and there was no virtuous concubine. The family visit had nothing to do with the Jia family, and the Grand View Garden would never appear again.

In the twelfth lunar month, Lin Ning received a letter from Lin Ruhai from Yangzhou, which was a response to Lin Ning's previous marriage proposal to Lin Jin.

As the saying goes, the period of filial piety is three years, but it is actually only 27 months.Jia Min went there at the end of August two years ago.Now it is the beginning of the twelfth lunar month, exactly 27 months.It's time to talk about marriage.

Although in this life, this Lin Jin is not that Lin Jin, but Xu Weiwan is still the same Xu Weiwan.In his life as Mrs. Lin, Lin Ning was very satisfied with her, and he still chose her in this life.Although Lin Jinfei is not the same person, but there are many similarities in heart and nature. Lin Ning let the two children meet a few times in the name of going to the temple to burn incense, and Lin Jin himself is also happy.Lin Ning wrote to Lin Ruhai.

For this marriage, Lin Ruhai also deserved it.Therefore, after the new year, Lin Ning invited someone to come to propose marriage, and then exchanged Geng Tie and other things.In March, the wedding date was set, August [-]th.

In April, Lin Ruhai returned to Beijing.Lin Jin and Lin Daiyu are going home.Jia Baoyu was a little bit reluctant, but he never did anything, let alone cried for disapproval, but asked the girl to bring a lot of skin care products, including a set of freshly made beauty makeup.

Lin Ning couldn't laugh or cry, "Why does your sister use so much?"

"It's okay if I don't need to keep it for my younger sister to give away. Now my shop is booming, and my eldest sister helps me spread the word everywhere, and even the clan uses my things. The third elder brother also said that the Ministry of Internal Affairs Someone asked him to be a middleman and wanted to negotiate a business with me. If I give these things to others, it will lose my sister's face. There is also a set of beauty makeup, which is newly made. There are only ten sets in the store now. It is a limited supply. My sister must like it."

Lin Ning glanced at him amusedly, "Look at your complacency."

Having tasted the taste of success, Jia Baoyu worked harder on it.Hearing Lin Ning say this, he was both excited and embarrassed.

After a while, the girl said: "The second master at the outer courtyard sent someone to look for the fourth master, saying that he has something to ask, so let the fourth master go quickly."

As soon as these words came out, Jia Baoyu's face collapsed, and he took Lin Ning's hand, "Grandmother!"

Lin Ning thought it was funny, "Go. Since I told you to go quickly, there must be something wrong. I was in charge of the rouge shop, and I told your father in advance. Besides, you have been in this shop for so long Now, it’s not just a day or two, if you want to have an attack, your father will have an attack. I think it’s not because of this that I want to find your fault.”

After finishing speaking, Lin Ning sighed, "You also know your father's temperament. Even if I'm around, he won't accept it after all. If he scolds you, you just listen respectfully." .As long as you don't cause other troubles, he just said a few words about you, you can rest assured. Go."

Seeing what Lin Ning said, Jia Baoyu felt relieved.

After less than half an hour, a servant beside Jia Baoyu stumbled in and reported: "Old lady, old lady, hurry up, the second master is going to beat the fourth master to death!"