The clever maid of the red mansion

In the early morning of the next day, Fan Yu brought two big boxes to the second door with a few servants, and said to Dong'er who came out with a smile, "Sister Dong'er has worked hard, and the third master asked them to bring them in, saying that grandma knew. "Since he was punished last time for revealing about the Third Mistress to his cousin's girl, Qingping, Fan Yu has been more attentive to his errands, and has been more dedicated to the matters related to the Third Mistress's instructions to the Third Mistress.Besides, Nanny Fang is not as powerful as in the past, so he can't help but carelessly fawn on her.

Dong'er nodded, without asking any further questions, and asked the little girl to call a few women, and carried them into the main room.Liu'er, who was reconciling the dowry with the maids inside, had already got the letter, put down the booklet, and said, "Let's rest for a while, and see what good things are, and they will be delivered early in the morning."

When I came to the main room, I ordered the girl to open the box and take a closer look. However, plain silk and other materials are not surprising to look at. When I touched it with my hands, it was soft, smooth and dense, and it felt comfortable. After thinking about it, I said, "Take it." Let me take a look at one of the horses, and put the rest away, it will be useful in a few days."

After returning to the room, I took out a delicate lens from the small drawer of the dressing table, took the ruler brought in by Honghua, put it in a bright place in front of the window, and used it as a kang table, looked down carefully with the lens, and told Dong Son, "Bring me the bottom brocade bag from the box cabinet on the top of the south window in my study.

In that bundle was the embroidery album that Master Dong had left for her.He picked up a page at random, put it side by side with the silk material, and took a closer look at it with a lens.Scratching lightly with fingernails, the warp and weft of the fabric threads were loose and easy to identify, and then looked at it for a while before putting down the lens and sighing softly.There is no need for a girl, I put the things back into the bag by myself, and hand them to Dong'er to put them away.

Rubbing the cotton silk with one hand, Liu'er was in a daze for a while, and the girl didn't dare to disturb her. She was doing her own work in silence. After a cup of tea, Liu'er came back to her senses and ordered Honghua, "Take this ruler Take the water and float it, I guess it will be dry in the next afternoon. Then use it to make a set of my usual underwear. You and Polygonatum Sanqi, try to get out before dinner. I want to wear it at night, and I don’t have to wear it. For embroidery and grass embroidery, simply lock the edges and finish the calculation.”

Honghua agreed, and went with the ruler.Now around Liu'er, the needles and threads are mainly safflower, Polygonatum with Sanqi and Dongxue. , They are all embroidered by her.

Because I heard that Taoyuan has its own division between public and middle school, the four seasons clothes for servants and women are all quotas issued by the mansion.Therefore, except for the two masters, there is not much needlework. Some of the homely household needlework objects are still being made by the sparrows in Tingtaoyuan. According to Honghua Sanqi and others, the craftsmanship is really average. .

As for Liu'er and Mr. Feng, needless to say, Liu'er, the salt sellers drink light soup, and the cooks don't cook when they go home. Most of her things are made by the girls around her, and at most she chooses the ingredients herself. After cutting the pattern, I don't bother to move my embroidery and sewing fingers.

On the contrary, it was Mrs. Feng's clothes, shoes and socks, which were all arranged by her.Even the big clothes that are used to meet customers outside, Mr. Feng’s eyes are now being tricked. In the past, they were all made to order by famous shops outside. Liu'er had to be covered from head to toe.

Liu'er's hands and feet are nimble, and she can do things quickly. Being alone is considered leisurely.During the four seasons and eighth season, the adoptive father, sister Lin, and father-in-law are also filial. As for the godmother and sister, they directly choose good materials, and let the maids in the house make them and send them to finish the calculation. Anyway, these two people love face-saving, and their appearance is better than their inner ones. I care more about comfort.

Originally, when Mr. Feng saw that his wife got married not long ago, he made several sets of clothes inside and out. He was worried that Liu'er would be tired, so he said very thoughtfully, "Let the girls do it carefully. If your neck hurts and your eyes are tired, you can do it wherever you want." I don’t have my clothes to wear. It’s so stuffy in the house on a hot day, it’s not good to go out in the garden in the morning and evening.”

Liu'er sneered, "It's just a few sets of clothes, and it doesn't take much effort. The only thing is, the outer gowns and robes. You usually like rich materials. If you make clothes, if the leader's lapel is not made, it will be delicate and solemn. I'm afraid it won't be able to suppress the pattern. Plain material, embroidered with embroidered patterns, it takes a lot of effort. Now you don't like to wear outside clothes, but you want to look good and comfortable, what's the matter?" Liu Erzao Seeing Feng Sanye's usual gorgeous clothes are not pleasing to the eye, men, it's better to be more stable, like Feng Ziying, just from the clothes, one looks like a dude.

Third Master Feng is also a calculating person, after all, he was born there, and he is a young man who is well-dressed and well-fed, and he is used to fancy clothes.In the past, seeing Liu'er always dressed so plainly, she was a bit unappreciative, and she often gave her gorgeous materials.At that time Liu'er didn't want to show off and didn't care much about dressing up.Now that the two are married, there are no scruples. If there is something good, just pick the one you like and use it. Mr. Feng is more happy when he sees him, and he thinks about going back when he sees something good outside.But can a woman be the same as a man? She doesn't want the two of them sitting together like sisters.

Mr. Feng didn't really care about this at all. In the past, he was usually taken care of by servants. Now, seeing the lady staring at her with a smile that was not a smile, her eyebrows were bright and lively, her black and white eyes swept across her heart like a breeze, and her whole body was numb. Comfortable, I don't care about the clothes, I walked over immediately, rubbing my face against my face, and said with a smile, "Lady, you can do whatever you like. I am a big man, what kind of embroidery do you want? You don't need to mess with that troublesome girl, it looks like a sissy." Yes, as long as it's done by you, lady, it's fine hehehe."

Liu Er smiled sweetly, satisfied in her heart, and did not refuse someone to eat rouge. Since then, less than two months later, one day, Mr. Feng paid his respects to the old man.

"En, that's right. After all, you've become a family member. It's good that you're stable." Mr. Feng looked at his third son briefly, and immediately smiled with his beard, a rare compliment.

Now in midsummer, Feng Sanye only wears a sky blue round neck gown, the collar of the leader is edged with lake blue cloud patterns, and a sapphire crown is on his head. Like two years old.

Mr. Feng smiled, stood up and saluted, "Father praised me absurdly, but it's just an appearance. Anyway, the son is also a married person, so how can he play freely without any scruples? At least do some serious things, and live up to his father's upbringing Thanks for your kindness, I have to protect my wife and children, right?"

"Hahaha, okay, with your words, your father and I can feel at ease. After all, this daughter-in-law is not wrong. After all, what are your plans now, or what embarrassing things do you have to ask your father?" Faithful, this young man has always been able to speak well, and since he was a child, he has often fooled his old man.

"Are you planning? I can't say. A few days ago, I accompanied Liu'er back to the Lin Mansion and had a conversation with the old man. According to the old man's opinion, if my son takes an official career, he should go as a military officer first, so that he can be promoted faster." , It’s not impossible to get up to a real level, get a chance in a few years, let it go outside or transfer to a civil servant, and strive for yourself, it’s not impossible. So the son thought about it carefully, and now he’s discussing it with his father.”

The old man became more and more happy. No matter what, Xiao San'er knows that it is always a good thing to make progress, and his heart is brightened, with a smile all over his face. listen."

The father and son murmured in the study for a long time. In mid-June, Feng Sanye was transferred from the second-class bodyguard of the Xiaoqi Camp to the deputy commander of the Yamen, the commander of the Wucheng Army and Horse Division, and from the fifth grade, he was in command of Qiu Liang, the grandson of Jingtian Hou. Work under him.

Although it is lower than the original grade, it was originally a false title, but now it is regarded as a government office with real power.Only the deputy commanders of the military and horse divisions of the five cities are divided into east, west, north, south, and there are five in total. Speaking of which, in a place where there are so many dignitaries in the capital, it is really not a rare position.With old general Feng's power, it is not difficult to find a fat job for his son, but it confuses many people.

Especially Mr. Feng, Feng Yuan, has always had nothing to do with his younger brothers. There is too much age difference, and there is no affection, let alone fear.Seeing that the old father had found such a lack for the third younger brother, he just laughed it off and spit inwardly that he was useless to finish the calculation.Turn around and beat the two sons again, so that they can study, otherwise, just like your third uncle, patrol the streets to put out fires, catch thieves and clear ditches!

Mr. Feng has a serious job, so he leaves early and returns late, and he doesn't know what he is busy with all day long.

After the Dragon Boat Festival, Mrs. Dong, the third uncle’s wife, came several times. Sometimes Mrs. Li called Liu Er to talk, sometimes she didn’t, and Liu Er didn’t care.As an elder, what can she do, she might as well be out of sight.

Only Mrs. Dong, every time she saw Liu'er, became more and more affectionate. She gave away things twice, thoughtfully, top-notch spices, rouge and gouache, and even sent two calligraphy and paintings by famous artists in a set once. Excellent Su-style women's household items.Especially the red sandalwood embroidery frame inside, Mother Li looked it over and said, the materials used for this work are not worth three to five hundred silver, so they can't be bought.

Regarding Dong's overtures, Mr. Feng only said, "It should be, just keep it." Liu'er has no burden, so she can look at it after giving it away, keep the ones she likes to play with, or reward girls, and leave the rest in the warehouse. Liu'er was also worried.

Only every time my uncle and wife come over, my cousin Jiang Suyun will accompany her. Liu Er has seen her twice in Li's room, her expression is indifferent, and she can't see anything.Especially the second girl is now watched by an educated nanny, and she is much more honest and dignified. Although she still doesn't like to talk to Liu'er, after all, she has no words to offend and acts recklessly, and she is somewhat promising.

In mid-June, the dowry was given in the Lin'anbo mansion, and the masters of the whole mansion went to see it, and Liu'er brought the girl to join in the fun.The betrothal gift was placed on the hall of the cousin girl's outer courtyard, Liu'er came a little later, the eldest grandma Liu and the second grandma Zhang had already arrived, they were watching and talking all the way.The first young lady and the second young lady took their servants and waited on the sidelines. They were in a huge formation, and they looked relaxed and smiled.

There are also several relatives, all of whom are relatives-in-law, the second wife and third uncle of the Wang family in Lin'anbo Mansion, and the second wife's sister-in-law, Mrs. Zhang's family. There is also a relatively silent sister-in-law of the eldest grandmother Liu's family, who is more than 50 years old. old lady.Mrs. Li was talking with her in the hall opposite, but the smile on Mrs. Li's face was a bit forced.

Liu'er met Li in the past, and they all recognized each other, so there was no need to introduce them. Mrs. Li glanced at Liu'er, and said nonchalantly, "Although she is a cousin, she is a serious relative after all. Anyway, come here earlier to help Zhang Luo treat her. Guest. What are you still doing here, there are so many things outside, go out." In a bad mood, she dismissed Liu Er with a few words, and she wished she could leave. She promised, her face as usual, and went to see the betrothal gift of the uncle's mansion.

The second lady of the Nabo mansion stared at Liu'er's back, smiled and said to Li, "Such a wonderful person, not to mention your mansion, even the whole capital can't find many of them. Think about the dowry of the third grandma back then." , Tsk tsk, you family don't know, anyway, the girls in our mansion are incomparable. And now that the whole body looks more and more noble, it's no wonder the old general didn't kiss him, hehehe." The second lady doesn't care Whether to offend Mrs. Li or not, it is not her son who got married anyway, and she has never dealt with the head of the uncle's house. She is happy to add trouble to Mrs. Li, but Mrs. Li's face is turning blue and uglier, but she is hard to say anything.

After all, Jiang Suyun is no more than a relative, the so-called 'serious relative', but Li's self-deception, the background is there, let you be stubborn, and now when the real story is played, it will be a slap in the face, and now you can see the gap in the dowry up.

Lin'an Bo's mansion is not as good as Jia's mansion now, Liu'er heard from Feng Sanye privately that the elder brother-in-law of the house is also his eldest brother-in-law who is a prince. People can do it, but they can get by.Although the old matriarch prefers the second wife, but the second master is an old dude, and the second grandmother is the niece of the old lady's natal family. She is always jealous and stares at the second master's private room. She fights with concubines and aunts. When things fail, there is no way to talk about it, and there are only delays.When it came to the second room of the Wang family, the third master also said a few words of emotion at that time, saying that although getting married should pay attention to the right family, in fact, the family's views are only those who have shallow eyesight.Don't you know that if a person is not up to the task, no matter how powerful the natal or in-law's family is, it can make life worse; if the natal or in-law's family loses power and becomes a drag instead, it will be worse.It's better to be open-minded and take a long-term view. It's over when you look at people. After all, there is room for change because of people and things... Finally, Liu'er was cited as an example, and Liu'er gave him a hard time.

In short, the two families from the Lin'anbo mansion are mediocre. In the future, when the old lady passes away, the second house will undoubtedly decline.As for the third house of the concubine, the third master has been helping the mansion with general affairs. The third wife was born in a petty official family, and she has no foundation. All stronger.

Even so, the old matriarch didn't pay much attention to it, the betrothal gift of Sanfang, the eldest son, was only in accordance with the regulations of the mansion, and all eight thousand silver was fully prepared.

Because the eldest wife Feng Ying was ill, the matter was handled by the second and third wives together.One is the aunt next door who is greedy for money, and the other is the aunt who has been unsuccessful for a long time. It is conceivable how much the dowry gift of eight thousand silver can be realized.

Looking at it, it was also a shining [-]. Looking at it closely, it was nothing to look at, but it was just a count. Anyway, I will take it back with the cousin girl in the future, and it belongs to your Wang family. Naturally, the Feng family doesn't care how much it is.

But some people care about face, this is also the reason why Xiao Li's face is not good-looking, and the cousin girl stays in the house and does not come out.

After returning home, Honghua and Dong'er and the girls discussed in private, and said to Huangqi, who was doing her hair and makeup, "I think the style of the gold-haired noodle set is a bit too old, and the color is a little dark, so I don't think it needs to be done again, or It’s also good to fry it.”

"At any rate, Lei Si ordered the emerald green ones. Although there are only two sets, they are still passable. Just look at those ruler heads, they are obviously filled with dust, and if they show a little bit, no one can see them. The tricks are not new." It was the voice of Sanqi.

"Okay, these are just small things, and they can be worth a few silver. It's a big Zhuangzi shop. These are good things. It's a pity that it's just a shop, and the location won't be too good. Alas, poor cousin girl, it's saved The mansion’s money is gone.” Mung Dou has always been more practical, half sighing and half gloating.

...

In fact, it was Xiao Li who was the most angry. She sat in the room that night with a cold face and was angry. Even her daughter didn't like to talk to her. It’s gone! Send the beggar! Is Lin’an Bo’s mansion poor and crazy? The regulations used to seem like it, but now it’s good. Compared with our mansion, it’s a shame!”

The so-called "in our house" naturally refers to the betrothal gift of Mrs. Feng at the beginning. Nanny Li and Suiyuan naturally knew about it, and dared not reveal it.

"A concubine is a concubine, and she really can't get on the stage. I don't understand this matter, no wonder it's useless! Poor Yun'er, I don't know how much trouble I have to endure after marrying. Alas, it's all because of my useless aunt. ..."

They were all complaining about themselves, and Mother Li saw that the fire was almost over, and tried to persuade her, "Ma'am, why blame yourself, it's not something we can decide. Besides, these are just external things, who can expect them to last a lifetime. As long as my cousin is doing well." In the future, the cousin girl will naturally follow Feng Guanxiapei to be the imperial wife, that will be the real beauty."

"That's right, my cousin is a scholar. If he reads well, he will naturally have a future. If he comes from a poor background, don't ask the source of the hero, he will naturally be more motivated. In the future, he will not look down on the cousin girl. It is also a good thing. Back then we How much of the third master's betrothal gift is the dowry of my late wife." If you can't compete with your parents, you will naturally have to fight yourself, it seems that you are still a cousin.

Mrs. Li just had a hard face on her face. She didn't really care about Jiang Suyun's future. She immediately stepped down from the donkey and sighed, "That said, after all, that child has been with me for so many years. How can I not plan for her?" Second, poor thing."

He was so panicked that he couldn't hold back his breath, and he ordered, "Please ask uncle and wife to come over and talk tomorrow."

Now that the dowry is available, it is natural for the uncle and wife to look after the dowry. This matter has passed the light of day. Anyway, Mrs. Dong is not short of these few silver coins, so she is happy to please both sides.Moreover, Mrs. Dong is well-informed and interesting, and Sanjiu Li tried her best to explain it to Mr. Feng, saying that Miss Biao was originally a relative of his father-in-law's family, and it was a love affair to raise her in the general's mansion. If he was not asked to buy a dowry, who would the Li family be? and so on.

The old man didn't take this matter seriously, and the fact was like this, so he naturally agreed and let Mrs. Liu take care of it.

In a few days, Feng Ziying got an errand, and Xiao Li was very happy, so she planned to do a three-day water and land dojo for her late sister Li, to comfort her spirit in heaven.After two days, it was decided to do a ritual in the Muni Temple in the west of the city.

Because the cousin girl got married in August, she also went to fast for three days and chant sutras in front of the Buddha to comfort her underground parents.

When the wife goes out, Mrs. Liu and Mrs. Zhang naturally have to wait on her, even if Liu'er is not because of Mr. Feng, she still has to accompany her.

In this way, when you go out on June [-]th, there are already chariots, horses and sedan chairs, accompanied by servants, and a mighty group of people and horses, but it is also lively.

Honghua and Dong'er accompanied Liu'er in a car, and once settled down, Dong'er said, "I seem to have seen Qiu Hong just now, and followed Grandma Liu to get on and off the car where everyone was sitting."

Honghua didn't recognize Qiuhong, and she didn't say a word. Liu'er was stunned, and she had forgotten about this person at the back of her neck. She frowned and said, "I've heard Sanqi say that she always stays in the room doing needlework, sir. Isn't grandma calling out?" I always feel that every time I see Qiuhong, it's not a good thing, and I can't help being suspicious.

Dong'er also didn't understand, after she followed Liu'er into Feng's mansion, she heard Sanqi said that she had met her, and she also made a special inquiry, all she knew was that Qiu Hong had a miscarriage shortly after entering the mansion, and she was not favored, and her days passed She's not even as good as a girl, she's being taken care of by the grandma Liu, she's doing needlework except for sewing, I told Liu'er once, but I didn't take it too seriously.

Dong'er knew that Qiu Hong and Liu'er had some suspicions, but she didn't know clearly, so now she couldn't figure it out, so she put it aside.

On the other hand, Liu'er, after a little calculation in her heart, she is not what she used to be, so naturally she doesn't have to worry about being framed by an unfavorable concubine in her uncle's house, no matter how you look at it, she can't handle it now.There are also many servants and girls, and it is not easy for ordinary people to get close.Outside, Fan Yu, a boy sent by the third master, took two boys to follow him.

The most important thing is that Muni's nunnery also has a master, Layman Liaochen, who I haven't seen for a long time. To my surprise, going there is almost the same as going back to my mother's house.

For a moment the mood became clear again.