Xue Baochai, the belly of the Red Chamber

Wangfu, Ronghuatang

This is the main courtyard of the Wangfu. After three generations of the Wang family have taken care of and rectified it, the interior is magnificent, rich and glorious, and it lives up to its name.

The mistress of the Wang family, Wang Ziteng's wife, Shi Shi, sits in the first place, next to Wang Ziteng's brother Wang Zisheng's wife, Liu Shi, and the next are the two daughters of Wang Ziteng and Shi Shi , the second girl is Wang Danfeng, and the third girl is Wang Luanfeng.At this moment, Shi Shi and Liu Shi were chatting and laughing in low voices, and the two sisters Wang Danfeng and Wang Luanfeng were also discussing clothes and jewelry in low voices.

Several people were talking when they heard the girl come to report.It is said that the second aunt came with her brothers and sisters, and she has already arrived at the outer door.

When Shi Shi and Liu heard the girl's words, they immediately became happy, stood up, walked out of the hall, and brought Aunt Xue Xue Pan and Xue Baochai in.The aunt and sister-in-law will not meet again until ten years later, needless to say the joys and sorrows in the meeting, and after a lot of crying and laughing, they formally meet.

Shi didn't wait for Aunt Xue to introduce her, so she took Xue Baochai's hand and said with a smile, "This is Sister Bao, right? The last time I saw her was when she was full moon, and she was already born like a snow doll." Now it has become so big in a blink of an eye, and it is very beautiful." Then he took off a jade pendant hanging on his body, put it on Xue Baochai himself, and then said: "Although this jade pendant is not worth What do you do? But I also worshiped in front of the Buddha for 49 days, and it also touched a bit of spirituality, and wearing a protective body on weekdays is also good."

"The niece thanked the second aunt for her kindness. She will definitely wear it well, and will not disappoint the second aunt's kindness." After speaking, she saluted gracefully.This jade pendant is the size of a baby's palm, green and transparent, it is made of high-quality old pit glass, carved into the pattern of carp playing in the water, and decorated with a red silk woven network underneath, it can be seen at a glance that it is the color of the little daughter's home.Thinking about this jade pendant, Shi Shi specially prepared it for himself as a meeting gift, so you don't need to ask Aunt Xue's meaning, if you accept it generously, you won't be rude.

Baochai's generous attitude made the second aunt Shi Shi very happy, and immediately took her hand and praised her again and again.Although Le's Aunt Xue spoke modest words, she smiled with only a slit in her eyes.

Later, Xue Baochai received a pair of beeswax bracelets from his aunt Liu.

Then he saluted each other with his two cousins, Danfeng and Luanfeng.Naturally, Aunt Xue brought out the presents prepared for Wang Danfeng and Wang Luanfeng when they were seeing the ceremony. The two sisters both had a set of gems, but just thinking that Wang Danfeng had made an appointment, they gave them to the one inlaid with rubies. As for Wang Luanfeng's, it's emerald.I also gave each of them a box of bean-sized pearls, which are most suitable for inlays, embroidery or clothing.

"Pan'er has met first aunt and second aunt." Xue Pan respectfully saluted Shi and Liu.

Xue Pan's appearance resembled Xue's father in appearance, very refined, and he was polite, if he didn't speak, he looked like a handsome young man, which made Shi and Liu very happy to see him. I have always praised Aunt Xue for teaching children, and the pair of children are so outstanding.

"Sister-in-law is really flattering you. Pan'er is a bit more stable at this time, and the rest of the time is also very strong. You are a little devil." It is only after the master passed away that Pan'er's temper has improved.

Seeing Xue Pan's politeness because of childlessness, Shi Shi was naturally more pleased than Liu Shi, and praised: "Sister, you are polite. I think Pan'er is very polite in his actions and words. I heard that he is very good at boxing and kicking. Now that he is so young, he will not be able to take over his uncle's mantle in the future." From all perspectives, she was much better than her nephew Wang Ren who was spoiled by her sister-in-law.

Listening to Shi's words, Mrs. Liu nodded her head in agreement, but she was actually a little unhappy in her heart.

You must know that her son Wang Ren is the only male in the Wang family. If Wang Ziteng does not have a son in the future, then her son will naturally take over all his future affairs.Wherever it is his turn to intervene a nephew.But she thought so in her heart, but she didn't show it on her face.Although she married the eldest son, when the old master passed away, he passed the patriarch of the Wang clan to the second son. Although she was not angry, she did not have the right to speak out about the affairs of the clan.This Shi Shi even puts pressure on her in everything and everything, making her feel stuck in her heart, not to mention how aggrieved she is.Fortunately, Shi Shi has only two daughters since he entered the house and has not given birth to a son, which made her feel somewhat comforted.

The whole family met the ceremony, recognized the person, and offered a favor, native objects and other objects.When it was almost noon, the servant girl came to report, saying that the master had returned.

This is the first time Xue Baochai sees Wang Ziteng.

But even though it was the first time they met, in the past two or three years, Xue Baochai had written and communicated with Wang Ziteng quite often.Therefore, she can be regarded as dealing with Wang Ziteng, and she is definitely a shrewd person.

Wang Ziteng was born as a military commander, so he carried a vicious aura about him. Although he could restrain himself, sometimes he would show it unconsciously, and his temper was a bit serious.Therefore, in terms of momentum, it is absolutely superb, and just one glance will make people's legs weak.Xue Pan was very afraid of this uncle. When he saw him, he was very honest, asking questions and answering each sentence, and he couldn't see the appearance of a little bully.

As soon as Wang Ziteng came back, his uncle Wang Zisheng brought his son Wang Ren over.

Cousins, cousins, and cousins ​​naturally greet each other again.

This is the first time for Xue Baochai to meet her uncle Wang Zisheng.It can be said that the eldest uncle Wang Zisheng and the second uncle Wang Ziteng can't tell that they are two brothers of the same blood, no matter in terms of appearance or momentum, there is no similarity at all.

The second uncle, Wang Ziteng, has a firm face, a slender figure, and handsome features. If you ignore the evil spirit that will inadvertently flow from him, he looks like a literati rather than a general.Uncle Wang Zisheng is a little fat, because he has been addicted to drinking all year round, his footsteps are a little sloppy, his eyes are a little cloudy, he is completely a child of wine.In fact it is true.Although Wang Zisheng is the eldest son of the Wang family, he is not capable at all. He doesn't like reading, and he doesn't know martial arts. He only has a donated title of Tongzhi.So although he is the eldest son of the eldest son of the Wang family, the position of head of the Wang family is held by the younger brother Wang Ziteng.

As for the only male in the Wang family, Wang Ren.

Xue Baochai was very displeased from the bottom of her heart when she first saw it.At the age of eighteen or nineteen, he was dressed in brocade robes, and his face could be called handsome, but there was a frivolous and impetuous look between his brows, and his eyes had been on that beautiful girl and himself since he entered the door. Turn back and forth.When talking to himself like that, that lewd look is really annoying to see.

Wang Ren looked like this and could tell at a glance that he was a coquettish and playful young man who was spoiled since he was a child. With his current appearance, if he didn't put in a lot of effort to train him, he would definitely be like his father in the future, just a drunkard. .

"Our elders are talking about family affairs here, and it's boring for you to listen to here. Dan'er Luaner, take your cousin to play in the garden. Now is the time when the flowers are blooming, and the garden is full of excitement. It's the same for Ren'er, take your cousin to play." Shi said suddenly.

Wang Ren couldn't stay anymore, but his second uncle, whom he had always been afraid of, was there, even though he felt uncomfortable, he didn't dare to say that he wanted to go out, and now he heard Shi Shi's words.As if he had received an amnesty, before anyone could speak, he nodded his head in agreement, saluted hastily, and dragged Xue Pan out.

His move made Wang Ziteng frown.

Both Wang Danfeng and Wang Luanfeng were taught very well by the Shi family, so when they heard this, they knew that it was adults who had something to say, and it was inconvenient for their juniors to be present.Therefore, I quickly got up and responded.

Xue Baochai also followed the two sisters Wang Danfeng and Wang Luanfeng, saluted and went out.

After all the children had gone out, after getting Wang Ziteng's signal, Shi also let some irrelevant maids and women out.Only the big girl who is close to her is left to serve in front of her.

"Second sister, in the past two years, is there still someone making trouble?" After the girl withdrew, Wang Ziteng asked Aunt Xue.

Aunt Xue shook her head when she heard the words and replied: "That's not the case. Although Bao girl is young, she has all the skills that her father taught her, she has a loyal servant to help her, and her elder brother always takes care of her here, so no one has ever heard of her." Dare to make trouble."

Wang Ziteng also nodded: "Bao Yatou is a powerful and resourceful person. With her temporarily guarding the family business, there is nothing wrong with it. It's just something wrong. Bao Yatou is always a daughter who wants to marry out. Pan'er stands up. But I don't think Pan'er has much talent in business. On the contrary, in martial arts, he has some talent. If he cultivates it, he will become a talent in the future. It's just a pity that such a huge family business will become a talent in the future. I'm afraid it will be cheaper for the second house." Bao girl is very talented in business, but she is a daughter who cannot inherit the family business. Otherwise, Pan'er is working hard outside, and Bao girl takes over the family business, wouldn't it be the best of both worlds.

"Who says it's not! The master has regretted more than once. Bao girl is more than a hundred times stronger than Pan'er, but she was born as a daughter." Aunt Xue also knew that judging by her son's posture now, she would be a general in the future. all the way.Of course, although her son can't inherit the family business, but with such a progressive heart, he might be able to earn her a royal wife in the future, so she can only be happy.No matter how rich the family is, it still bears the word "Shang" after all, and Pan'er has an older brother to help her all the way, so she can rest assured.It's just a pity in the bottom of my heart, the family business earned by several generations of family members will be handed over to Xue Biao of the second room in the future.

Wang Zisheng also said: "It is destined to be so, and there is no way."

"Let me tell you, it's really hard for Bao girl. How old is she to shoulder such a heavy burden? Second sister, when Bao girl gets married in the future, you have to love her more." Liu said with a handkerchief He wiped the corner of his mouth and said with a smile.

Although Bao girl was born in a merchant, she is also an imperial merchant. Although she is not worthy of Ren'er in her status, she is now in charge of the Xue family's family business. When she leaves the cabinet, she will definitely save a lot of money. With money from her own house, and she worked hard to take care of the family business, the second sister must love her very much. When she leaves the cabinet, the dowry will be two to three hundred thousand taels, which is only natural.Her large dowry can make up for her lack of status.It would not be a disadvantage for Ren'er to marry her.But now there is one thing, Bao Yatou is only 30 years old, and she is more than a year away from Jiji, and Ren'er is twenty.The difference in age seems to be a bit big.

Shi Shi didn't know that Liu Shi already had such a small calculation in his heart, if he knew, he would definitely laugh in his heart.As for Wang Ren's greedy, lustful and irresponsible temperament, anyone who loves his daughter would not give it to him.But Mr. Shi is obviously not the roundworm in Mrs. Liu's stomach, so I don't know Mrs. Liu's thoughts

At this time, when she heard Liu Shi's words, although a little surprise flashed in her heart, based on her understanding of her sister-in-law, these two sentences really didn't seem to come from her sister-in-law's mouth.It's just that she also agrees with Liu's words: "Second sister, although what sister-in-law said is a bit true, but it's not bad, Bao girl is a top-notch child, and she deserves it."

"However. When Bao girl reaches the age of many people, I will ask your sister-in-law and second sister-in-law's opinion more? Let us also take good care of Bao girl." Wang Ziteng said this with sincerity.He even thought, if it wasn't for the fact that he didn't have a son and his nephew was not good enough for Bao girl, he really wanted to kiss Bao girl and let Bao girl marry back.

When Aunt Xue heard this, she was filled with joy, so there was no reason not to answer: "Then I will thank my brother and sister-in-law first." When she went to Beijing, she naturally considered the marriage of her two children.I was still thinking about how to speak to my second brother?Now that the second brother took the initiative to talk about it, it was naturally the best thing.

"In late autumn, go pick up some fresh melons and fruits, and ask Mother Xu to pick up some of her best pastries and snacks." Then she smiled and said to Xue Baochai: "Cousin, you can try our pastries. Although It’s not as refined as the ones from Jinling, but it’s also quite different.”

Xue Baochai smiled and said, "Thank you, cousin. When I was at home, I often heard my mother say that the cook in the house is very good at making pastries. I don't want to be able to taste it myself now, but it's just a matter of concern." Maybe it's a marriage For more than ten years, Aunt Xue was married for more than ten years. Because she was married in Jinling, she never came back once. When she was at home, Aunt Xue liked to talk about things that she had never left the cabinet.

Wang Luanfeng is a lively person. Hearing what Xue Baochai said, she immediately smiled and said, "Sister Bao, I will eat more after a while. You must know that Mother Xu's cake making skills are excellent, especially the white sugar cake. Eat enough to make your tongue fall off!"

"Really? Since Sister Luan said so, I will have a good taste in a while." Xue Baochai said with a smile.

Wang Danfeng saw Xue Baochai's natural and generous temperament, and her speech and behavior were very stable, so she immediately liked her a little more.He smiled and said: "Although the white sugar cake made by Xu's mother is delicious, you two should not be greedy for a while, just add two yuan to try." Seeing Wang Luanfeng's face with some displeasure, She frowned and said, "Luan'er, don't mess around for a while. Too much food will hurt your teeth."

"Okay. I see." Although Wang Luanfeng knew that what her sister said was reasonable, she only liked the white sugar cake made by Xu's mother the most among all the pastries. However, both Shi Shi and Wang Danfeng always held her back. A lot of food, only one piece a day, I thought that the guests who came today could eat more, but I didn't want it to be the same.So I couldn't help but muttered to express my displeasure.

Seeing this, Wang Danfeng couldn't help laughing.They are all 12 years old, and they will start seeing each other in a few years, and they are still so childish.Turning to Xue Baochai, she said: "Because she is the youngest in the family, so she can't help being spoiled, but she has developed such a petty temper. It really makes you laugh, sister Bao."

"Sister..." Wang Luanfeng's cheeks flushed slightly when she heard Wang Danfeng's words.

Xue Baochai smiled: "My daughter's family is inherently delicate, so it's not unreasonable for sister Luan to be like this. Besides, I think that sister Luan is straightforward and cute, very cute."

Xue Baochai was a good talker, and with Wang Danfeng and Wang Luanfeng, the three chatted happily in the garden, and their relationship quickly changed from unfamiliarity to familiarity.