The oil bottle of the Red Chamber

There is a system in this dynasty. All the officials of the sixth grade and above in the court and their families who have an imperial order are allowed to enter the palace to receive a banquet whenever they are given a banquet in the palace.

As the head of the household department, You Ziyu is a sixth-rank official of the imperial court, and You Lao'an, as You Ziyu's aunt, also has an imperial order on her body according to the old system of conferring his wife and son.Only the Chen family, although You Ziyu's three-matchmaker, six-hire, eight-carried palanquin, was married to the continuation of the family, because he was already a widow before entering the door, and he was not innocent, so he could not be granted an imperial order according to the official rank of the husband's family.Therefore, when receiving the banquet on New Year's Eve, the Chen family does not need to go to the palace to congratulate, but only to play wine at home, wait for the mother-in-law and husband to come back from the banquet, and open the ancestral hall to worship the ancestors.

Long before entering the door, Mrs. Chen knew that she had no imperial orders.Because at that time, my elder brother Chen Gui tried his best to persuade him, and because of the ancestral system of the court, there was nothing he could do.

However, when the matter came to an end, seeing You Lao'an dressed in a sixth-grade official uniform and entering the palace to receive the banquet, although Chen didn't show it on his face, he felt a little uneasy in his heart.

The third sister knew her mother's thoughts best, and she could see Chen's depression at a glance, so she had to whisper behind everyone's back to persuade her.Yin said again: "Mom, why is this so? From my point of view, there is nothing good about going to the palace to receive a banquet. If Mom doesn't believe it, let's look outside—it's cold and pitch black, and you can't even see the sun , I just entered the palace against the northwest wind. I kowtowed and said hello. After a lot of tossing, I couldn't even eat a mouthful of hot food, and I had to be fed with cold wind. It was a living crime. I still feel sorry for the old lady. I'm old, whether I can stand it, I'm glad my mother doesn't have to do this. On the contrary, my mother is envious of them."

Chen Shiyuan was still full of resentment, after listening to what the third sister said, and after thinking about it carefully, there was some truth in this lie.Immediately, he couldn't help but chuckled.He reached out and touched the smooth and full forehead of the third sister, and said with a smile: "You, I don't know where these tricky and weird ideas come from. After all, I can't say anything about you - I look at the world and say But you go."

The third sister saw that Chen's heart was also open, so she couldn't help but reply: "You don't care if this idea is tricky or weird, you just say whether my words make sense."

At the end of the sentence, I couldn't help laughing and teasing Chen Shi again: "It doesn't matter if you can get an order based on your husband's family. Mom should think about giving birth to a little brother for me. I will teach him when the time comes." Studying and progressing, just wait for him to go to the No. [-] Scholar Examination, and earn Mom a first-rank wife's order in the future, that is Mom's blessing. Even if he is going to suffer in the cold wind and rain, he is willing to do it, isn't he?"

Although the words of the third sister were a joke, they hit Chen's heart.Because she thought that she had been married into You's family for more than half a year, but there was no news in her stomach.Chen couldn't help being anxious.But it's not easy to talk about these worries and troubles with the third sister, so I have to bear it dullly.When I was going back to my mother's house in two days, I discussed it with my mother and sister-in-law.Or take medicine to recuperate or pray to God and worship Buddha, so you can come up with an idea.

The third sister didn't notice Chen's depression this time.Although she is more mature and stable than ordinary daughters because of the time travel, adults are willing to chat with her when they are uncertain about some things.But because of this, the third sister must have some independence and arbitrariness that has been permeated to the bone brought about by the influence of her previous life. These experiences made her unable to think from the standpoint of the ancients.For example, the things that Mrs. Chen is upset about, in the eyes of the third sister, they don't feel anything.

It has only been half a year since Mrs. Chen married into You's family, even though she is a newlywed, she is considered an "old husband and wife" according to her age, not to mention that You Ziyu may have some symptoms of weakness due to her previous indulgence.Even after being conditioned by the imperial physician, it is like wanting to turn a poor land into a fertile land sooner or later, it is not so easy.

Furthermore, the issue of heirs is not easy to force.The more anxious the heart is, the more unsatisfactory it is.There are many young couples who are seventeen or eighteen years old and have not heard from each other for three to five years after they got married.Not to mention Chen Shi and You Ziyu.Therefore, in the eyes of the third sister, she only felt that there was no need for her mother to be so anxious.

It's a pity that Mrs. Chen doesn't think so, and those who secretly covet You's family wealth and even Mrs. Chen's dowry can't tolerate her thinking like this.

Let's not talk about how anxious Mrs. Chen is about his children.It is only said that Youshi's mother and son will return from the banquet at the time of Chenshi, but they brought back a piece of bad news.

Just because the Empress Dowager fainted suddenly during the banquet, and now the world is ruled by filial piety, seeing that the Empress Dowager is not good, she immediately broke up the banquet, and led the prince and many princes to guard the Empress Dowager personally in Shoukang Palace.Concubines at all levels in the palace also reduced their meals and makeup, and served the sick in Shoukang Palace.The ministers of the court were concerned about the safety of the Empress Dowager, and none of them had any intention of feasting.So when I went home, I scattered all kinds of opera wine.As the head of the household department, You Ziyu had to follow Shangfeng's example.The first thing the Gu family did after they came was to order the housekeeper Pan Youliang to take the servants of the family to dismantle the stage, and asked Chen Shi to withdraw from the small opera.

Once the arrangements are in place, only then will I have the heart to lead the whole family, big and small, men and women, to open the ancestral hall to worship the ancestors.

It is thought that after the family members of the You family went to the house, they learned the coercion of the Chen family with the men of other families. When the ancestral hall was opened to worship the ancestors on this day, the You family members kept quiet and kept quiet at any time.It's not like what I said to You Ziyu before, "you must beat your daughter-in-law in front of your ancestors".Seeing this, Mrs. Chen didn't bother to take the initiative to make trouble.

At the end of the ceremony, all the clansmen left the ancestral hall and went to the upper room.After a cup of tea, we chatted a little more.All the clansmen dispersed.Mrs. Chen helped You Lao'an and sent him to the second gate.Turn around and come back for a while, and return to sitting upright.There were already two little maids who were serving in the room, laid out futons and offered hot tea.

You Ziyu brought Mrs. Chen to kowtow and offer tea to Mrs. You Laoan. Mrs. You smiled and gave the New Year's money purse and silver coins.

Afterwards, the eldest girl brought the second, third, and fourth girls to kowtow and offer tea to You Lao'an. After receiving the old lady's lucky money, she kowtowed again in thanks.Get up and kowtow to offer tea in front of You Ziyu and Mrs. Chen. You Ziyu and Mrs. Chen also give purses, all of which contain the New Year's Harvest.

Afterwards, several concubines and aunts of You Ziyu came forward to kowtow and offer tea, paying homage to You Lao'an, You Ziyu and the Chen family one by one.

Finally, the stewards, mothers, servants, and maids of the whole family also saluted according to the orders.Picked up the year-old boy.Only then was the carnival banquet officially held.Because there is no theater and wine to enjoy this year, the meal was only a little bit better before it broke up.Mr. You Lao'an is old, and he has endured the torment of entering the palace to receive a banquet, and he feels a little unwell, so he goes back to his room to rest for the time being.Just waiting for the evening watch.

The next day was the first day of the Lunar New Year, and because the Empress Dowager was ill, the banquet in the palace for this day has been avoided.Everyone in Youfu stood up five times, but went to the ancestral hall to worship their ancestors.After the second time, he returned to the upper room to receive the gifts from all the juniors.Because of the affairs in the palace, there is no joy of drinking and banqueting, but it is just for my own entertainment.

The next day was the second day of the Lunar New Year, Mrs. Chen returned to her natal home with her husband and daughter.I paid my respects to my parents and got free time, sent the younger generation to play, and then told my mother and sister-in-law about a concern in detail.

When Feng married into the Chen family, it was only after the third year that she became pregnant with Brother Rong.In the first three years, I was restless and restless, even if I had children smoothly later, it was engraved in my bones.At this moment, Mrs. Chen was talking about it, and they all found out.To judge others by oneself made my sister-in-law feel more and more distressed.

What's more, Chen's marriage to You's family is much more troublesome than her marrying into the Chen's family.No matter how restless she was at that moment, her father-in-law and mother-in-law were all sensible people, and they were not like other families who gave their sons and aunts a roommate just because she couldn't conceive.Chen Gui didn't use the excuse of being a heir to be difficult, and dragged people into the room.

Because of this, Feng always remembers the kindness of his parents-in-law and husband-in-law all his life.So afterward, Mrs. Chen made a fuss with her, even if Mrs. Feng complained behind her back, she still didn't feel the same as Mrs. Chen in person.He treats his two nieces as if they were his own.

What's more, since the Chen family and Li returned home, the aunt and sister-in-law have been together for a few years, and it's not like they couldn't get along when they were young.Seeing that Mrs. Chen is so anxious now, Mrs. Feng has nothing else to do to help her. She can only beg the teaching nuns that Chen Gui invited from the East Palace to take a look at Mrs. Chen's pulse, and maybe she can give some advice to the concubines and ladies in the palace to have children. The secret recipe.

Mrs. Chen thought the same way.

For a while, Nanny Yan was led in by Bixi, and Mrs. Chen spoke in such a way.Although Madam Yan has served the master in the palace, she is also familiar with pharmacology, and she has not been a master of gynecology in the Imperial Hospital for a long time.There is nothing to do with Chen's current situation.I had no choice but to give Chen the prescriptions for recuperating the body that the imperial physician often prescribed to the masters in the palace when he was serving the master.Yin smiled and comforted him a few more words, and only said, "Madam, don't be too impatient. The fate of children is determined by heaven. You can't force it. It's better to let nature take its course. Besides, the wife and uncle have only been married for half a year. The days will be long."

After hearing this, Mrs. Chen could only force a smile.Yin said: "I don't know about this. It's just..."

When Chen Shisi thought about those bad relatives of the You family, he couldn't help but let out a long sigh.Waiting for Yan Momo to turn around and go, she told her mother and elder sister-in-law about the visit of the You family members a few days ago.At the end, he was still angry and funny and said: "Tell me, how can there be such indifferent relatives. They even want to intervene in the family affairs of the nephew and daughter-in-law. Let me be shocked by a few words, and now it is considered to have stopped. "

When Mrs. Chen met Feng Shi, she also sighed and cursed.Thinking of the aunts and concubines in You's mansion, and the eldest girl from the front, Feng asked: "Your master's eldest girl is also seventeen or eighteen years old this year. Can you recruit people now?"

Chen Shi was startled, then smiled wryly: "Since I married into You's family, I haven't had any free time in the past six months, but I haven't freed up my hands to look after her."

When old lady Chen heard this, she had to tell her daughter once.Yin said: "Take it easy, don't get confused and do something stupid like throwing away the watermelon and picking sesame seeds. I advise you to move the other things to the back instead of delaying this one. Okay?" Yes, it's also related to her life. People outside saw her, not to mention that you don't have time to look after her, but it's like you, a stepmother, don't see anyone in your eyes. Seeing that she is not your own, you are lazy. It’s like neglecting discipline. Then there’s that villain who blackmailed his heart and liver and lungs, and said some things behind his back. .”

Mrs. Feng was beside her, and she also reminded Zhou Quan: "The old lady's words are very true. After the new year, you can take a look at Zhang Luoxiang for her. If the look is right, please ask for your name after waiting. Xiao Ding, it will take another year. The eldest girl will be seventeen or eighteen years old by then."

After hearing this, Mrs. Chen smiled and said: "Why don't I think so. It's just that my mother and sister-in-law know me. A few years ago, I stayed at home and didn't socialize or know anyone. Although I have entered the The door of the You family has no orders. I don’t even know who has promising young people. Not to mention the old lady in our family. I just ask my sister-in-law to take care of me when I invite you to dinner and wine on weekdays. I am careful."

When Feng Shi heard the words, he naturally agreed.

When everyone returned to the residence at night, it was rare for Mrs. Chen to show off her behavior and ask You Ziyu for credit.You Ziyu may wish that the Chen family will join You's family, but he can think about the life of the eldest girl, and he is even more grateful for Chen's loving mother.In addition to being emotional, he couldn't help but promised many benefits to Mrs. Chen, and took the initiative to hand over the ladder of his private house to Mrs. Chen for safekeeping.

After the second time, everyone went home, changed clothes and washed, and went to the upper room to say hello.It is rare for Mrs. Chen to mention to Mrs. You Lao'an that she begged her sister-in-law to pay attention to the heroes in the capital and take care of the elder girl.You Lao'an was also full of praise, because he ordered Chen to allocate 3000 taels of silver from the public to arrange the dowry for the eldest girl, and hand over to Chen the dowry of the eldest girl's biological mother that she had received before.Order Chen to take care of his life.

Mrs. Chen did not refuse. After collecting the things, she became more meticulous and thoughtful when preparing the dowry for the eldest girl Zhang Luo.If it was in the past, when Chen saw large sums of money passing through his hands, he would have to be greedy to feel at ease.It's just that she has a rich dowry now, and she can earn 2000 taels a year just from the business of the farm store. At this moment, she doesn't look down on the few taels of silver for preparing the dowry for the eldest girl.In order to make a face in front of You Lao'an and You Ziyu, Mrs. Chen didn't bother to act stealthily, so she just threw out a lot of money and bought things, regardless of household items, boxes and cages, medicinal materials and spices, porcelain antiques, silk Luo silk satin, emerald emerald hair, four seasons clothes...these are the most fashionable styles in Beijing today.

When the Feng family went out to socialize, he did not forget to pay attention to the handsome young man with a similar family background.Today I asked the Wang family, and tomorrow I asked the Li family. Gradually, the acquaintances in Beijing and China all knew that the Chen family's sister-in-law was visiting her for the eldest girl of Youfu.Knowing that the eldest daughter of the You family has not yet settled down with her family, the Chen family has already prepared more than half of the dowry for the eldest daughter.Not only did he spend all the 3000 taels allocated by his father, but he also gave the eldest girl all the dowry of his biological mother.In addition, as a stepmother, Chen herself also subsidized 500 taels of makeup money.

As soon as the news spread, the acquaintances in Beijing and China all praised her, they only said that Mrs. Chen was really benevolent and kind, and treated the children of the first sister as if they were her own.He also said that the eldest girl of the You family is very lucky to have such a stepmother who doesn't care about money and only cares about planning and planning for her.No worse than a biological mother.

If it was a stepmother with shallow eyelids and pettiness, Zhang Luo only cared about her face when preparing the dowry but ignored the inside, or if she was more cruel and even ignored her face, she was only greedy for money, the eldest girl would have to endure it.

All of a sudden, the name and reputation of the girl from the Chen family became better and better in Beijing.Every household is proud to marry Chen's daughter.Even though the direct daughters born by Chen Gui and the Chen family are all well-known or not of the right age, the girls in the Chen family are more and more easy to marry.

Chen looked coldly at the flattery and pride of the clansmen, and she couldn't help but think of the back-and-forth chatter when He Li returned home a few years ago.

There is little time for busy times.After all this tossing, Chen also forgot to worry about his children.Unintentionally planting willows and willows into shades, when the dowry was ready in May of the next year, Mrs. Chen took a moment to figure it out, only to realize that her monthly letter was a month late.

Chen was overjoyed, and hurriedly asked the doctor to take a pulse, but he got the good news, only said that Chen was two months pregnant.When Mrs. Chen heard this, she was overjoyed immediately.Afraid that the doctor's pulse would be wrong and the pulse was empty, Huanxi invited two more doctors to diagnose the pulse, both of which were happy pulses.At that time the whole family was rejoicing, You's mother and son had a son in their middle age and a grandson in their twilight years, almost laughing silly.Busy people gave out porridge and rice, fasting monks preached, and the whole family gave three months of monthly money to show their joy.

Chen sent someone back to her natal family to announce the good news.The mother who reported the letter went to Chen's house to announce the good news. The old master Chen and the old lady Chen also felt that the joy fell from the sky, and hurriedly sealed the first-class reward with the visitor.He also ordered the subordinates to prepare food and medicinal materials for pregnancy and health and send them to You's house.Seeing this, Mrs. Feng happened to want to discuss the elder girl's marriage with everyone in You's family, so she simply brought all the maids and wives to the mansion to congratulate Mrs. Chen.By the way, she mentioned to Mrs. Chen the name and family background of the family she favored for the eldest girl.

You Lao'an was also there at that time, and after hearing Feng's introduction, he had to make the decision to meet his granddaughter for a while.We made an appointment with each other, pretending to be a couple of people enjoying flowers and drinking wine, we looked at each other for a while, and we were very satisfied with each other.

It's a pity that Fu Wushuang came, and God's will failed.Just at the stall where the two families were discussing to invite a matchmaker to come and propose marriage, another bad news came out from the palace—the empress dowager died.