[Red Mansions] The big maid struggles daily

In June, when Zhu Xiu's pregnancy was settled, Zhan Zhucheng's three families breathed a sigh of relief. It was very deserted, and there were only three serious elders in the three families.But the smaller the population, the more noble and noble it looks. Zhuxiu can move her arms and legs, and there are a bunch of nuns and girls who don't blink to protect her.Even Zhu Xiu's obedient temperament is very difficult to bear, but he is only thinking about the elders' wishes, and he is slowly forcing himself to get used to it.

It was Futian, and the admission grandma did not allow ice to be used in Zhuxiu's room, and even the bamboo mat and hibiscus mat for sitting and lying were sewn with a layer of fine cloth.

"What your uncle means is that our whole family will go to Miaofeng Mountain Villa to escape the summer heat, so that you won't be overwhelmed." Madam Zhu said as she picked grapes from the bunches one by one and put them on Xiaoyin beside Zhu Xiu. On the plate: "Although it's not iced, it was thrown into the well and splashed. It's cold, so don't eat too much."

Zhu Xiu touched her slightly protruding belly, and said with a smile: "This is a safe and quiet place, and I don't think it's too hot. Uncle is busy enough, and the Ministry of Internal Affairs has called several times in half a month. When we went to Miaofeng Mountain, why would my uncle run back and forth staring at the big sun every now and then. Besides, there was my father-in-law, Steward Qiu followed me in our house, just because I had something to go back, so I threw away my hands and left. It doesn't matter, how many people have to work for me."

Zhu Xiu didn't peel the grape skins, just squeezed a suction slip into her mouth, and casually put the skins on the porcelain plate beside her.Xin Dao, in this era, the roofs are very high, the living room is large, the flowers and trees outside are towering, and the verandahs are winding.

"In the summer months of the past, I used some ice from time to time, but today I really didn't notice how hot it was. Mom, this is what I put in my mouth. It will hurt people, I'm afraid it's a little girl." Zhu Xiu laughed while eating. road.

"It's getting worse and worse. Peel it and eat it, and choke it carefully."

"What can't be guessed, how ugly." Zhu Mama paused, and then smiled: "We all like men and women. It's just that my uncle is outside now, and my relatives are just hoping that there is a boy in your stomach. Be clear, it's not that you don't like your granddaughter, it's just that you're getting old, and it's mostly a thought of comfort." How the Zhan family treats their daughter, Mammy Zhu has seen clearly in the past few months, even though she thinks about Zhan Dong I was uneasy, but I was really grateful in my heart, and felt that I didn't marry my daughter to the wrong family.

"There's still half a year left, don't say this anymore, just be considerate of your father-in-law for my son-in-law." Madam Zhu instructed.

Zhu Xiu said with a smile: "His family has always had many children and grandchildren, but few girls, so I don't really care about it." Seeing her mother's eyebrows raised, Zhu Xiu hurriedly begged for mercy: "Okay, listen to Mom, what do you say? What's the matter, if I don't talk about it, it won't work?" Anyway, when the egg is fertilized, men and women are settled, so it's useless not to talk about it.

On the other side, Qiu Guanshi went back to Zhan's house early in the morning while it was cool and reported: "The eldest grandma is in good health, and the in-laws are also well-raised. The two birthing grandmas take turns to accompany them. Even the doctor said that our eldest grandma's baby is a baby. Well-raised. Master, don't worry."

Zhan Dalian didn't even bother to eat tea, and said with a smile: "That's good, that's good."

Aunt Gao on the side smiled and asked, "Is the child making trouble? Is grandma vomiting a lot?"

Zhan looked at Aunt Gao approvingly. He is a father-in-law, and some things are difficult to ask. After all, it is a woman who is careful.

Steward Qiu saw Aunt Hu secretly curling her lips from the corner of her eyes, and thought to herself, although this Aunt Hu is younger and more beautiful, she really doesn't look at her.This thought flashed by, and Qiu Guanshi smiled all over his face: "The little master is a filial and loving person, and the grandma does not have these symptoms. My mother-in-law stays with the grandma every day, and it's strange, grandma." Grandma ate well, slept well, and looked good."

Hearing this, Zhan Da was even more delighted, and said with a smile: "Like Dongzi, that brat is not a troublemaker. His mother thought he was a girl when she had him." After speaking, he sighed deeply.

Aunt Hu giggled and said, "Master, you like your grandson more?" As she spoke, her eyes slightly widened.

Zhan Da is only about forty years old now, and his tall and heroic spirit is nothing compared to Aunt Hu's sick husband.Aunt Hu was only 26, and after a long time, she felt that Gao, who was admitted at the same time, was plain-looking and dull-tempered. Give birth to a boy and a half girl.

But Zhan Da didn't have those extravagant thoughts and long-term love between men and women. He just felt that Mrs. Hu was stupid and ignored him, so he ordered Qiu to take care of things: "Tell Dongzi's daughter-in-law to take care of her with peace of mind. For the affairs of the house, let go and tell the family to take care of her." It’s fine for people to take care of it, don’t worry too much.”

Zhu Xiu was in her mother's house, but Zhan's family still had to take care of her. Fortunately, Zhan Dong was not at home, and with a small population, there were few things to do, and it didn't take much effort.

When Mrs. Hu heard this, she hurriedly interjected: "Although I have never given birth, I know that it is powerful inside. If the grandmother is older, I am afraid that she will not be able to take care of her. It is better to ask others to take care of it first, so as to save money." Tired grandma."

Zhan Da snorted and laughed: "I want you to take care of it? How about sending you to accompany Mrs. Zhao for two days to wake up your mind."

Mrs. Hu was so frightened that she didn't dare to make irresponsible remarks anymore, and even Aunt Gao flinched.They have all seen the first Mrs. Zhao, and they heard that the master had been alone for many years, but later his heart got bigger and his house was restless, so he was confined to Zhuangzi.On the second day after Aunt Hu and Aunt Gao were brought in, they were sent to the village to pay a visit to this "Sister Zhao". Rolling around, bumping into each other, and hanged himself in a sapo style.But no matter how hard she worked, no one in the village would put her eyes on her, and the master also said that if she was provided with simple tea and light food, the pension would be over.

Both Aunt Gao and Aunt Gao knew that this visit meant killing a chicken for the monkey to see, so the Zhao family was still a good family, and when the two of them voluntarily remarried, they signed the contract before they got married.The master also said that if he dared to provoke right and wrong, he would either stay with Mrs. Zhao or sell him far away.It was like a rein around the neck, Zhan Da never frightened people, it was obvious that Hu's words really annoyed him.

Qiu Guanshi acted as if he hadn't seen it, and only asked with a smile: "One more thing, my uncle and master said that we had discussed with the master to ask grandma to live in my mother's house for a period of time, but now I'm asking if our family wants to bring grandma back?"

Zhan Da laughed angrily, this old man Cheng, if he didn’t want to part with his niece, he just said it, and made fun of this ghost, "Dongzi’s mother left early, and it would be great to have his wife take care of him. Dongzi’s daughter-in-law can stay as long as she likes." Do as she pleases. I only need to trouble my in-laws, and I will personally respect him at the banquet some other day."

Qiu steward saw that he had nothing else to say, so he withdrew.

Zhan Da straightened his clothes and ordered the housekeeper: "I will stay at the second child's house for a few days. If there is anything to do, I will go over there to answer." After finishing speaking, he picked up his feet and left without looking at the two aunts standing in the hall.

The butler hurriedly responded, and sent the master away before calling the family members who stayed behind in the whole mansion, and said with a smile: "The master has gone to the second master. Now there is no master in the mansion, so lock the doors of the rest of the courtyard. Those who are not on duty lie down." Let me go, all those on duty will tighten their skins for me. The errands arranged by the grandma can be recorded in detail. Whoever dares to be lazy and slippery can be found out after checking the book. Don't blame me for not reminding you, such a good master There are not many families, if something goes wrong and you ask Tijiao to sell it, everyone, don’t complain!"

Except for the side courtyard where the two aunts lived, the Zhan family's mansion was locked with big copper locks.There is a team of young servants and a team of nuns, and the two teams patrol day and night.There are also internal and external butlers in charge, who have to outline and record errands every day.It's neat and orderly, not messy at all.

The two aunts were attached to Zhan Da, and when he was not around, the assigned nanny and maid were not allowed to leave the courtyard door even though they were still doing their best. Can't be more strict.Aunt Gao blames Aunt Hu for not being able to speak, which annoys the master;The two aunts were ashamed, like quails, they did not dare to cause trouble again.

"Dad went to the second uncle's house?" Zhu Xiu asked Qiu's mother.

Mother Qiu said with a smile: "The master and the second master are very close, and they often went to live there in the past years. The second master's house is on Lubao Street, not far away. If grandma has something to do, she can send someone there."

Zhu Xiu said with a smile: "Since that's the case, add another portion of the fresh food that the village sends to the family every day, and send it to the second uncle. The rose season on the flower village is blooming very well this year, so I asked people to move it." Send a few vats to my sister-in-law and younger sister." For some reason, this second uncle Zhan is also a widower, but the second aunt was quite fertile at first, and now she is living a life of childbearing and grandchildren, which makes Zhan Da jealous.Second Uncle Zhan's eldest son is Zhandong's big cousin. Besides his sons, he also has a palm of pearls under his knees, and he is the youngest of Zhandong's six cousins.

Without saying a word, a report came from outside: "Second Grandma Lian from Rongguo Mansion has arrived and is getting off the sedan chair outside the second gate."

Zhu Xiu was taken aback for a moment, why did she come here at this time without sending a post in this hot day.

Standing up: "Chunliu, please come in quickly." Calling Qiugui: "Go and tell your wife."

After a while, Chunliu helped Sister Feng into the Moon Cave Gate, and Zhu Xiu rushed out to welcome her. Sister Feng said with a smile, "Come on, come on! You're going to be rich, so be careful."

After the two said goodbye, Sister Feng carefully looked at Zhu Xiu's complexion, and said with a smile: "You are a lucky one, looking at your small face, like a pink bone. My mother's family loves my mother-in-law's family and dotes on me. Wait for this child to come down." , and a life of complete enjoyment.”

Zhu Xiu smiled and said: "Second Grandma said this, is it that Second Grandma's luck is still small? She only takes pictures of others and can't see herself. A few days ago, I heard from Sister Lin that the Second Master Lian now casts the eyes of Shuntian Fu Yin. Is it okay to run serious errands?"

Sister Feng smiled bitterly and said, "It's not a serious official, it's just that I have gained some experience."

Zhu Xiuyin said: "It's a good thing after all. The second master Lian is used to common affairs, money and food. In the future, he will be recommended by the governor. It's not a problem to seek experience and take care of him."

After hearing this, Sister Feng's face brightened, and she hurriedly asked: "You are very clear about the things outside. You said this again, and I know in my heart that you never want to talk nonsense, but have you heard any news? Okay? Sister, if you really know something, you tell me, I won't tell it. Don't hide it from me."

Zhu Xiu said with a smile: "I wanted to say it, but the second mistress must not say anything. When the second master Lian is at the critical moment, if other people have bad intentions and disturb it, it will be too late to regret it." Seeing Sister Feng's earnestness, she hurriedly confessed "It's hot weather, sister Lin doesn't want to bother the old lady to escape the summer heat, so I came to sit with me the other day and talked for a while. Master Lin and Shuntian Fu Yin are from the same township in Gusu. Master Lin said he was willing to donate his family background to his nephew because of his talent in matters such as food transportation and family land. After hearing this, Master Fu Yin said that if he had a family background, he would recommend the second master Lian to be a government official."

Sister Feng's eyes lit up, she hurriedly took Zhu Xiu's hand and said, "Sure enough, Uncle Lin really said so, and Master Fu Yin also agreed?"

Zhu Xiu nodded, fearing that she would dislike Zhao Mo as an eighth-rank official in the future, and explained: "Although the rank is lower, there is a favor of the governor, so I will just take it easy in the future."

Sister Feng wiped the corners of her eyes, and said with a smile: "Don't worry, sister, I understand. If you have serious errands, what are you afraid of being low-key! The Laoshizi Wupinlong Forbidden Captain of the Rong boy in the East Mansion has a false name and is useless. What's the point? If Lian Er really worked as a messenger... Amitabha!"

Zhu Xiu said with a smile: "Second Grandma has a clear mind. Just one thing, don't make it public. I'm afraid Mr. Lin doesn't want to let others talk about it." Lin Ruhai turned around to support Jia Lian, one of them blocked the mouths of the world, and the other of them also I don't want to ask Jia Mu to wait to stick to it.Otherwise, with Lin Ruhai's position at this moment, why should he be so troublesome.

Sister Feng knew very well that there was nothing wrong with bothering the old lady to escape the summer heat, but Uncle Lin really hated the old lady and the second room.She only found out later that the old lady actually had the face to ask for Baoyu to marry Sister Lin in front of Uncle Lin.What's more, when Uncle Lin came back to Beijing for the first time, he bumped into Baoyu's scandal.Don't say that uncle Lin's half a hundred people are only in the palm of sister Lin, even if they don't love their daughter, they won't be cruel to make their daughter a widow.

Sister Feng hurriedly responded with a smile.

Zhu Xiu smiled, and the Lin family naturally wouldn't go out of their way to express their merits, but Nanny Chen made this point on that day to let her family know, so the meaning is clear.Besides...

"I heard that Miss Ying's marriage is scheduled for August? But it's a coincidence that the family we've decided on is also acquainted with mine. Even if Second Grandma doesn't come today, we will send someone to visit you in a few days." Master Lin clearly understood I just want to let Jia Lian and his wife know, I'm afraid the matter of Rongfu will never be hidden from him again.Supporting Jia Lian is also to give the Jia family a pillar, so that when they are desperate, they will stick to the Lin family regardless of decency.

Sister Feng smiled and said, "That's right. The family is now fully prepared. I have met Mrs. Deng's family. The second sister will be able to live well after she gets married."

Zhu Xiu smiled and said, "I'll put on makeup for Miss Ying then." Then she asked, "We've been talking for a while, but the second grandma hasn't said anything yet. You came here in person on this hot day, but what's the matter?"

Sister Feng received her joy, and said awkwardly: "I'm here, one is that I heard that you are pregnant, let's take a look at you; the other is that the old lady is urging you, saying that I have something important to ask you to go to the mansion to discuss."

Sister Feng complained in her heart that the old lady had some kind of hysteria, so she insisted on going, and if necessary, asked Zhu Xiu to talk to her, and asked why, she only talked about the bitter summer, and only thought about Zhu Xiu's girl's craftsmanship.Sister Wang Feng didn't want to come, but she just refused, annoyed by the old lady, and forced her to come: "The old lady is an elderly person, it is very unreasonable, and you are a double body. If it is inconvenient, I will go back and replace it for you." Just shrug it off."

Sister Feng looked at Zhu Xiu, now this is also an order from the imperial court, the fifth grade is pleasant, and she is on an equal footing with the second wife, how big is the old lady, and she expects to order others to do things to serve her?

Zhu Xiu was taken aback for a moment, but she didn't think it was because of this, she wondered: "What did the old lady say?"

Sister Feng sneered: "That's not true. I've been here for a while, even if I'm done with the old lady's errand, don't worry too much, it doesn't matter if the old man wants to go or not."

That's the case, but Jia Mu came to invite her, but she didn't go at home. First, it was because of the truth; The third request is really not far away. Seeing that Tian'er sent someone to pass the message, my family can't make it through this day.Zhu Xiu thought in her heart, it was not easy for Grandma Feng to keep her feet on the ground, but the people beside her were still floating.It's like seeing Lai Shangrong after the Rong Mansion ransacked his home. Although he became a county magistrate, in the eyes of the defeated and white Jia family, he was still a slave who came and went.This Lai Shangrong is not a good person for being ungrateful, but the Jia family is also very strange.

"I troubled the second grandma to come to see me, but the old lady said something important. I haven't seen her for a while, so I should go and see her." Zhu Xiu laughed and said, "It's just a few days later, when we arrive Send a message to Second Grandma first." The promise is yes, but I still have to carry what should be served.Stretch it for a few days, and let's talk about it after getting mother's consent.

Knowing the situation, Sister Feng smiled and said, "What's the matter? I'm worried about the heat wave. You won't be able to bear it. A few days later will be the best."

The two went around, Zhu Xiuyin asked, "Why don't you see Ping'er?"

Sister Feng said with a smile: "Thank you for still thinking about it. Ping'er's stomach broke a few days ago, and now she can't stand the heat or the cold, and she needs to be raised for a while. At first we thought she was pregnant, so we were happy." It's like, who knows, it's just another joy."

Zhu Xiu took a closer look at Sister Feng's appearance, maybe it was hot, the powder on her face couldn't hold on, her sallow complexion became visible, and her bright red lips made people feel listless.

"Second Mistress, it's been a bitter summer, she looks a little thinner than before." Zhu Xiu said, gently pulled Sister Feng's wrist, frowned and said: "It's so thin, this tired silk bracelet can hardly hang on. "

Sister Feng didn't mention the entangled thoughts that Ping'er had mixed sorrows and joys during pregnancy, and her heart was at a loss, she just said: "It's not just a bitter summer. Not to mention Ping'er is sick, even the eldest sister is not feeling well, worrying about this and that. , I hate that I am a hard worker, and I eat more and more lazily. A table of dishes is put on and removed, and my energy is very short. If the old lady insisted, I really don’t like to go out at this time.”

Zhu Xiu has felt the pulse of Sister Feng, fluent and fast, as smooth as a round bead.Heartbeat: Although not very obvious, it is indeed a joy pulse.

Zhu Xiu knew a lot, but he couldn't speak directly, so he quietly hid himself and persuaded: "Seeing that the second master Lian is going to be successful, if you don't take care of yourself, how can you be a good helper. Although it is a bitter summer, don't worry about it." Careless, how much effort would it take to ask a doctor to look at it once? Please rest assured."

Sister Feng laughed and said, "Sure enough, she is going to be a mother. Well, I will remember what you said, and I will send someone to invite you when I get back."

After goingssip for a while, Sister Feng said: "We speculated about the errand of your Lian's second brother. We thought it was because of Bao girl. In private, Ping'er said that Bao girl looked cold, but she felt warm in her heart." My son, I still think about us now. Who would have guessed that it was because of Uncle Lin's affection, thankfully we knew about it, otherwise, I wouldn't be sorry if I made a mistake."

He also said: "You don't know yet. When your second brother Lian went to Shuntian Mansion to work, we sent people to send a lot of things to sister Xue. Even if Ping'er was sick, we just made several pairs of tiger heads. The shoes are added inside. It's not for things, it's just that we can't get over it in our hearts. This big sister Xue knows that we have received the wrong love, but she keeps silent and takes it for granted. I still said, why did you send it away? Don’t you have anything to say? It’s the same for Duanyang Festival. We left the ceremony, but the other side didn’t return the gift as if we had broken off the relationship. It turned out that we worshiped the wrong temple. Well, just accept it.”

After hearing her talk, Zhu Xiu realized that Xue Baochai was the daughter-in-law of Shuntian Fu Yin.The Xue family really disappeared from her life for a long time.

"Is there such a thing? Ping'er makes tiger-toed shoes. Could it be that Miss Xue is also pregnant?"

Sister Wang Feng didn't pay attention to the word "Ye", she curled her lips and said with a smile: "According to the days, I'm afraid she will give birth soon. Miss Xue is very capable. Her golden lock may really be able to suppress evil spirits, although I haven't heard of Fu Yin's The young master is very good, but after all, this marriage can be considered a good match."

As she spoke, she lightly stroked Zhu Xiu's lower abdomen, and said with a smile: "Now there is only one eldest sister in our room, and she is not worthy of expectations."

Zhu Xiu laughed: "That's not sure, the one who should come will come soon."

Sister Feng was sore in her heart, so she didn't pay attention to this, and wentssip for a while, and when the sun outside was not too bright, she got up to leave.

Zhu Xiu grabbed Sister Feng and asked Chunliu, "Second Grandma Lian came here in a sedan chair?"

Chunliu hurriedly said: "Yes. There is also a carriage."

Zhu Xiu said with a smile: "Waiting for our Second Mistress to get into the carriage. It's so hot outside, the carriage is spacious, and you can still breathe. It's the little sedan chair, waiting to be punished."

Sister Feng pointed at her and said with a smile: "Hey, my grandma who is in charge of the house has ordered me, how dare I disobey you, please divide your ice into a plate, and I will put it in the car, so as not to suffer."

Zhu Xiu glanced at the newly delivered fresh fruit on the table, and Qiugui immediately smiled and said, "Although there is no ice in our grandma's house, there are these fresh fruits..."

Zhu Xiu just laughed: "Hurry up and send a basket to the car, shut your mouth, and it won't be hot."

After laughing for a while, Zhu Xiu ordered the two nuns around her to send Sister Feng back.

"Grandma, is it possible that Second Grandma Lian is pregnant?" Qiu Gui leaned over and asked eagerly.

Zhu Xiu glanced at her: "How did you guess?"

Qiu Gui smiled and said, "I didn't see it before, but you pointed at Bao Mama and asked her to deliver it. We have a lot of people here. You only call the admission grandma, and even a fool can see it."

Zhu Xiu pointed to Chunliu and said with a smile: "This idiot didn't see it." Qiu Gui was more alert.

Wang Xifeng ate the sweet and fresh fruits, and they really benefited, and when they arrived in the courtyard safely, the mothers of Zhu's family left.

Sister Feng is ironic in her heart, but before she can change her clothes in the future, Mother Jia is already urging her.

Sister Feng had no choice but to report back beamingly. Mother Jia was delighted to hear that Zhu Xiu had nothing to say.He also heard that she said that she would delay her return for a few days, and her face immediately fell down. Although she didn't say anything, it was already blocking Sister Feng's eyes and heart.