Prequel to the Red Chamber: I Am the Second Wife

Zili immediately understood the meaning of Jia Min's words, did something happen to Xue Baochai in the palace? "Exactly. She is just such a girl. She was like a precious jewel at home, but she ended up entering the palace. Although she looks good-looking, she can't be by her side every day. I've been so busy these days that I've been dizzy and dizzy. , and don’t know anything about the outside world. What do you know?” Zili asked Jia Min.

"It's not a big deal. I heard Yu'er's father said that the emperor has recently hated Concubine Shu for some reason. He seems to value Xue Xuan's attendant very much, and asked her to help the empress to manage the sixth palace. It's hard for her. Her family background is not very outstanding. , the position is also low, and it has come to this step. It is getting late and I have to hurry back." Jia Min said goodbye and went home without mentioning it.

Jia Min left, but Zili began to think in his heart. It is not impossible to assist the Six Palaces with Baochai's talent, but Concubine Shu's love for many years has been so quietly alienated by the emperor.How many things are there?If it was said that the empress did it, Zili would not believe it at all, the empress has no calculations or a heart.She is a person who is content with the status quo. Seeing that the crown prince's position is stable, and Yuan Chun gave birth to the grandson of the emperor, she has nothing to worry about anymore.Just wait for the prince to inherit the throne and enjoy his old age.It's not a rivalry with Concubine Shu. When Concubine Shu was favored by Concubine Shu when she was young, the Queen endured it, so why bother to make trouble now.

If it is about the emperor, Concubine Shu is also a favorite concubine who has been with her for many years. She also gave birth to two princes and a princess. The husband and wife are very kind every day, even if it is for the sake of the children, they will not make Concubine Shu look bad.Moreover, as Concubine Shu got older, she lost her previous sharpness and pride, and she also lost her aggressiveness towards people.He was also very tolerant towards the new concubines who came into the harem, the emperor definitely would not easily fall out with Concubine Shu.Zili weighed Jia Min's words over and over again in her heart. Her hesitant expression and secretive tone made Zili believe more and more that the incident of Concubine Shu's fall from favor had a great relationship with Baochai.

Just now when Aunt Xue came to look like she had something to say, Zili became more and more certain that something big must have happened in the palace when Jia's family was busy with Jia Zhen's funeral.He can only hate himself for not being able to enter the palace to see Yuanchun now, so he can only ask someone to enter the palace tomorrow to greet Yuanchun and ask what happened.

In the evening when Jia Zheng came back for dinner, Zili said that Jia Min proposed marriage to Xichun. Jia Zheng was very happy when he heard that this girl finally did something reliable. Like it. "A few days ago, I watched Lian'er's work with cold eyes. He was kind. He was worried that the fourth girl would be wronged. He was looking for children from official families, and even from families with meritorious deeds like ours. Children from such families Good is naturally good, but it is easier to come out to be a dude. Especially in the current situation, not to mention other people have to weigh it. How the result is, it is not a bad nose. This Zheng Zhongxiao may look poorer, But he is a student who came up from school and knows how to make progress and work hard. In the future, he will start a family and start a career, and he will know how hard it is. Since this is the case, I will go and see for myself. I think Si Yatou is just like our own child. If this Zheng Zhongxiao is a malleable talent, I would be willing to promote him. "

"That's naturally the best, but you have to be careful. Scholars are a bit arrogant. Don't let them think that we are looking down on him. By the way, I heard from the third sister that Bao girl is very embarrassing in the palace now. Can you What did you hear?" Jia Zheng frowned slightly, and put down his chopsticks: "I'm not interested in the rumors of the palace, I just heard that the emperor asked her to help the queen with the affairs of the sixth palace. I just watch Bao girl when she is in our house. She is very stable, she is more careful in her work and speech than others, and her temperament will be like a fish in water in the palace. Speaking of her, I suddenly remembered that in the old year, they were all in front of me, and everyone said what they said. She can figure out my thoughts and cater to me with words."

Due to the rules, Jia Zheng was not very familiar with the girls of the Jia family after Yuanchun came out, but judging from his daily contact, Jia Zheng commented on Baochai that the girls are very smart and good at observing words and demeanor. Innocent and lovely little girl, not much heart.After listening to Jia Zheng's words, Zili became absorbed and sighed: "This girl is just too smart. In fact, I wish she could find a good man outside the palace to marry."

"That's right. Ever since Yuan girl entered the palace, I feel more and more that the most important thing for a girl is to have a stable life. It's just wealth and glamor that many people can't see through. Even we ourselves get lost sometimes." Jia Zheng picked up the chopsticks I picked up a piece of fish for Zili: "You look bad these days, the juniors will learn how to do things at home, take a good rest for a few days. I'll call an imperial doctor to show you how it is. Eat some Tonic to take care of the body."

Zili glanced sideways at Jia Zheng: "Since when have you been so calm and not wanting to make contributions to your ancestors? I am in good health, and I just need to rest for a few days. I don't have a life of leisure and happiness. Aunt Xue is here to see you today." Seeing that the third sister was here, she left without saying anything, I guess she will come anyway. Maybe it's about Bao girl! I didn't want to get involved, but now she can only talk to me!"

"For other people's affairs, I will return what you told me just now. If the matter involves the palace, be careful. Since you don't want to take medicine, you can rest for a few days. It's Zhu'er's errand, the emperor wants to let Zhu'er go." Foreign appointment. It's a good job, to go to Jinling to be the governor. Jia Yucun has been promoted!" Jia Zheng frowned slightly as he spoke, he was a little worried that Jia Zhu would go to Jinling alone. "I asked Zhu'er what he meant, and he was very willing to go out. Once Zhu'er goes out, it will be difficult for you. You must have someone to help you. Baoyu's dormitory should also be on the agenda." It seems that Baoyu married a daughter-in-law to share Zili's burden.Are you really looking for a wife for your son or a helper for yourself?

"I'm still worried that Baoyu's appearance will delay the girl. You see, the old lady didn't mention Baoyu's marriage. I thought how about asking Aunt Zhou and Aunt Wang to come and help me?" Li Jin naturally wanted to follow Jia Zhu. Jinling went, Li Jin left, and Zili was left alone to support the huge family business. Although Tanchun was capable, but her status was embarrassing, and she was from a girl's family. How long could she be by Zili's side?Therefore, Jia Zheng planned to tell Baoyu about his marriage now, so that Zili could relax in the future, but after hearing what his wife said, Jia Zheng couldn't help sighing, and said fiercely: "This unsatisfactory thing, in addition to being a drag What else can parents have!"

"It's your son anyway. I don't think Baoyu is bad in nature, but his temperament is not suitable for such a life. On the contrary, Yun girl is sincere to Baoyu. It stands to reason that I should fulfill her wish. If we propose marriage to the Shijia, how can I I will agree. It's just that I feel sorry for Yun girl. She lost her parents since she was a child and lived with her uncle and aunt. After all, she is not her biological parents. Although her uncle and aunt also raised her wholeheartedly, she has never enjoyed the feeling of being pampered since she was a child. She is married to Baoyu, you see Baoyu herself needs to be taken care of by others, who will take care of her. I am really conflicted, I feel sorry for my child and Xiangyun." Zili smiled self-consciously, Jia Baoyu was no longer a weapon. She was also born, and every mother hopes that her children will be taken care of by others in marriage.But a voice in her heart reminded her not to be too selfish, Xiangyun didn't think so much at a young age, if their elders pretended to be stupid and waited for raw rice to become cooked rice, Xiangyun's marriage might not be happy in the future.

"You are really kind. In fact, you are overthinking too much. What you value is that the husband and wife work hard together and manage their lives well, but Xiangyun does not necessarily value this. She may just like Baoyu. She is willing to endure hardships, and Baoyu's future We will try our best to make arrangements, so that their life will not be so hard. Seeing the old lady has been depressed these days, why not put Baoyu's marriage on the agenda, and make the old lady happy." Jia Zheng discussed Plan for Baoyu's engagement.

Zili pondered for a while and nodded: "That's the only way to go. Talk to the Shijia first, and wait until Daiyu's marriage is over in a few days before going to the Shijia to formally propose marriage. You should invite a few matchmakers over. Don't It made historians think that we underestimated them. It was also to save face for Xiangyun." The husband and wife talked for a while, and the sky became darker.Autumn Equinox brought the girl in and asked Zili to wash up.Jia Zheng saw that Zili was about to go into the house to change clothes and freshen up, but he was still sitting under the lamp with a book in his hands, pretending to have no intention of leaving.

Qiufen stood behind Zili to remove her make-up, hesitatingly, looking at Zili's face, Zili waved his hands and raised his voice to the outside: "Is there anything else you need to do, master?"

Zili's words clearly meant to drive him away, but Jia Zheng put down his book and stood up, walked in pretendingly, looked at his wife who was taking off her make-up, picked up the comb on the dressing table and said to the autumn equinox: "Go and get married." Tell them at the second gate that I'm leaving the city tomorrow morning and tell them to get the horses ready." Qiufen saw that Jia Zheng was about to stay, she looked at Zili in embarrassment, and hesitated to move.

"Go and spread the word. Since the master is going out of the city tomorrow, let's go to bed early today!" Zili was a little embarrassed to avoid Jia Zheng's eyes. What happened that day was so sudden that she couldn't react.Fortunately, things happened one after another, and Zili kept avoiding Jia Zheng with the pretext of the East Mansion.Now that the affairs of Dong Mansion are over, she has no reason to prevaricate Jia Zheng.Watching Jia Zheng combing her hair patiently from the mirror, Zili was in a daze. It was a long time ago when Jia Zheng combed her hair last time.Many years have passed in the blink of an eye.Thinking of this, Zili fell silent, and just silently let Jia Zheng stand behind her and comb her hair.

With extra hands on his shoulders, Jia Zheng pressed Zili's shoulders and said in a low voice: "Life is too short. I looked in the mirror this morning and found that my temples are already gray. There is not much time in life to waste. If you continue to be so angry, you will get old. I was not good in the past, and I promise not to make the same mistakes in the future. Why don't we live the rest of our lives quietly."

Zili lowered her head and remained silent for a long time. Finally, she sighed and pressed Jia Zheng's hand on her shoulder: "Yes, we are all old. What's the use of raising children! Both Zhu'er and Yuan girl have grown up and have their own families, they flew away, and we are left. As for Baoyu, let him go. Let us two old guys live together."

Jia Zheng heaved a sigh of relief, he stared blankly at Zili, and waited for her to finish speaking. Jia Zheng still stayed where he was for a while, and finally he suddenly hugged Zili horizontally, his face excited, his eyes sparkling and screaming. He said: "With you, I would be alive! But you are not old at all, and we can still live a good life for decades." As Jia Zheng hugged Zili and walked around the room, he still wanted to get rid of Zili. Zili threw it up and caught it again, Zili was so frightened that he hugged Jia Zheng's neck and beat Jia Zheng's chest coquettishly: "You old lunatic, be careful of your old waist!"

"This old man is talking about being a teenager, so I'll show you if I'm getting old—ouch!" Jia Zhengle really twisted his waist in extreme grief, but he resisted not dropping Zili on the ground, but biting Tooth put her on the bed and immediately clutched her lower back and cried out that it hurts.That night, as soon as Jia's mother rested, she was disturbed by the movement outside. Yuanyang came in and said, "Don't worry, the old lady has nothing else to do. It's just that the second master accidentally twisted his waist. The second wife sent someone to ask if there is any traumatic medicine." Well. I've found it and asked someone to take it."

When Jia Mu heard that Jia Zheng was sprained, she hurriedly sat up and asked, "Well, why did you sprain your waist? You're not a young man anymore, you've become a grandfather, and you still have to spread the word like a chicken to make jokes for your children and grandchildren! Where is your second master resting today?"

Yuanyang pursed her lips and smiled: "It's at the wife's side. I heard someone said that I accidentally tripped under the lamp." Jiamu sneered: "Hmph, I'm just fooling you. Forget it, I don't have the energy to care about this either. Let them make trouble, anyway, it's not that I'm shameless." Jia's mother is an old man, and Jia Zheng and Zili have been in harmony for many years, but now they suddenly get better, and her mood is very complicated.

The next morning, Jia Zheng went out, turning his head three times at a time. Zili watched Jia Zheng's figure disappear before turning around, and saw the shivering autumn equinox with his head down and laughing. "You bastard made fun of me, so it's obvious that I've indulged you too much!" Zili blushed slightly, and cast a fierce glance at the autumnal equinox.However Qiufen knew that Zili was a paper tiger, she smiled and helped Zili in, showing no signs of fear: "Madam has always been merciful, and now everyone in the house praises Madam for her kindness, it's not that I don't know the rules, it's really It's the servant girl who is happy for his wife. I have been serving my wife these few years. I can see clearly what the master is thinking. In fact, the wife understands it in her heart, but it is just to save face. Now the master and wife have reconciled, and the family Isn't it great to live a harmonious and beautiful life? We, as servants, can also enjoy some happiness."

"Forget it, I can't control you anymore. After a few months, I will marry you all, and my ears will be clean. By the way, Yu'er's wedding is coming. Tomorrow, someone from the Lin family will come to pick her up. I told you to pack your things, but you have everything ready?" Daiyu was about to get married, and Zili prepared a lot of good things for Daiyu as her private house.

Autumn Equinox smiled and said, "It's been prepared a long time ago." Before he could say a word, he saw Aunt Xue coming with a little girl.The two of them entered the room and sat down, the girl served tea, Zili winked at Qiufen, Qiufen led the girls out.Zili waited for Aunt Xue to speak first, but after waiting for a while, Aunt Xue just sat there in a daze, Zili could only ask, "You're absent-minded, but what's on your mind? Pan'er got into trouble recently?"

Aunt Xue forced a smile: "Recently, Pan'er is very good. Compared with before, he is a different person. He spends his mind on business every day, and he is very filial to me. He always thinks about me when he has something to eat and play. It’s just the same thing. I mentioned it to him a few times. He’s not too young. Seeing that Zhu’er and the others have children, even the youngest Shixiang is getting married. He’s still like a horse without a bridle. I asked him if he had a girl he liked, so I could ask someone to talk about marriage. Who knows that Pan'er is always reluctant to mention marriage. I am such a son, so the incense of Xue's family can't be in my hands?" Said Seeing that Aunt Xue's eyes were red, she wiped the corners of her eyes with a handkerchief and complained to her sister.

"Could it be that Pan'er is still thinking about Xiangling? If so, it's better to fulfill them." Zili was relieved, she thought that Aunt Xue would talk about Baochai's affairs, and she never wanted to intervene in palace affairs, in her heart Just thinking about how to prevaricate Aunt Xue, unexpectedly my sister was talking about Xue Pan's marriage.From Zili's point of view, as long as Xue Pan doesn't marry Xia Jingui, he will be fine, but looking at Xue Pan's behavior and words recently, Zili can't help but sigh with emotion.Ever since Xiangling went back with her parents, Xue Pan didn't go out to spend time, drink, or mess around, just like a different person.Comparing Xue Pan's infatuation with Baochai's indifference, one can't help feeling that they are all born of the same mother, why is there such a big difference?

"That's all I can do. Whoever tells me this is my son and I can only let him go. Today I want to ask my sister for something. If my sister agrees, my whole family will kowtow to her." Aunt Xue As soon as the subject changed, Zili trembled as she looked at Zili with earnest eyes.Nothing good!

"We are sisters. If you have something to say, just say it. I will help if I can. It's just that you know the situation in our house. It's hard for the mud bodhisattva to cross the river." Zili didn't refuse or agree. This circle does not tell the truth.

"It's a good thing to say, it's like this. My sister knows that Baochai is in the palace. She sent word a few days ago that she wants to take Xichun to live in the palace for a few days." Aunt Xue stammered a few words. It looked like she was confused by what medicine was in Baochai's gourd.Zili raised his eyebrows, and his heart moved slightly. What is Baochai's plan?Seeing that Jia Zhen and the Ning House are in ruins, it will be a matter of time before the emperor investigates Duke Ning's family.What happened when Baochai said that she wanted Xichun to enter the palace?

"Thank you, Bao girl, for thinking about this younger sister. It's just that you know the temperament of the fourth girl. The day before yesterday, she was arguing to become a monk. What if she entered the palace and got a weird temper and offended the nobleman. Yesterday Daiyu's mother came, and Mrs. Lin Gu The fourth girl talked about the marriage, and both the old lady and the master were willing. This morning the master went out to see the new son-in-law at the Lin family. You also know that the fourth girl is in a very difficult situation. I know Bao girl is kind, but because of the fourth girl It’s not called Baochailuo. You think of a place like the palace, where one stares at the other, and you can’t make a mistake. In the past, it’s okay for the four girls to go to the palace to see the elder sister. But now it’s better to avoid suspicion.” Zili directly refused. Aunt Xue's proposal.

"Let me tell my sister the truth. The emperor wanted to ask Master Jing over there what he wanted to say, but Master Jing refused to say it. That's why he wanted to ask the fourth girl to live in the palace for a few days. Now that Master Zhen is gone, Master Jing is facing The same thing happened to Rong'er, but he was thinking about the fourth girl. I know my sister is definitely not willing, but there is nothing I can do about it." Aunt Xue lowered her head and did not dare to look into Zili's eyes, she was also worried Eight times, ever since Baochai sent the word, Aunt Xue felt that something was inappropriate, but Baochai's words made it very clear that this matter was related to her future.All mothers feel sorry for their children. It is already pitiful for Baochai to fight alone in the palace. Aunt Xue naturally wants to do her best for her daughter.

Zili almost laughed out loud when he heard his sister's words. It's just that Baochai wants to climb up.As a concubine, the most taboo is to get involved in disputes in the court.But Baochai would like to catch up with this post by himself.Even if Concubine Shu fell out of favor, she would have nothing to do with Baochai. "If it's the emperor's decree, just ask someone to deliver the decree. The old lady is the first one who refuses to agree to this matter. It is said that Mr. Jing over there values ​​the fourth girl the most, and I don't know who is talking nonsense in front of the emperor. If so Uncle Jing on the side really loves his daughter, and he will not ignore her from the moment she was born. There were people in Bianfu and over there who came to say hello, did he say a few words to the fourth girl? I saw that even if the fourth girl died in front of him, he would not blink. Even if the fourth girl enters the palace, can there be What's the use? Don't just get into someone else's trap foolishly!" Zili's eyes were sharp, and Aunt Xue felt even more guilty.