Because I was tired from shopping last night.

The next morning, Jiao Shun took Xiangling and two jade bracelets in his arms and slept until three o'clock in the morning before getting up.

While they were washing up, Liu Wu'er came over and reported that the Xue family's uncle had just sent a bear's paw, saying that it had just been hunted outside the city yesterday and that it was bloody and fresh.

When he went back to the valley to hunt last time, Xue Pan was thinking about those old bears. He didn't expect them to be hunted by him!

To say that this guy doesn't know how to behave, those bears were originally a gimmick in the hunting ground in the valley. If they happened to run into them, it wouldn't be a big deal. If they were so persistent in hunting like him, they would probably become extinct before spring.

Even in the Duke's Mansion, fresh bear paws are rare - there are only three or five cooked ones on the plate every year.

Therefore, after Jiao Shunyong rinsed his mouth with tea, he led Xiang Ling and the others over to see what was going on.

Because it was a bear wintering after the new year, the bear's paw looked smaller than expected, weighing only six or seven kilograms, and the joints were obviously not fat.

When Xiangling saw the bloody flesh on the bear's palm, she immediately dared not look at it anymore and lowered her head to recite Amitabha.

"I'm afraid Sister-in-law Li [the cook] hasn't taken care of this thing before, right?"

Yu Chuan looked at it curiously, but couldn't help but said worriedly: "How about sending it to the house and letting the chef help with the cooking? Anyway, the old lady is hosting a banquet in the East Palace Flower Hall today, and they are at home

Being idle is also idle.”

In fact, this thing is just for freshness. It may not be as delicious as venison. If you do it casually, it will be a complete waste.

"Let's forget it."

Jiao Shun shook his head and said: "The few bosses in the Duke's Mansion all like the old lady to eat the soft, glutinous and bland food. It is just a waste to send this thing here - let's take it to Qinghong Tower and follow it.

Their method of roasting duck makes it crispy and delicious."

With that said, he summoned Shuan Zhu, who was bragging with the coachman in the gatekeeper's room, and ordered him to take the bamboo basket and carry it to Fenggong Market.

By the way, I gave him five taels of silver so that he didn't have to rush back and could just stroll around and have fun on the street - he could keep the money and spend it, but just don't forget to bring back some gifts for Granny Hu.

And because the post also specifically invited Jiao Da, Jiao Shun went to the east room of the hall to inquire.

After this winter, the old man became more and more depressed. But when he heard that he was going to Dongfu for a banquet, he immediately held his neck and cursed: "Whoever wants to go will go, but Uncle Jiao is too lazy to look at those turtles."

Lamb!"

So Jiao Shun went to the stove and asked him to get him something festive and easy to drink, so that the old man could feel the New Year atmosphere to some extent - but the wine should be less, so as not to let him get drunk again and hurt his health.

Seeing that it was approaching noon [eleven o'clock], Jiao took Xiangling and Yuchai out of the house and rushed along the inner wall to the front yard of Rongfu. Along the way, there was a big lantern hanging three to five steps away.

, there are bright red butter candles inside.

No wonder they all send lanterns to their own homes. There are so many sentimental arrangements. Even a remote place like the inner wall is covered with lanterns.

The lanterns are just returned, at least they can be put away and used again next year, but the butter candles are purely consumables, and they are quite expensive. If you light these countless lanterns, you will probably burn hundreds of taels a day.

silver.

After four or five days, it will be two to three thousand taels!

This is just the money for lamps and candles, the other expenses are probably more than twenty times!

Jiao Shun couldn't help but secretly marveled. He was not so extravagant in the first month of last year. This year, in order to build a separate courtyard, the family should have been more frugal, but instead they became more extravagant and extravagant.

When we walked through the hall and arrived at the Ningguo Mansion, the situation changed slightly - of course, the large flower hall was still decorated with flowers, after all, both the east and west mansions would hold banquets and festivals here.

Although the old lady was treating her guests in the evening, by noon the younger generation had gathered together.

Jiao Shun first sent the Xiangling and jade bracelets to Youshi's house, and then entered the flower hall alone.

At this time, the monkey show was being performed on the stage, and Jia Rong, Jia Huang, Jia Qin and other close relatives were patrolling back and forth in the large flower hall.

Seeing Jiao Shun coming in from outside, everyone came forward to greet him.

Jiao Shun returned the bow and asked curiously: "Where are Uncle Zhen and Second Master Lian?"

"this……"

Jia Rong said with a smile: "My father and second uncle heard that a famous actor came to the family, so they went to the back to praise them."

These days, except for domestic troupes that deliberately select women, the actors in operas outside are basically men. Generally speaking, there is no such thing as a wealthy gentry raping a female actor.

But when encountering masters like Jia Zhen and Jia Lian, even male actors cannot escape disaster.

Jiao Shun was feeling unlucky, and the posing monkeys in the stands felt that they were gay inside. It happened that Baoyu and Xue Pan came over with Jia Yun, and the gathering became more and more lively.

As expected, Xue Pan attracted the attention of the audience with his bear hunting experience. After he finished speaking with gesticulations, he realized that Jia Zhen and Jia Lian were not there. It was said that they were playing roles in the background.

At that moment, I was eager to join in the fun.

Jia Rong quickly stopped him.

It wasn't that he was afraid that Xue Pan would see something he shouldn't have seen, but that he was worried that the three of him wouldn't be able to share the spoils.

Everyone gathered at the table, Hu Xi from the mountains and the sea, chatting in the court and the market, and somehow they came up with the story that Lieutenant Wang was in the south and was ordered to meet with the envoys of the Western Yi.

"Listen to the newspapers."

Jia Rong then asked Xue Pan: "Your uncle also boarded the iron-clad steamship of Xiyi?"

"What else is going on?!"

Hearing this, Xue Pan glared at the bull's eye, stamped his feet and said sternly: "If I had known, I would have gone to the south to have a look! Last time when the Westerners came to Jinmen Mansion, I wanted to have a look, but I didn't

My mother kept crying and making trouble and refused to let me go."

He usually only read some "Chong Er Essays". Jia Rong asked him about these things, but it was obvious that he was blind.

"That's such a pity!"

Jia Qin gestured at the side: "My nephew heard that the steamer can spit fire from the top, and there are two big wheels below. It can run faster than a horse-drawn carriage against the wind!"

"It's strange that the navy of the imperial court was no match for it. It ran so fast that even a direct collision with iron armor would sink it!"

Jia Huang also helped, but his boasts became more and more mysterious.

"Actually, it's not as mysterious as rumors say."

Jiao Shun laughed and said: "The so-called fire from above is actually just the smoke from the boiler's chimney - just like the ones we use for heating - the two big wheels have the same purpose as dragon boat paddles, but they are just

It was replaced by a steam engine, which is far more durable than human power."

Xue Pan also glared and said: "If you ask me, no matter what, it's just a hero on the water. If we really want to fight face to face, then the Westerners are not our size!"

Although he was curious about what the steamer looked like, he couldn't see others bragging for Xi Yi and glaring at them, which made Jia Huang and Jia Qin very upset.

Jia Rong was just watching the fun, and Jia Yun couldn't interrupt.

Jiao Shun hurriedly interrupted and asked about the whereabouts of those bear paws, and then he began to boast again.

Men were chatting in the big flower hall.

Wang Xifeng also led Ping'er to find Youshi's courtyard. When she entered the door, she saw Youshi and Li Wan sitting side by side. They bit their ears and said something. Li Wan, who was teasing, blushed and became angry.

It is rare to see this widowed sister-in-law look so lively.

When did Youshi become so close to her?

Wang Xifeng felt a little vigilant in her heart, waved her handkerchief and said bitterly: "Hey, what are you talking about, sisters-in-law? You have to bite your ears when you are in the house - how about I stay away first and wait for you?

Come back after talking?"

There is nothing new in Youshi's mouth, it's just about love between men and women.

Li Wan had long been tired of listening, and it was hard to keep pretending to leave every time. Today, he endured listening to a few more words, but he was bumped into by Wang Xifeng.

She felt guilty and embarrassed, so her words naturally became sharp: "We are not carrying anyone, we are only carrying you."

"OK!"

Wang Xifeng put her pink fists on her slender waist, shook her golden head and cursed with a smile: "Listen to what my sister-in-law said, I really exposed the scandal! Come on, let me sit on the top and give you a good trial!"

"

Seeing that the two of them were hiding needles, Youshi hurriedly tried to smooth things over and said, "You're finally here. Has the old lady made a decision on when to leave? I've sent people to ask over and over again but I can't get any accurate information. I'm afraid that something will happen at once.

Something went wrong!"

"What are you panicking about?"

Wang Xifeng didn't take it seriously: "It's okay for the old lady to pick me, but she can also pick you, my nephew's wife, right? It's a good thing that the big flower hall in our house has been demolished, otherwise I wouldn't have these few days to spare."

After that, he asked Jia Lan again: "I heard that Brother Lan will go out to study after he turns 18? His sister hasn't been seen for a few days, and she is thinking about her. She doesn't want to leave home soon."

"I have four or five days off every month, and it's not like I won't come back."

Li Wan smiled and said: "Besides, before I leave home, I will always go to your place to talk to you. Then I will ask him to go there early and play with his sister - and by the way, I will also ask you for some good stationery to support his appearance.

"

"Then I decided to take out the bottom of the box. When our brother Lang wins the first prize, I will get it back for my children and grandchildren!"

Wang Xifeng said, then turned back to Ping'er and said: "Please remember, if I get drunk and forget everything, please remind me quickly."

Ping'er was about to agree, but Wang Xifeng caught a glimpse of someone poking his head at the door, and couldn't help shouting: "Who has no rules and is pretending to be a ghost at the door?!"

Li Wan and You Shi also followed the sound, but saw the jade bracelet walking closer.

Seeing that it was her, Wang Xifeng's face softened slightly, and she scolded with a smile: "You really have to learn from whoever you want. I've only been to Jiao's house for a few days, and I'm just like the skinny monkey I learned from Brother Shun - tell me, but what's going on?

Want to report?"

Although this was in the East Mansion, she was still taking the lead and giving orders.

"Return to your grandmothers."

Yuchuan hurriedly explained: "I am Grandma Xunzhen who wanted to take a leave of absence and go to my sister's place to deliver something. I didn't want to catch the grandmas talking together, so I didn't dare to come in for a while."

"I wonder what's going on."

Afraid of being overtaken by Sister Feng again, You immediately said, "Go ahead. If it's convenient, ask Second Aunt for my instructions to see if there is anything else that needs to be prepared separately."

Yuchai responded with a crisp voice and walked backwards out of the living room.

Wang Xifeng smiled and showed off to the two of them: "I heard from the second master a while ago that the kind of work-study program that Brother Shun got at the Ministry of Works will probably be upgraded to one liter after it is promoted - I have been a student since I was a child.

Watching him grow up, I never thought that this skinny monkey could have such great abilities."

Youshi and Li Wan knew that Wang Xifeng was using this to boast, so they all praised her for her good training.

Just as Youshi said it, she secretly laughed at Jiao Shunyi's ability. I'm afraid her old master knew the least.

…………

Xifu.

The jade bracelet hurriedly found Wang's courtyard. Because he was extremely busy during the Lantern Festival, he only had time to wait until the afternoon before the jade bracelet was free.

The two sisters simply placed a few plates of side dishes in the back seat and chatted while eating porridge with shredded pork and green stems.

After chatting for a while, Yuchuan started talking about what he had seen and heard yesterday.

She first described it vividly, Baoyu's clinging posture next to King Beijing, and then reminded her in a lower voice: "Sister, Mr. Bao has been growing up among women since he was a child, and his behavior is not as heroic as that of a man."

That's all, if there really is such a thing..."

"Bah, bah, bah!"

When Jin Chuan heard this, he became angry. He spat a few times, threw the spoon into the bowl, and scolded him with a straight face: "Where did you hear the gossip, and you came here to talk nonsense? If my wife heard it,

Go, I'm afraid I'll be in trouble too!"

"Where are the rumors?"

Yu Chuan has been in charge of the Jiao family for a long time, and he has not been as obedient to his sister as before. Although he saw that his sister was angry, he still pouted and retorted: "I obviously saw it with my own eyes, and our uncle also told me not to tell anyone.

——I was afraid that my sister would miss her life, so I thought of coming over to remind her! You have good intentions, but why did you offend your sister?!"

"Uncle Jiao is right!"

Jin Chuan glared at his sister and shouted: "As the saying goes, what you see may not be true. What's more, you just saw Mr. Bao and Prince Beijing shopping - how noble is the prince? It's normal for Mr. Bao to be nice in front of him, but you didn't think so.

Dirty thoughts..."

Yuchai was also annoyed: "Why am I the one who is so dirty?! Could it be that the previous incident between him and Qin Zhong was also fake?!"

"Of course it's a lie! The Qin family is also a family of poetry and calligraphy, and Mr. Qin is the most obedient and polite..."

"Ha! If he was a well-behaved and well-mannered person, back then in school..."

One tried her best to defend her sweetheart, and the other couldn't bear to see her sister defending her shortcomings. The two sisters exchanged words with each other, and actually started to quarrel in the seats.

Just as the noise was getting louder and louder, I suddenly heard someone knocking on the door outside.

Both of them were busy and stopped talking. Jin Chuan asked in a panic: "Who is it? Who is outside?"

"It's me, Caixia."

I heard someone say from outside: "My wife said I'm going to clean up, so I'm going to go to the old lady's place."

"I'll come right away!"

Jin Chuan agreed and quietly walked to the door. When he saw Caixia turning around without hesitation, he relaxed a little, then turned around and complained to Yu Chuan: "Look at you who are making trouble over nothing, if she really listens to you..."

"

"What if I heard it?!"

Yuchuan said angrily: "Sister, just push me. Can my wife get past our father and kill me?!"

Jin Chuan stomped her feet in hatred: "You said this because you want to piss me off to death?! You can't write two sisters in one sentence. If she can't do anything to you then, how can she not do anything to me?!"

"Okay, okay, it's all my fault, it's settled right?!"

Yuchuan said, and walked out, still mumbling: "Since sister doesn't believe what I said, I won't tell you anything in the future."

"You little heartless thing, but..."

Jin Chuan hurried a few steps and was about to curse again, but saw Yu Chuan walking directly to the main room.

She was so frightened that she quickly grabbed Yuchai's sleeve and asked urgently: "What are you going to do?!"

"Grandma Zhen asked me to ask by the way to see if there is anything else to be arranged over there." Yu Chuan said, lowering his voice: "Regardless of whether the omen is true or false, even if my sister takes advantage of her wishes in the future, will she be able to get over it?

Are you going to attack someone?"
Chapter completed!