An Jia and An Ning went out to do errands early in the morning.
Aunt An was holding her belly, supported by a little girl, followed by several others carrying breakfast and a few flowers.
The group of people slowly came to the small courtyard where Lin Zhixiu lived.
Last night, my aunt burned requiem for Lin Zhixiu, so although she tossed and turned, she finally slept for most of the night.
At this time, the sun was already high, and she was still lazing on the bed in her pajamas.
Hearing that Dongyun said that his aunt was here, he quickly got down to the ground and greeted her, "Auntie, don't be busy! Xiu'er is so old, why do you need to take care of her!"
Aunt An was instructing the little girls to prepare breakfast, and said with a smile, "Auntie, I'm so glad you can stay here! On weekdays, when your uncle leaves, I'm the only one in the house, and it's so quiet."
She put the flowers in the vase with her own hands and played with them. "How strange you say it is: when my aunt was not married, she spent every day by herself. She read, wrote, played the piano, made incense, and embroidered. Often before things were finished, the sky would
It's dark. But since I married your uncle, I can't do anything anymore! Except for making a few underwear for your uncle, I have never picked up a needle and thread, let alone writing and playing the piano. I feel like grass is growing in my heart, and I hope that someone will
Come, eat, drink tea, chat... As long as people come, I will be happy! Haha!"
Lin Zhixiu also smiled, and several girls were waiting for her to wash up.
Aunt An said, "When your Aunt Li lived nearby, she would come here almost every day. Also, my mother-in-law would hang out here as long as they went out! Originally, I said I would do it for your cousin or cousin.
I have several pairs of soft-soled shoes and everything is ready. I have been planning for a while, but I haven’t done a single stitch! What’s wrong with me? Oh, I’m stupid!”
Lin Zhixiu chuckled and said, "That's just right. Starting from today, Xiu'er will do it with you! You do it as a girl, and I do it as a boy!"
Aunt An sat down beautifully, "Okay, you've had breakfast, and we'll start. Boil some water, and I'll make tea... Xiu'er, take a look and see if there's anything you want to eat. Well, if there's anything you want to eat, let me
They can go out and buy it."
Lin Zhixiu finished cleaning up and looked at the breakfast: "Why go out to buy so much?!"
She was sitting at the table, preparing to eat.
A girl came in, "Madam, girl, King Cheng Qiantai is here. He's in front! The prince asked if he could come in..."
Aunt An looked at Lin Zhixiu, "Xiu'er, your uncle is not here. If you don't want him to come in, Aunt An will arrange for someone to entertain him."
Lin Zhixiu said, "Oh... let me change some clothes and let him in!" He returned to the bedroom, changed into something more formal, and asked Aunt Song to simply comb her hair neatly.
When he came out again, Li Cheng had actually come in and was sitting at the breakfast table, playing with chopsticks and plates.
It looked like he didn't have breakfast either.
Seeing her coming out, Li Cheng smiled all over his face, "Axiu, haven't you had breakfast yet? I haven't eaten either! Come on... Did you sleep well last night? Did you not have any nightmares?"
The aunt stood by the door and told the girl, "Go get some more!"
Lin Zhixiu was really troubled when she saw that he didn't treat her as an outsider at all. However, there was nothing she could do to him, so she had to say, "I haven't eaten yet. Didn't you go to the morning court?"
Li Cheng said, "I didn't go! I sent a message to the palace saying that I went to the outskirts of Beijing. Originally, no one cared about me. If my father has something to do, he will be specially recruited!"
Lin Zhixiu walked to her aunt and said, "Aunt, go and have a rest! Don't worry about this place!"
Aunt An was already in the third trimester of her pregnancy. She had a big belly and couldn't sit still. She was alone with Lin Zhixiu, so she was more casual. It was not convenient in front of her husband, so she nodded, "Your uncle will be back soon!"
"
After seeing her aunt off, Lin Zhixiu looked back and saw that Li Cheng had already eaten. She shook her head helplessly, what the hell is this!
Walking over and sitting down, Li Cheng carefully put egg rolls and smoked fish on the plate in front of her, and made a small bowl of tofu curd. "My uncle's tofu curd tastes really good!"
Who is your uncle!
Lin Zhixiu took a small bite and said, "My uncle taught me how to cook this. It would taste better if my uncle cooked it himself. Aunt Li's cooking is also delicious!"
Li Cheng thought of Li Feng and curled his lips, "Li Feng is a very troublesome person! He wants to marry two wives!" He spared no effort to discredit Li Feng.
Lin Zhixiu said, "The world is as black as crows!"
Li Cheng ate seriously, "I don't know what you are talking about~~Huh? This shrimp porridge is very fresh, you can try it... We have two good cooks in our family. Uncle Dong spent a lot of money to find them.
"
Lin Zhixiu rolled her eyes and said, "Who is our family with you?"
Li Cheng did not defend himself, but went on to say, "It's a pity that there is no one at home on weekdays, so they have no use for their good skills. It turns out that Uncle Dong is very picky about eating, but he said he has become a little fat recently and he doesn't dare to eat too much."
Eat. When you come in, guests will come to the house all the time, so it will be lively. It’s just a good time for them to show off their skills!"
Lin Zhixiu was so angry that she put down the bowl and said, "Don't always tell me this!"
Li Chengli ignored it and buried his head in eating. "You can try it first later. If you feel bad, find a few more. Don't worry, I will always keep you fat and white."
Lin Zhixiu saw that what he said was getting more and more outrageous, so she asked something else: "Have you met since His Highness King Jin came back?"
Li Cheng said, "Yes! I even came to see him to make up his mind about our affairs. The second brother said that it was probably the eldest princess who asked the emperor to take care of her family before she died. So... our affairs
It’s hard to handle. We can only decide it first and talk about it later!”
Lin Zhixiu snorted, "What kind of bad idea does this give you?"
Li Cheng said, "What the second brother said is right! Moreover, the second brother said that it was all thanks to you that his errand went smoothly this time! I will find a chance to thank you! When the Lin family's affairs are settled, I will take care of the second brother."
Please come! Let him tell you in person!"
Lin Zhixiu said, "I don't need to thank him! Yuan Jing also did a big thing for me, we shouldn't let it go! I don't want to get along with him, he is too evil!"
Li Cheng said, "Second brother, that's smart! When I come back this time, my father is also kind to him!"
Lin Zhixiu said, "Hey, that's good... Is it because he does his job well? Maybe it's something else!" This emperor is really a very capable son, so it's just that he doesn't like it.
, and always think of ways to calculate!
In his previous life, King Jin was cautious and finally got through it, but in the end it was still so miserable!
She looked at Li Cheng with disgust. Both father and son were mentally ill.
Li Cheng was very satisfied that Lin Zhixiu lived in the An family. He could come at any time and see her when he came. He could be so close and have breakfast together.
He had a bright look on his face, talking in high and low tones, gesticulating, and giggling from time to time...
An Ning came back at noon. When she saw Li Cheng there, she couldn't help but wrinkled her eyebrows and looked bad.
Li Cheng quickly flattered him. His uncle was long but his uncle was short, which made An Ning not sure how to respond to him.
In the afternoon, Lin Ji came.
He came out of the palace feeling somewhat confident, and went directly to An's house without going home to discuss it with his father.
In the front living room, everyone sat down. Lin immediately asked about Lin Zhixiu's physical condition, with a serious attitude and a gentle expression.
It's like how much he cares.
After the greetings were finished, Lin Ji took a sip of tea, was silent for a while, and said with a wry smile, "Prince, Brother An, Xiu'er... Well, after asking about what happened yesterday, I finally figured it out. It's not complicated at all... But,
Uncle really doesn’t know where to start. It’s like seeing a ghost!”
This is not a lie. After the father and son asked the questions, they gathered in front and talked about some things. Everyone felt incredible.
"There was no premeditation. Even if I was dissatisfied with Zhixiu before, it was definitely not to the point of being fatal. Alas, you fell into a coma after receiving the order. A doctor was called at home, and even the imperial doctor was invited.
After looking at it for a long time, it didn’t feel any better. When your grandmother and eldest aunts talked about it...somehow, they remembered the dissatisfaction that they had not paid attention to..."
Lin Zhixiu listened silently.
Lin Ji said, "Xiu'er, you also know that your grandmother can't stand some of your ways. It's not that you are unfilial... but that she feels that you are not what she wants. For example, you and the original fifth aunt, the Lin family,
The second wife, fourth aunt, etc. are too close. And she, your eldest aunt, your eldest aunt, and even your eldest sister are too far away from your grandmother. Especially your third aunt, the two of them seem to have a grudge..."
Lin Ji smiled bitterly and shook his head.
An Ning said, "We are all one family, so we can get closer to each other. Isn't it natural?"
Lin Ji said, "Well, it's not that big of a deal, but...that one from the Fang family has made the Lin family very embarrassed. She is about to enter Prince An's Mansion, and it will be a headache for her to meet her again in the future. The old lady from the second room of the Lin family
, I have been quarreling with your grandmother for decades...but you are very affectionate with her..."
He shook his head, "It's just these trivial things. If they talk too much together... they will become very angry. They know that the emperor is extremely dissatisfied with the prince and Zhixiu. They think that the acquaintance between the two of you is inappropriate."
He glanced at the two of them.
Both of them were expressionless.
Lin Ji said, "The prince values Zhixiu too much, and Zhixiu faints because he is dissatisfied with the position of concubine. This matter is not over. In the end, it may be punished by the emperor! Let's wait and see... Infer, to the next step
Something big will happen. So, I came to the conclusion that if Zhixiu is good, the Lin family may not be good. If Zhixiu keeps struggling, the Lin family will be in bad luck."
"Then...it was decided. In fact, when it was actually implemented, your grandmother already regretted it. Your aunt was also so scared that she didn't know what to do, so she had to go ahead and do it. Fortunately, you woke up in time.
Well, the tragedy didn’t happen..."
He looked happy but helpless.
Several people listened, but Li Cheng and An Ning didn't believe it...
Lin Zhixiu knows them better, and her description of the old lady and the eldest lady seems to be true. As for Huang, she is always the one who hides and teases, and will never jump out easily.
Lead the development of events...
She asked calmly, "Now that the situation is clear, what explanation will the Lin family give?"
Lin Ji said sternly, "Your grandfather and uncle will never show favoritism to the mistress of the Lin family. Your grandfather said that he would build a Buddhist temple at home so that your grandmother can cultivate her moral character. She will not come out easily in the future."
It just so happens that Fang Qunqun is about to marry into Prince An's Mansion. Her temperament will definitely show off in socializing... When she meets the old lady, there's no telling what will happen!
Rather than letting people in the capital see the joke, it would be better to just let her disappear.
There was a hint of sternness in Lin Ji's eyes, "Your eldest aunt... handed over the housekeeping rights to your sister-in-law. Your third aunt... you also know your third uncle's temper... You had a lot of trouble with her, and she... was like this
Come on! This is the situation at home."
An Ning said, "That's all?!"
Lin Ji said, "Now, let's talk about the agreement between the two families. Alas, Zhixiu, my uncle is not capable. A big family has to eat, drink, spend money, and maintain various relationships. Please forgive me, uncle, I can't do what Brother An said."
As I said, return the property... I have already confessed this matter to the emperor and apologized."
Everyone was waiting for him to finish.
He hesitated for a while before he opened his mouth and said, "Besides, there were... some secrets back then. But it's been so many years, so there's no need to mention it again. The Emperor was considerate and took care of his uncle. He also gave me several compensation plans. Listen to this: The first one
, it is given to Zhixiu. It is a foregone conclusion that you will enter the palace and cannot be changed. However, the emperor is going to make you the "Shuxiu" County Princess, and will also grant you the title of first-grade imperial concubine."
When An Ning heard this, his eyes lit up.
Chengwang's true concubine is the princess of the princess. Xiu'er has no title and no parents, which is far different from the status of princess He Qingxun. It is certain that she will be criticized in the future.
But with the title and rank, and having been appointed earlier than the princess, there is no difference between the top and the bottom...
Lin Zhixiu had no expression after hearing this.
Li Cheng didn't care. Anyway, Axiu was his wife, and it didn't matter whether she had a title or a rank.
But An Ning's joyful expression was not concealed. When Lin saw it in his eyes, he felt much more at ease.
He said slowly, "The second thing is Brother An. Prince Qing is a thousand years old and has put aside a lot of official duties. If Brother An is still in Prince Qing's Mansion, I'm afraid it's almost over. In the future, the prince will help you plan something...
...The emperor agreed to point out to you a Minister of the Ministry of Finance, who is the fourth-rank official, and the official position is just below! What he does is similar to what you are doing now! Jumping to the fourth rank all of a sudden, it can be said that Brother An has a bright future! Then
But, it’s an errand to be able to speak to the emperor!”
At this moment, An Ning was a little dumbfounded.
If it depends on himself, he doesn't particularly care.
However, he married Ren Baihui! In the Ren family, he is the least mentioned among everyone.
When he accompanied his wife back to her parents' home, she was afraid that he would be looked down upon by others. But he was afraid that his wife would be looked down upon by others because of him.
What's more, he is going to have a child!
Going to be a dad!
After staying in the capital for a long time, do you still not know what it means to be a good father?
His heart was pounding with joy...but he also felt that he was sorry for his niece.
My face is red...
Lin Zhixiu became excited after hearing this. His uncle had taken several steps from being an official of King Qing to a full-time official in the imperial court!
This time, my uncle will help my grandfather's family to stand up.
After my cousin is born, what else is there to worry about about the future?
Her eyes also lit up.
Lin Ji saw it with his peripheral vision and sneered in his heart: I just said that you can't win people's hearts, but the price is not enough!
"And the third one...if we solve these trivial matters...the emperor has decided that on September 9th, there will be less than a month left, for His Highness to marry Zhixiu, and Zhixiu will enter the palace first!"
When Li Cheng heard this, he jumped up and said, "What?! Really?! Father really said that?!"
Lin Zhixiu and An Ning's hearts trembled.
Li Cheng circled around Lin Zhixiu with a smile on his face, "Axiu! This news is great! I will go back to the palace to express my gratitude to my father in a while! Oh my father, I really know my son very well!"
He turned around a few times, came up to Lin Zhixiu, knelt down on one leg, and held Lin Zhixiu's hand with both hands.
Lin Zhixiu's face turned red.
Lin Ji was shocked and turned pale. He stood up and pointed at Lin Zhixiu, his hands trembling: What a disaster! If the emperor saw this scene, it would be strange if he didn't chop your head off!!
He quickly turned around, coughed hard, and pretended not to notice.
But Li Cheng said there, "Axiu, are you satisfied with these rewards given by your father? If you are dissatisfied, I will go with your father again! If you are satisfied, just agree?! I have to go back and take care of things."
!Oops, time is so tight!”
Lin Zhixiu pulled out her hand with force.
Li Cheng rubbed his hands and grinned widely: If you put people next to you, you don't have to worry about anything!
He begged, "Axiu...uncle...just agree!"
Lin Zhixiu cursed bitterly in her heart: This dog emperor is really a bastard.
He was defeated one by one!
Lin Ji secretly laughed in his heart, but decided to add fuel to the fire. He went over, helped King Cheng up, and whispered, "Your Majesty, I also heard something... The emperor received a briefing saying that there were bandits causing trouble in Qinghai.
The emperor is ready to take another look. If the situation becomes serious, he may send a high-ranking general to suppress the bandits! The first thing he thinks of is you. So, we have to settle the matter quickly, just in case...
If I send you there, everything won't be left unresolved!" Li Cheng became anxious upon hearing this. This is a business matter. If he really wants to be sent, he can't say anything!
But going to Qinghai? Let’s not talk about the success or failure of the bandit suppression. Just come and go again and again, and it will take half a year!
How can that work?!
He became even more anxious, "Axiu! Xiu'er, I feel that both my father and the Lin family are very sincere! You have suffered and been wronged! You are just a junior in the Lin family, and you are surrounded by your elders.
You are naturally weak. However, it is different when you enter my house. You are the biggest, and you have the final say in everything!"
Lin Zhixiu stared at him without speaking.
Lin Ji grinned...he was really worthless!
Li Cheng then said, "Axiu, look, I'm not worried about you going back to live with the Lin family now! My uncle is not worried either! But if you live here, others will discuss it. Another thing, your aunt is going to have a baby, and there are a lot of things at home."
I'm here, how can I have time to take care of you!? Don't you think so?"
He blinked his big eyes, wet and like a puppy, "When you enter Prince Cheng's Mansion, I will hand Uncle Dong over to you, and all the money and property will be under your control. I have a lot of money! My uncle has also had a lot of money over the years.
Earning money, getting an official position, and having children are all good things. Don’t worry about the Lin family’s belongings. Let’s live happily and not get entangled with troubles! Do you agree?”
"is it okay!!!"
He clearly sided with the Lin family!
Lin Ji drank a cup of tea and finally felt better. He said warmly, "Xiu'er, your grandfather said that when you get married, you should marry according to the standards of the eldest daughter of the Lin family. In the future, when you have children, you will also marry the Lin family's cousin."
Brothers and sisters, let’s get along together! Xiu’er, listen to uncle! Let’s settle this matter as soon as possible!”