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In the afternoon, Chu Yiqing finally agreed to go to the flower viewing banquet. Mr. Hua had to give face to Mr. Hua after all, so he asked Yingqian to reply to Mrs. Cheng.
Ying Qian has been tinkering in Chu Yiqing's room since she came back from Cheng Mansion. She laid out all the clothes and jewelry and matched them one by one.
Chu Yiqing held A Bao on his lap and placed a box of wild berries in front of him. These berries were delivered by Dan Xiong in the morning. They said they were picked from the hillside behind. They were very fresh and there were no wild berries in spring.
What fruits can be eaten? Although these wild berries are small and sour, they are appetizing. Chu Yiqing picked them and stuffed them into A Bao's mouth from time to time. Occasionally, A Bao also followed suit.
Chu Yiqing played one in his mouth, and the food on their mouths and hands was covered with purple-red pieces.
"Miss, you are very considerate. Which piece of clothing do you like?" Ying Qian showed the matching clothes to Chu Yiqing from time to time.
Chu Yiqing didn't even bother to raise his head, "It's just a group of women gossiping over the lyrics and music. If there's anything nice to dress up, it's fine. Besides, they've seen me come in and out like this on weekdays!"
Yingqian immediately glared in disapproval: "It's because we are a group of women. Miss, you have to dress up. I asked the servant when I sent the post in the afternoon. Not only did Mrs. Cheng invite Mrs. Liang, but also Mrs. Bai and Mrs. Li.
, Mrs. Zhang also invited, there are quite a few people, look at them, not to mention going to a banquet, even when they go out to buy rouge and gouache, they are all dressed up. They don’t look like young ladies. Not to mention the simple hairstyle, the jewelry on their heads is just a root at most.
I prefer hairpins and clothes that are loose and comfortable. I don’t know, but people think that slaves are lazy when they work as personal maids!”
Abao suddenly raised his little painted face and shouted crisply: "Mother is beautiful!"
Chu Yiqing couldn't help laughing: "You heard it, even A Bao said that I am very beautiful even if I don't dress up. Besides, when I was in Shangjia Village, I didn't necessarily go to the fields at any time and come and go.
It’s too troublesome to change clothes back home! Even if I don’t feel sorry for the money for those clothes made of good quality, they won’t stick to the ground, are not durable, and will be torn if they have hooks and hooks! When I usually go to town, I don’t
Do you want to change into a satin upper body?"
"Yes, Miss changed her clothes when she went to the city because it was easier to do things. If it weren't for this reason, I don't think Miss would want to change!" Yingqian pouted.
Chu Yiqing couldn't help but lower her head and chuckle. Indeed, if it weren't for the fact that some people looked down on others, she would really be too lazy to change. Cotton is actually the most comfortable, and she likes loose cotton clothes. Thinking of this, Chu Yiqing had an idea.
As soon as I moved, I have been busy in the shop for the past two years, and my life has not improved at all. Now that I think about it today, why not just pull out some fabric and make a modern long-sleeved trousers to wear. It is simpler and more comfortable than these ancient clothes.
many.
Chu Yiqing was thinking about her cotton clothes, but Yingqian put too much thought into choosing clothes. In the end, Chu Yiqing ignored her and just played with A Bao, leaving the decision-making power to Yingqian.
On the second day of the flower viewing party, Chu Yiqing put on the clothes carefully selected by Ying Qian and sat in front of the dressing mirror.
"It's really good for a man to rely on his clothes and a horse to rely on his saddle. Miss, look, once you change into these clothes, your whole person will be different. In terms of demeanor, even today's princesses can't compare to you!" Yingqian said, with quick hands and feet.
I braided Chu Yiqing's black hair. Before, Chu Yiqing always liked to braid her hair. She would braid it up for the convenience of working, and occasionally loosen it. She didn't want to be so particular about women in ancient times. Girls must wear it loosely and braid it up.
Hair, this occasion is more formal. Ying Qian thought for a long time and decided to braid one side of her hair into a small braid and leave the other side. In ancient times, Heli women usually dressed like this, with their hair tied up.
There is no jewelry on that side, but Yingqian has jewelry on both sides, especially the side with her hair tied up. There is also a purple silk flower on the gorse flower, and three sprigs of mother-in-law are inserted on each side.
At a glance, the gold engraved hairpin has the charm of a woman and the purity of a girl. Coupled with Chu Yiqing's cold eyes, the whole person exudes an indescribable smell, not from a noble school.
It can be described as charming, Chinese and demonic!
"Miss, are you satisfied with it?" Yingqian was very proud. She knew that the lady was a beauty, and with just a little dressing up, she would definitely be stunning in the world!
Chu Yiqing took a look at it and felt that the hairpins on his head were dazzling. He couldn't help but take two of them, then took off the silk flowers, and then nodded with satisfaction.
Yingqian looked at it and realized that although it was not as elegant and demonic as before, the cold and noble temperament could not be concealed, so she nodded immediately.
"Miss, it's time for us to set off!" Yingqian said happily.
"Don't be busy. I'm going to take a look at A Bao. Master Yun said there is a test today!" Chu Yiqing said worriedly. He went to the backyard to see A Bao first. Through the open window, he saw A Bao answering questions in a serious manner.
, Mrs. Yun nodded from time to time, and Chu Yiqing felt relieved, and asked Lady Lingdang to keep an eye on A Bao.
The flower-viewing banquet was held in the Flower Mansion. Because there was no hostess in the Flower Mansion, Mr. Hua had avoided going out early in the morning. Hua Qi and Hualin were both studying in the front yard, so the banquet was placed in the backyard, with their backs against a
Chilianhua also built a stage not far away, and I heard that famous actors from Lucheng were invited to sing.
Mrs. Cheng took the lead in the flower viewing banquet, so Mrs. Cheng was organizing everything inside and outside. Hua Gen was waiting at the door, only responsible for ushering people in and not caring about the rest.
"Miss Chu, are you here?" Hua Gen saw that everyone else had indifferent expressions, but when he saw Chu Yiqing, he smiled happily. He immediately stepped forward and respectfully took Chu Yiqing to the backyard, and left after making arrangements.
As soon as Chu Yiqing appeared, Mrs. Bai, Mrs. Zhang, Mrs. Li and other old friends naturally met each other very happily and talked non-stop.
"Miss Chu, you have been busy since you came back. I have sent you several posts but I still can't see you. As the saying goes, you are the one who is busy!" Mrs. Zhang laughed.
"That's right, Miss Chu is now a popular person in front of the emperor. How can we just work in the back hall and be useless!" Mrs. Li also laughed and said with a flattering look on her face.
With the two of them on the left and right, Madam Bai had no place, but in Madam Bai's heart, she felt that Chu Yiqing was the most kind to her, so she didn't need to say anything more, she just whispered: "Miss Chu wants to
take care!"
Chu Yiqing nodded.
The three ladies welcomed Chu Yiqing, and Mrs. Cheng and Mrs. Liang also stood up.
"Listening to what they said, I feel that Miss Chu really gave me face today and came as soon as I was invited!" Mrs. Cheng said with a smile.
Immediately, those ladies went to flatter Mrs. Cheng again.
Chu Yiqing smiled lightly and said: "I feel bad after replying to the posts of several ladies. I happened to see them all today, so I can't stay here with you now!"
The ladies all said they didn't dare to accept it, so Chu Yiqing just smiled and sat down next to Mrs. Cheng regardless of their arrangements.
In the past, Mrs. Zeng was here. Although she was deeply thoughtful, at least because of Zeng Rong's concubine incident, the two exchanged a few words and were still friends. Now that Mrs. Zeng is gone, only Mrs. Bai, Mrs. Li, and Mrs. Zhang are left.
Although Mrs. Bai was sincere, she was too direct. Mrs. Li and Mrs. Zhang liked to follow others. As for Mrs. Cheng and Mrs. Liang, their relationship was not deep. Chu Yiqing soon felt bored and just dealt with it.
A few kind words.
"Miss Chu, we invited famous actors to sing opera today. Here are the opera excerpts. Do you want to hear any of them?" Mrs. Cheng brought the opera excerpts and handed them to Chu Yiqing first.
Chu Yiqing glanced at the play excerpts, then casually clicked on two plays, and said with a smile: "I don't understand it anyway, Mrs. Cheng, would you like to read these two plays?"
Before Mrs. Cheng took it, Mrs. Liang, who was sitting next to her, turned her head to take a look and said with a smile: "Miss Chu also said she didn't understand. The Legend of the White Snake and Love for Three Lives are both the best.
I’ve listened to it several times and never get tired of it!”
Chu Yiqing smiled faintly, and saw that the play script was passed around, and everyone chose two plays. When they arrived at Madam Bai's place, Madam Bai looked around, and finally selected two play plays, and handed them to Madam Liang. Madam Liang
A hint of disdain flashed across his face, but it quickly passed away and was left to the class leader to make arrangements.
The first thing to sing was "The Legend of the White Snake" and "Love for Three Lives". Since he ordered it himself, Chu Yiqing had no choice but to insist on listening to the end. When the play changed, Chu Yiqing made an excuse to get up.
"Miss Chu, I'll go with you!" Mrs. Cheng stood up and smiled, holding Chu Yiqing's arm affectionately.
Chu Yiqing never liked being so intimate with others, so he felt a little embarrassed immediately.
Mrs. Cheng greeted her with a smile as usual and said as she walked: "Looking at Miss Chu's lack of interest, she must not like such an occasion. It's no wonder that these officials and ladies have nothing to do and can only gather together to chat about domestic matters. Listen to
Listening to music and being elegant, if you think about it, it's really not as comfortable as those peasant women who earn money to support their families with their own sweat!"
Chu Yiqing said with a smile: "If Mrs. Cheng is asked to do those farm jobs, Mrs. Cheng will definitely refuse. Although singing and admiring flowers is boring, at least she doesn't have to work her muscles and bones or starve her body!"
"That's right!" Mrs. Cheng smiled softly, "Many people work their muscles and bones and starve their bodies. Isn't this the kind of life they want in the end?"
Seeing that Chu Yiqing had an excuse to avoid it, he couldn't relax, so he could only say: "I have become energetic now that I have been out, so why not go back? I just watched Madam Bai order two big plays, which just gave me a boost of energy!"
Mrs. Cheng smiled and said: "I didn't expect that Mrs. Bai would fall in love with Miss Chu. It's okay, let's go and watch the show!"
Chu Yiqing had no choice but to return to his seat with Mrs. Cheng. At this moment, he heard Mrs. Li say: "A woman in my annex can make a kind of pastry called Mi San Dao, but it is very delicious. Everyone wants it."
Don’t want to try it?”
"Misandao?" Madam Bai suddenly shouted, "I have eaten this pastry at Miss Chu's house. It is really fragrant and sweet!"
Mrs. Li was stunned, then turned to Chu Yiqing and asked, "Can Miss Chu also make this kind of cake?"
Chu Yiqing nodded and said with a smile: "Maybe it's different from Mrs. Li's!"
Mrs. Li then smiled and asked people to bring the cakes.
"Madam, pastries!" A woman in a linen dress lowered her head and brought pastries in. When Chu Yiqing saw the woman, he couldn't help but frown, why is Mrs. Pan here?
"Everyone, try it. This is the Mi Sandao. It tastes very good!" Mrs. Li asked Pan to distribute it to all the ladies. When Pan came in front of the ladies, he would respectfully call Madam, then put down the Mi Sandao. She arrived.
In front of Chu Yiqing, when he raised his face and saw Chu Yiqing, he immediately called sweetly: "Niece, are you here too?"
The ladies who were tasting the honeysandao suddenly opened their mouths because of this sound, and the honeysandao rolled down, causing the wild cat that landed on the wall to think it was something good, and meowed twice.
He made a sound and wanted to come closer, but was driven away by the ladies' maids.
Chu Yiqing smiled coldly: "I should ask you this!"
Pan's eyes narrowed, as if she was afraid of Chu Yiqing, and she quickly replied: "I used to cook in the annex with Mrs. Li, but I will go back this time..."
"Really?" Chu Yiqing turned his eyes lightly and looked at the pale Mrs. Li. Naturally, he knew why she was afraid. Pan made her identity clear as soon as she came up. She was her aunt, and now she is here.
Serving her nephew, she is guarding the face of so many official wives! When Chu Yiqing saw Mrs. Li acting like this, she knew that she was unaware, otherwise she would never let Pan play this role.
One out!
Chu Yiqing looked Pan up and down. He originally thought that she was just a vulgar country woman with no good intentions, and it was Pan Yulang who was causing trouble. But now it seems that Pan is also a ruthless character who knows how to make tricks like this to make outsiders laugh at her.
She said that she knew that Chu Yiqing's family was extremely wealthy, but she ignored her relatives and allowed them to work as servants in the villa!
Yingqian's face turned red with anger. She was also shocked by Pan's sudden appearance. Now she realized what she was doing and couldn't help but stepped forward and accused her, "Mrs. Uncle, what are you doing? Did the lady give you the money every month?"
Don’t have enough money? Your eldest son works as a bookkeeper in the shop and gets the highest salary. The other two younger ones live for free in the Chu Mansion during the day. You also hired a master to teach them how to read. This is how you repay them.
Miss, pretend to be pitiful and slap her in the face?"
Pan's face was honest and submissive, as if she didn't know that things would be like this. Unfortunately, her words "niece" revealed her thoughts. In the Chu Mansion, she never dared to call Chu Yiqing her niece from beginning to end. Today,
Look, it was intentional!
Mrs. Li immediately found her way to the bottom of the steps, stood up and scolded: "Ms. Pan, why are you like this? Since Miss Chu treats your family so well, why do you still go back to the villa? Are you not asking me to talk to Chu?
Are you making a grudge, girl? Let’s go, let’s go quickly, don’t be an eyesore here!”
Mrs. Pan looked at Chu Yiqing with an aggrieved face. Now that Mrs. Li was driving her away, she couldn't bear it anymore. She burst into tears and ran away. The people who didn't know how to clean up saw it and really thought that
That was an honest woman who was bullied and couldn't say anything but just cried!
"Hey, it turns out she is Miss Chu's aunt. Why did she end up working as a servant for Mrs. Li in the annex? No wonder she knows how to make this rare Mi Sandao. I dare to steal the master!" Mrs. Liang is doing this.
He said sarcastically rather lukewarmly.
Mrs. Li's face was pale and she looked at Chu Yiqing nervously, fearing that Chu Yiqing might misunderstand.
Chu Yiqing sneered: "It's a joke to Mrs. Liang!"
Mrs. Liang snorted coldly and turned away.
"Miss Chu, I think there is some misunderstanding here. The emperor has several poor relatives, let alone us. Okay, okay, don't let what happened just now disturb your interest. It's been a long time since you've been here. Why are you just listening?
Qu'er, I didn't even take a look at this flower. The flower is the main topic of the flower appreciation feast. Miss Chu and I just looked at it for a while. It was really good. Come on, let's take a look too!" Cheng
The lady immediately smoothed things over.
The atmosphere was a little awkward at this moment, and everyone agreed, getting up and following Mrs. Cheng outside.
"Miss Chu!" Suddenly, Huatian stepped forward and called Chu Yiqing.
Chu Yiqing turned around and said with a smile: "Master Huatian, is there something wrong?"
Huatian smiled and said: "I have a distant niece who runs a restaurant in the capital. She tasted steak and wine at Chuji Restaurant a few days ago and was very impressed. She wants to cooperate with Miss Chu. I wonder if Miss Chu has this intention.
?”
When Chu Yiqing heard this, he immediately smiled and said: "Of course, then I'll ask Master Huatian to introduce me to you!"
Huatian nodded and waved back, and Helian Bingshuang came walking on lotus steps.
Because the shopkeepers who discussed business with her were all fat-headed and big-eared shopkeepers, and now she saw a fresh and charming girl, Chu Yiqing couldn't help but look at her twice more, and nodded slowly to her to say hello.
"Uncle, did you call me?" Helian Bingshuang stepped forward and asked in a low voice.
"Didn't you say last time that you wanted to introduce steak and wine to the capital? This is Miss Chu, the owner behind Chuji Restaurant!" Hua Tian introduced.
Helian Bingshuang raised his eyes and looked at Chu Yiqing, and bowed slowly: "It turns out that my sister is the owner of Chu Ji Restaurant. She is so famous that it is better to meet her. This little girl has heard about Miss Chu's reputation for a long time!"
Chu Yiqing smiled lightly and stepped forward to help Helian Bingshuang up and said with a smile: "The girl is a good talent. I wonder which restaurant her family's business is?"
Seeing that Helian Bingshuang looked soft and gentle, he didn't look like he was talking about business, but rather like a pampered young lady, so Chu Yiqing asked this question.
"Miss Chu has really sharp eyes. She can tell at a glance that I don't often go out to discuss business. My name is Helian Bingshuang, and my restaurant is called the First Floor. It's on Yunmen Street in the capital. Have you ever heard of Miss Chu?"
Helian Bingshuang laughed softly.
Helian Bingshuang? Chu Yiqing vaguely felt that the name sounded familiar, and she did know this first floor. In her memory, she seemed to have visited it several times. It seemed to be the property of the five major families... Suddenly, Chu Yiqing opened her eyes.
As soon as his face lit up, it seemed that Shangguan Yu had said that the person he was going to be engaged to was Helian Bingshuang, the eldest lady of the Helian family. Could it be that she was the one?
Chu Yiqing looked at it carefully again, perhaps because she had known Shangguan Yu for so many years and she also hoped that Shangguan Yu would be happy, so she immediately looked more carefully.
Chu Yiqing was sizing up Helian Bingshuang, and Helian Bingshuang was sizing up Chu Yiqing. Their eyes met, and the only response was to smile.
"It turns out to be Miss Helian. I've actually heard of this first floor. It's a big restaurant!" Chu Yiqing said politely.
"Yes, the first floor is very big, but there is no steak and wine from Miss Chu. If Miss Chu is willing to cooperate, the price can be easily negotiated!" Helian Bingshuang said with a smile.
Chu Yiqing still said calmly: "How does Miss Helian want to cooperate?"
Chu Yiqing's question really stunned Helian Bingshuang. She usually didn't care about business, so naturally she didn't know how to cooperate. She was speechless for a while, and finally said: "How about I buy the girl's formula? Do you want it?"
How much silver, you make a price!"
Chu Yiqing smiled faintly and said, "Thank you very much for Miss Helian's kindness. It's just that my recipe is simple and it's rare to have such raw materials. The beef used in the steak is Zhujiazui beef specially produced in Zhujiazui, Lucheng City, because Zhujiazui is adjacent to Daiguo
, with abundant water and grass, it is the best quality beef in Li country, tender and delicious, and the wine is made from the grapes produced by Chu Han. Because Chu Han has a special climate with the snow-capped mountains at its back, the temperature changes greatly day and night.
There is a big difference between the warmth and coldness of day and night throughout the year, especially in summer, when the sun is scorching during the day and the temperature is very high, and then drops sharply at night. It is this climate that makes the grapes of Chuhan different from those in other places!
"
Helian Bingshuang was startled: "Zhu Niu and Chu Han's grapes, are they really so particular?"
Chu Yiqing nodded, turned to Huatian and smiled: "Master Huatian is an expert. He should understand that the quality of the raw materials plays a key role in this meal!"
Huatian nodded: "What Miss Chu is saying is that a layman may not be able to taste it, but an expert will know it is different once he tastes it!"
Helian Bingshuang has an emperor's tongue, so she naturally understands the truth, but she doubts what Chu Yiqing said about Zhu Niu, and Chu Han's grapes are just an excuse!
"What does Miss Chu mean that we can't cooperate anymore?" Helian Bingshuang said a little disappointed.
"There are only ten cows in the whole village of Zhujiazui now, and they have to use them for plowing, so they can only meet the needs of Chuji Restaurant!" Chu Yiqing nodded.
Helian Bingshuang had no choice but to say: "Forget it, but today I finally met Miss Chu, and we can be considered friends in the future!"
The boring flower-viewing banquet was finally over. On the carriage ride back, Chu Yiqing stretched himself out and rubbed his head, which was hurt by the noise from the ladies.
"Miss, you just can't stand this? If you become a princess..." Yingqian stuck out her tongue and dared not say anything. She only dared to say princess now. She might also become a queen in the future. Even if she is not a queen, she still belongs to the emperor.
Concubine, in the palace, there are groups of women who do nothing but engage in intrigues. If they can't stand up to the small battle in front of them, then...
Chu Yiqing gave a bitter smile, yes, if Li Huang is enough to make her trust her in the end, maybe she will really go with him. When the time comes... Chu Yiqing let out a long sigh of relief. Thinking of that kind of life, he felt bored in his heart.
.
Chu Yiqing shook his head, not thinking about it, and just said: "Yingqian, what do you think of Helian Bingshuang's personality?"
－－－－－－Digression－－－－－
Dear friends, Xiaoyao's baby has pneumonia these days. Xiaoyao has to accompany him to the hospital for an injection. It takes three o'clock in the afternoon to finish the injection. Xiaoyao is also so anxious that he has a fever and a cold, so he has to wait a little later.
One thing, please understand me dearly, Xiaoyao promises to resolve this situation as soon as possible, thank you very much.