After deciding on this deal, Minglan suddenly felt relieved and immediately asked Sister Rong to go back with a smile. ~Sending a girl to school is just two items of registration and payment; however, in this place with red tape, it has to be added to all kinds of verbosity.
At the dinner table that day, Minglan talked about this matter to the girl's father. She made a comprehensive draft of five chapters and twelve subsections, preparing to cover four aspects and six levels including "Adolescents need a peer environment to round out their personality".
They explained to Gu Tingye from different angles the importance of sending Sister Rong to school. Unexpectedly, as soon as the proposal report started, Gu Tingye dismissed her with five light words.
"Just do it as you see fit."
The man wiped the corners of his mouth gracefully, rinsed his mouth, and washed his hands. Then he raised his hand and touched Minglan's face, which had become much plumper recently. His eyes curved in a nice arc with satisfaction, "You continue to eat, I will go and discuss the matter." Then he gently said
He smiled, brushed up his robe, turned around and strode to the outer study.
In Gu Tingye's view, this incident is definitely a model of 'knowing people, making good use of them, and employing people without suspicion'. However, in Minglan's eyes, this is obviously an irresponsible and bad behavior (why, if my mother is not favored, my daughter will not kiss her?
). It was probably due to the dry weather in autumn that Minglan was inexplicably filled with anger. When she went to bed that night, she turned her back towards her husband. Gu Tingye, who didn't know it, didn't return until midnight, and he hugged her waist casually.
Her back, her skin was smooth and soft, and her back was petite and graceful. He took his chin and rubbed it. It felt very pleasant, so he took a few bites, and then fell asleep, which was a good sleep.
Early the next morning, Danju was shocked to find several neat circles of teeth marks on Minglan's shoulders and back, orderly lining up like a military formation. She immediately went to look at the mirror on the dressing table and wanted to complain on the spot, but she couldn't.
Thinking of Fang's mother's warning, she swallowed hard and gritted her teeth to help Minglan get dressed.
Minglan, who was also unaware, didn't notice it. She only felt that the clothes under her clothes were slightly irritating her back today, but she didn't take it seriously. After breakfast, she saw that the sun outside was very beautiful and felt that the weather was beautiful, so she was happy to work hard.
He told Danjue to go to the warehouse to find some good-quality skins and four-color seasonal gift boxes, and asked the concierge to set up a car for the trip.
The sun in late autumn was not very bright, but was so warm that it made me sleepy. Before Minglan almost fell asleep in the carriage, she finally arrived at Zheng's house in the middle and back section of Lianou Hutong. Little Shen had just made two hands of needlework and was leisurely
I was in a panic, but when I heard Minglan was coming, I happily walked to the courtyard to greet her: "The sun is coming out in the west today? You are actually willing to come and see me."
Minglan had no choice but to break her fantasy and said: "The sun still comes from the east. I have something to come to see your sister-in-law."
Little Shen was shocked: "You came to see my sister-in-law?!"
Her expression and voice fully illustrate the ferocity of Mrs. Zheng.
Before they could say a few words, a woman hurriedly came from behind and said clearly: "Please say hello to the second madam. The eldest madam heard that Mrs. Ningyuan Hou had arrived, and she had already placed tea and fruit in the hall. Please come over with the second madam."
Here.~”
Little Shen had no choice but to press her question and hold Minglan's arm as she walked in; Minglan took the opportunity to whisper in her ear: "Weren't you still the 'Second Mistress' a few days ago? Why have you been promoted to a higher level now?"
"Little Shen turned her head and replied in a low voice: "My eldest nephew is talking about getting married. There will be a new wife in this family soon."
After walking a few steps, she arrived in front of the door and saw Mrs. Zheng standing upright. Seeing this serious look, Minglan was also a little frightened. She quickly put on a smile on her face and stepped forward to bless Mrs. Zheng. Mrs. Zheng was also reserved.
He returned the gift. After greeting each other, they sat down.
With her eldest sister-in-law beside her, little Shen was sitting upright, not daring to laugh, and could only wink at Minglan. The Gu and Zheng families were not familiar with each other, and they had nothing to say after a few words.
Having said that, Mrs. Zheng sat quietly, neither asking why Minglan came, nor telling Minglan and Xiao Shen to go shopping on their own. The scene became a bit chilly.
Minglan didn't panic. She had experience in dealing with her eldest brother, Chang Bai. She knew that most of these silent and solemn people were introverts. Although they didn't talk much, they had a bright mind. Rather than going around the corner, it was better to go straight to the point. Taking a deep breath, she spoke.
: "To be honest, Minglan came to visit today because I really have something to ask for."
Mrs. Zheng didn't even move her eyebrows. She put down the tea cup without saying a word and looked at Minglan.
Minglan tried her best to sound sincere and continued: "I have a daughter who is eight years old this year. Although she is innocent and pure, she is not literate, let alone the world. I thought, it is not good to delay the upbringing like this, she must be trained.
Okay. Yesterday, I heard some sisters coming to my house to chat. I accidentally overheard and learned that my daughter-in-law also wanted to go to a boudoir school. So Minglan had an idea and wanted to ask my girl to go to school as well. Please help me here, madam.
It’s too late.”
After saying this, Xiao Shen was surprised at first, what about "having a girl under her knees"? Minglan came into the family less than a year ago, and even her first wife was only three or four years ago. This eight-year-old girl was born as a concubine.
.Thinking that Gu Tingye had a daughter before marriage, she couldn't help but feel contempt in her heart. She couldn't bear to curl her lips, but thought that Minglan would actually ask her sister-in-law for this matter.
Over there, Mrs. Zheng was also slightly frightened, but her expression did not change. She only said: "Ningyuan Marquis Mansion belongs to the founding clan of the country. How can I dare to do anything for the family? Why don't you invite a female gentleman to your house?"
Minglan knew this question and immediately replied: "Madam, I don't know. There are currently two girls in my family. Except for the girl in my family, she is the niece in the sister-in-law's room. In this way, only for the two girls
It would be bad to mobilize a large number of people; secondly..." She smiled and said, "To be honest, I am young and unfamiliar with people. I don't know how to hire a female gentleman with high moral character and good academic skills. Even if I know it, I am afraid I won't be able to hire him.
arrive."
Mrs. Zheng raised a hint of disapproval at the corner of her mouth and said calmly: "It would be better to live at home and have a prosperous family. If we had known what would happen, why would we rush to separate the family that day?"
Minglan's heart skipped a beat, but she didn't hesitate for a moment. She said in a clear jade-like voice: "It's good for people to be prosperous, but only when people's hearts are harmonious can it be successful. Otherwise, it's just a temple chanting sutras and doing different monasteries. ~"
"Mrs. Gu Hou is very eloquent." Mrs. Zheng's expression was indifferent, still unmoved, "I have long heard that Madam is very sharp with her words. Today's speech is indeed well-deserved. It's strange that even the lady of your house has to avoid your sharp words."
Minglan felt a surge of anger in her chest. She knew that the old Baihua's fame in the past twenty years was not for nothing. He must have been showing off a lot these days. She tried her best to suppress her anger. After a while, she calmed down and said: "Madam,
Although you and I are not familiar with each other, I have always respected Madam as a person; I thought that a tutor who can make Madam feel confident about entrusting her daughter to her must be an excellent one. Then I got lazy and shamelessly came to the door, hoping to call the children at home.
By the light of Madam. This is one of them."
After saying this, Mrs. Zheng's face softened slightly, and the following words were the most important thing. Minglan continued: "As for what Madam heard...
"
She slowed down her breathing and raised her head to meet Mrs. Zheng's eyes, "Minglan worshiped Buddha with her grandmother when she was young, and she firmly believed in the cycle of cause and effect. In life, if you dare to do something, you should dare to do it. No matter who makes a mistake or makes a mistake, he will be punished in the world.
There is a place that deserves retribution, and no one should cry out for injustice. Minglan dares to say this!"
The sound of needles dropping could be heard in the room, and little Shen even breathed softly. The words were confusing, but she understood them at least.
Mrs. Zheng looked at Minglan. After a moment, she softened the corners of her lips. This was the first expression Minglan saw on her today: "Why don't you repay kindness with kindness?"
Minglan's voice was soft, but her eyes were firm: "If you repay evil with kindness, how can you repay kindness? Repay kindness with kindness, repay kindness with kindness, then you will know that there will always be good and evil in the world."
Mrs. Zheng sighed slightly and stopped talking, but her expression was different from the indifference she had just now.
Ming Lan frowned and said slowly: "And that girl, there are some things that I can do or not do. A drop of water falling from the tip of a leaf is nothing but insignificant to a person, but to an ant, it is a pouring of nectar. Some people's
The act of raising his hand may have changed the fate of others. Minglan is not that kind, she is just doing what she should do and seeking peace of mind."
If Sister Rong was docile by nature, maybe she wouldn't have to worry so much, she could be well-educated and find a good family later; but she is wild and stubborn, and if she doesn't get it right, she can easily go astray.
Mrs. Zheng stared at her for a moment, but she saw Minglan's sincere voice and calm eyes. Her face, which was like an iceberg that had lasted for thousands of years, finally showed signs of melting. After a while, she said gently: "I told you so."
You are very knowledgeable, why don’t you teach your children yourself?”
Seeing the look on her face, Minglan knew that things would be done, so she smiled mischievously and said, "Madam, aren't you very knowledgeable?" Mrs. Shen once said that her sister-in-law, who was like the king of hell, was also very talented before she got married.
famous.
Mrs. Zheng finally smiled. She knew Minglan's concerns. She was not just a good aunt, but she was real and trustworthy.
She shook her head helplessly: "That's all, I'll take care of this. The boudoir school is behind my uncle's house, and the person who teaches it is my cousin's sister-in-law; I used to run the boudoir school in my hometown in Xunyang.
study."
"Xunyang?" Minglan's eyes lit up, "But the one known as 'Master Xue'?"
Mrs. Zheng smiled and said, "It's her."
This Xue family was once a talented woman who was famous in the capital. After she became a widow at a young age, because she disdained the appearance of her husband's relatives, she relied on the help of her natal family, so she took her son to support the family alone, set up a boudoir and learn to manage the housework.
She taught girls not just about the Spring and Autumn Period in books, but also about medicine, astrology, financial management, housekeeping, laws, and even the sophistication of the world. She came and went, but she became very impressive and famous in Xunyang Nong.
It wasn't until a few years ago, when her son got an official position and got married, that she was granted a bachelor's degree and enjoyed the blessings at home. Piece said that her current daughter-in-law was one of her proud younger brothers, because he taught her how to become a daughter-in-law.
Mother-in-law and daughter-in-law are extremely harmonious.
When she was at the Sheng family, Minglan once heard the old lady mention this woman and she was very complimentary.
Xiao Shen was bored for a long time, and finally found a place for her to show her full potential. Seeing that her sister-in-law's mood improved, she came to add information and said with a smile: "She is originally in Xunyang. But I am working far away now, and I am afraid that my mother will be tired from traveling and traveling.
They refused to follow her. The Xue family couldn't bear to separate the couple, so they simply asked their daughter-in-law to follow them. There were many girls in my uncle's family, and they were in need of training. Seeing this opportunity, my sister-in-law quickly invited her to Beijing, and the sisters took care of her.
, so that Mr. Xue family can rest assured. There are also Master Qinyun and Master Nuhong."
Minglan was overjoyed, stroking her hands and smiling: "This is really great luck, Minglan, thank you so much, madam." She remembered something again, and followed the stick to beat the snake, "I have a niece at home, I wonder if I can join in?
"
In ancient times, information was underdeveloped, and the reputation of a good teacher had to be spread by word of mouth. Even Mr. Zhuang was so difficult to find, let alone a female teacher who was ten times more remote and less popular, and it was even more rare.
Mrs. Zheng smiled: "One more at most. If there are more, I'm afraid it will tire Mrs. Xue."
"Thank you very much. I will tell my sister-in-law when I get back. She will definitely be happy." Minglan smiled as happily as a child.
The rest of the atmosphere was pleasant, and the three of them talked and joked again. Minglan said goodbye and went out, and Xiao Shen came out to see her off. She pretended to be angry on the way: "You are so brave, Mr. Gu Sheng. You even asked me to fool my sister-in-law!"
"
After being out for such a long time, Minglan was really tired and said feebly: "If your sister-in-law doesn't understand in her heart, it's useless even if I talk about it. Alas... there are some things that it's not good for you to argue, and it's not good not to argue.
, what a headache.”
Xiao Shen knew the inside story to some extent from her elder brother, and said sincerely: "Don't worry, everyone is not blind. You can't say it as you wish." Minglan curled her lips and said, "Not necessarily."
After getting on the carriage, Danju quickly put the hot pad behind Minglan's waist. Seeing Minglan's tired face, she couldn't help but feel distressed and said: "Then the eldest lady of the Zheng family, why do you talk like this? It seems like we are in the wrong.
"
"That's not surprising." Minglan squinted her eyes and said softly, as if to herself, "I thought of it a long time ago, and today I finally found the opportunity..."
It’s not that she doesn’t know what the concubine is doing or saying outside, it’s just that it’s hard for her to fight back.
Most of the female relatives in the Gu family have established a deep or shallow friendship with the Dowager. They have been friends for decades, and you, a concubine who has just arrived, unexpectedly became Mrs. Hou. I am afraid there are not a few people who are jealous and bitter.
Why should I trust you and respect you?
What's more, the madam didn't say anything clearly, she only needed to look aggrieved to win sympathy; and if she talked about the family affairs from beginning to end, it would be even easier to cause misunderstandings.
One-sided facts are also facts. She didn't say a single bad word, how could Minglan refute? No matter what, the stepmother is also an elder. She tried her best to defend herself outside and refute the wife's words, which can only make people think that Minglan is an arrogant person who does not understand etiquette.
But you can't just leave it alone. When it comes to destroying your bones, it will be a big disaster.
Therefore, this matter is difficult to handle.
Instead of thinking about plugging loopholes, it is better to find another way to attack. Minglan thought about it for half a month, and then vaguely thought of Mrs. Zheng. It was not easy to just come to the door and talk about it. It seemed too purposeful and artificial. Now she has it all.
an opportunity.
First of all, she comes from a good family, and her husband's family is from a famous family; secondly, her character and virtue are well-known in the capital; thirdly, this lady has a special personality and does not like to talk much, so there are very few people who can be friends with her. If this is the case
A famous lady from the capital recognized her, so wouldn't Minglan get twice the result with half the effort?!
The most important thing is that the two families have the same position, and Mrs. Zheng has a clear mind. Through various channels, she can get some inside information about the Gu family, which is very likely to be convincing.
After winning the first battle today, Minglan is reassured. In this world, communication skills include not only being able to speak nicely, being warm and familiar, and being like sisters at every turn. In the future, she will have her own circle, and there will be more and more people who will help her.
Talk to friends.
Don't you introduce her to familiar social circles? It doesn't matter, it's not strange. She has her own feet, move forward step by step, and find her own way.
The carriage shook slightly, and she closed her eyelids, feeling so sleepy that she almost fell asleep again.
Before becoming confused, she suddenly thought that it was unfair to say that she was a lazy person who only loved sleeping. With a generous salary, it was not like she was always sleeping and not working; work required a balance between work and rest, and she was thoughtful and calculating every day.