More than ten days later, it was the first day of school.
This painful day made many schoolchildren cry and howl in later generations, but to the little girls in ancient times who lived a closed life, it was fresh and exciting. Before the bell was even sounded, the two little sisters arrived dressed in brand new clothes.
Jiaxi lives in front of the hospital.
One is wearing a small coat embroidered with bright yellow bamboo branches and flower buds, light peach red and sprinkled with gold. On the chest is a golden golden lock of auspicious clouds, and a nine-section ring of red gold necklace decorated with twelve glass beads. The other is wearing a dark blue chinchilla.
He is wearing a leather-trimmed brocade jacket, and only some pure and exquisite silver ornaments on his body. On his chest is a thin silver chain with a very precious mutton-fat white jade, which is moist and translucent.
The room is quiet, the window sill is opened just half a window, letting in a little bit of the cold frost that falls among the flowers and plants in the courtyard in the early morning. On the table in the east is a small purple jade incense burner with two unicorns protecting Ganoderma lucidum, and the fragrance is puffing out from the mouth of the burner.
of cigarettes.
Gong Hongxiao and Qiuniang stood upright on one side, hearing the faint sound of chopsticks, spoons and dishes. Qiuniang tried her best to resist the idea of turning her head to look around, lowering her head in silence, but Gong Hongxiao raised her head and looked at Minglan:
"Madam, why don't you eat first?"
"No need." Minglan waved her hand, her expression still tired and her voice slightly hoarse. Gong Hongxiao felt a harsh and harsh feeling and quickly lowered her head. However, Qiuniang was distracted and couldn't help but turn her head to look at the side compartment frequently.
direction.
At this time, Danjue led the two little girls into the room. After they both bowed, Minglan, who was sitting on the table, straightened up, looked solemn, became angry, and began to speak.
"Outside is not the same as at home. You must be careful and cautious in all your words and deeds, and do not act recklessly. You need to know that you sisters are the face of our Gu family outside. Only by behaving appropriately can you be worthy of our Gu family. Listen more and watch more, speak less and do less.
, take a good look at what other people are doing, think more about it, and learn something from the masters..."
She spoke warmly, and the two little girls nodded in agreement solemnly. Seeing the obedient promises on their faces, Minglan couldn't help but feel pleased and a little intoxicated. In other words, she was not very good at teaching morals.
She specializes in the art of punishment, such as beating people, fining people with monthly payments, and being imprisoned in dungeons. Ideological education falls under the domain of the Political Propaganda Department in the office next door.
"Mama Cui has already taught you the rules. Don't be stubborn outside. You must listen to your husband and say whatever you have to say." Minglan warned Sister Rong with a straight face. After thinking for a while, she added, "
If it doesn’t work, come back and tell me.”
Sister Rong blushed, nodded vigorously, and whispered: "Don't worry, mother, my daughter knows."
Minglan felt relieved, then turned to Sister Xian and said softly: "You are a good person. Auntie always trusts you. Please keep an eye on me more and don't ask Rong to be stubborn outside."
Sister Xian smiled sweetly: "Don't worry, Auntie, we will definitely remember your sincere teachings."
Her tone was cheerful and sincere, which was very helpful to Minglan. However, there was a soft hum from the east side every now and then. It was almost inaudible, but Minglan swore that she heard dissatisfaction and ridicule from the sound.
This morning, under Gu Tingye's half-sour gaze, she resisted the drowsiness and got up early because she planned to give some final instructions to the new students.
Minglan thought that her preaching must be quite silly, so she blushed and didn't turn her head, pretending she didn't hear anything.
"It's done, you can go out now. You don't have to come to my place specially from now on. It's so early in the morning, so unfortunately I didn't get much sleep." Minglan's eyes were full of pity. It was such a terrible thing to get up early in the morning to study.
.
There was a sound again in Dongji Room, a crisp sound of chopsticks falling on the celadon chopstick holder. Minglan's teeth were itching and she tried her best not to turn her head. Well, she wanted to sleep a little longer. All she could think about was sleeping in, so what?
.
Everyone in the room was speechless, except Qiuniang, who looked eastward a few more times.
Seeing that the time was almost up, Danjue led the two girls out. Sister Xian stepped out in front, but Sister Rong's steps were a little draggy. She looked back at Minglan several times, and the children's eyes were clear in black and white.
There was a little uneasiness in his childish eyes.
Minglan's heart moved, and she suddenly called out: "Girl Rong." Sister Rong immediately stopped and stared at her eagerly.
"Study hard and be polite and respectful to others, but don't let others bully you. Remember, your surname is Gu." Minglan thought for a while and added, "In this part of the capital, you are still outside.
I have suffered a loss." Erlang of the Gu family has been wild and untamable since he was a child, and his fists have been used in the dandy circles of the capital. He should not bully others and just recite the Buddha's name.
As soon as he finished speaking, there was another very soft sound from the east side, which seemed like a muffled laugh. Sister Rong's face was stunned. Minglan gritted her teeth and told her to leave quickly. The little girl lowered her head and turned around and walked out the door.
After all the maids and maids had gone out, a tall figure flashed. Gu Tingye stood on the side of the brocade grid, scooping up a snow-white handkerchief in his hand and rubbing it gently between his fingers. He was dressed in an ocher red dark gold Shu brocade uniform,
Mature and steady temperament.
When Qiuniang saw him, she suddenly became excited and trembled her lips slightly but could not speak. Gong Hongxiao was much smarter and said quickly: "Madam has been busy for a long time. Now let me serve the master and his wife to eat."
I will come to help Minglan soon.
Gu Tingye frowned: "There are people waiting here. You and Qiuniang should go back first."
The tone was majestic, and no one dared to protest. Gong Hongxiao's movements froze for a moment, and then she responded with a smile on her face, followed by Qiuniang who lowered her head, looked sad and was nostalgic.
"It's rare to see a concubine who loves to greet his wife so much." Minglan looked at the lonely two people and turned to Gu Tingye with a half-smile but not a smile, "Master Marquis, tell me why this is?"
Gu Tingye didn't answer, just leaned in the Linglong Pavilion in silence. Minglan then asked and answered herself: "It must be that my mistress is extremely kind and has an upright and upright character, which makes them admire and love her endlessly."
"Why don't you come and have dinner?" The man's expression remained unchanged, but he curved the corners of his lips and added a bit of coquettishness to his brows.
…
Seven or eight days after the girls went to school, Minglan followed the custom of the Great Zhou Dynasty and went to the door to say thank you. In the afternoon, she prepared a small gift again and went to General Zheng's mansion to express her gratitude to Mrs. Zheng for her kindness in recommending teachers. Based on her childhood experience, like Mrs. Zheng
Madam, a silent and solemn person, really doesn't like people who talk a lot. The more she talks, the more annoying she becomes. After Minglan thanked her sincerely, she didn't know what to say in silence. She couldn't just come in and leave, so she had to sit down.
Use your brain there and cite some examples to enhance credibility.
"My sister Rong is indeed very well-behaved and courteous these days." When she called her 'mother', her tone was much more sincere, not as coy and reluctant as before, which shows that sometimes ideological work still needs outsiders to do it.
After thinking for a while, Minglan added, "You don't need to be seen to know that you have worked hard."
Although Mrs. Zheng didn't speak much, she smiled kindly and seemed to like Minglan's narration. Little Shen smiled to liven up the atmosphere: "My niece said that your girl is also a strong one.
The first time Mr. Hui asked about his homework, he was a little sluggish, but he got back on his feet the next day."
"Not only that." Minglan scooped up her handkerchief and covered her smile implicitly, trying to speak seriously and truthfully, "That child is not naughty, and she also knows how to be filial to her elders. I heard from people in her house that she has been practicing needlework diligently these days to prepare for the Chinese New Year.
The Marquis and I pay tribute to a few small things. My God, God bless that nvhong master, but don’t make my stupid girl angry."
Mrs. Zheng was amused when she heard this: "It doesn't matter, as long as you enter the door, it will be better." After a pause, she seemed to remember something, and she couldn't help laughing and said, "My girl also... also has ten fingers like a mallet.
~”
Seeing that the atmosphere in the room was harmonious, Minglan secretly breathed a sigh of relief. Back then, in front of Brother Changbai and Mrs. Sheng, she could act coquettishly and act stupid because of her young age, but now she couldn't climb up to Zheng Da.
The lady is just rolling around in a cute outfit.
In fact, she is not likely to get close to people she is not familiar with. It might have been different if she had become a disciple of the boss of the Political Propaganda Department. All of his disciples are good at affectionate tongues, and they will not only convince you
He will touch your head, touch your heart, and even try to convince you even if you don’t agree with him. The collective idol: Mr. Tang Seng.
After another conversation, Minglan was about to leave. Little Shen stood up quickly, pretended to look at the hourglass on the side, and said: "Hey, it's already this hour, I think it's time to go to school over there." Then she smiled straight away.
Look at Minglan.
Xiao Shen lost her parents when she was young. She had little control over her brothers and sisters because of their pity, and she had been used to being free since she was a child. But after marrying into the Zheng family, she had to abide by her wife's ethics and never leave the house.
It was really frustrating to sit in the general's mansion facing a solemn living King of Hell's wife, being disciplined for every word and deed.
Minglan didn't know what Xiao Shen was thinking. She wanted to pretend to be stupid, but she couldn't bear the hot expectant gaze. She smiled bitterly in her heart, but she said naturally: "Yes, I originally planned to go out after leaving here."
I stopped by to pick up the two kids."
Little Shen secretly cheered in her heart, turned around with a smile and said: "Sister-in-law, there are only a few steps to go anyway, why don't I go there too and bring my niece back." Mrs. Zheng glanced at Minglan and little Shen calmly.
, lowered his head to drink tea, but said nothing. Xiao Shen looked at Minglan, who lowered her head. The two of them were worried about themselves, but they heard Mrs. Zheng say: "In this case, you can go together."
Xiao Shen felt as if she had received an amnesty and hurried back to her room. After dressing up for a while, she took Minglan in her arms and went out.
"Phew, I can finally come out and take a breath."
In the carriage, Mr. Shen frequently raised the curtains to look around, looking overjoyed: "When I was on the border of Sichuan, I often heard that the capital was prosperous and prosperous, and it was the best place in the world. Take pity on me.
I’ve been in Beijing for so long, but I’ve never had a good time.”
Minglan smiled and said: "Look at how pitiful you are, haven't you ever been out?"
Little Shen pursed his lips, put down the car curtain and turned around and said: "Either you go to the nunnery to offer incense, or you go to a Taoist temple to have a ritual ceremony, or you dress like you are worshiping your ancestors and go to other people's houses to have wine and tea. It's amazing.
It’s just a trip to a few familiar gold and jade antique shops. What kind of fun is this!”
"Then how are you doing?" Minglan tilted her head, leaning against the small smoke cage, feeling sleepy and weak again.
Xiao Shen's eyes lit up and she said calmly: "I have traveled all over the mountains, rivers and cities, and seen all the people and the world, and then I know what kind of situation is under my feet today." Minglan smiled and held up her hands in a respectful manner.
Lifting her up from the warm cage, she gave her two gentle applauses. Little Shen was embarrassed and said angrily: "Just laugh at me!"
Seeing her anger, Minglan stopped joking and gently advised: "I'm not laughing at you, what you said is right. It's a pity that we were born as girls, how can we walk around. I have been in the capital longer than you, so go
There are only a few places in the world. The spring was very beautiful that year, and the family members went to the nearby Wangchun Mountain for an outing. This allowed me to see the scenery outside. This was started by my elderly grandmother.
Traveling, apart from my ancestors, even my wife has a hard time thinking about traveling."
Little Mrs. Shen listened with longing, and after a while she said: "My mother-in-law can still walk, but as for my sister-in-law..." She sighed softly and said no more.
Minglan also felt melancholy in her heart. Who doesn't want to walk around, so she joked: "Then there is only one way. You hurry up and give birth to a bunch of children, one litter at a time. When you become an ancestor, you will be full of children and grandchildren."
At that time, you can go wherever you want."
Little Shen's face turned red with embarrassment, she got angry and said angrily: "I treat you as a confidant and tell you everything, but you come to make fun of me! You are such a kind person, I won't tell you anymore.
"
Minglan laughed so hard that she moved on the thick and soft mattress, grabbed little Shen's shoulders and said softly: "Good sister, I was wrong, please forgive me, I don't dare to do it anymore." Again.
After half a basket of good words, little Shen was coaxed back.
Little Shen poked Minglan's forehead and laughed and scolded: "You debt collector, I only pity your family. I don't want to ask for such a terrible wife as you. I won't make you faint, just
It makes you angry to death."
The two of them were close in age, and they laughed and twisted together as they talked. After a while, Xiao Shen slowly straightened up and said quietly: "Although it's nice here, it's too troublesome. It's better to be at home in Sichuan."
." Minglan leaned against the brocade pillow and looked at her quietly.
After a while, little Shen said in a low voice: "I can't bear to leave my brother and sister."
Minglan still didn't speak. She suddenly thought of the famous Princess Diana. She was a tragic figure. She wanted to be a princess when she was unknown and no one cared about her. She wanted to be a princess when she was famous and rich, but she also wanted freedom and love. There are so many things in the world that have the best of both worlds.
Yea. Young Shen wants to enjoy the prosperity and wealth of the capital city, but also wants to be free and unconstrained. It is obviously not enough for the virtues accumulated by his predecessors, and he also needs to have a good character.
Eat enough salted fish to satisfy your thirst. If you receive wealth and honor, you will have to endure troubles.
The affairs of the Zheng family had also been a topic of discussion among the powerful circles in the capital, and Minglan had heard a little about it.
When little Shen passed the door, thinking that she had the support of the queen sister, she also went to the palace to complain and file a complaint, hoping that the royal family would come forward to kill the majesty of her eldest sister-in-law, so that she could live more comfortably.
Unexpectedly, Mrs. Zheng was more ruthless and bachelor than she was. She just finished crying to her sister. Before the queen could think of how to tell Mrs. Zheng, she knelt down in front of Mrs. Zheng and said, "I am of humble status.
She is not worthy enough to be the eldest sister-in-law of the Shen family, so she invites herself to leave the hall and go home.
Mrs. Zheng, who is in her late seventies and eighty years old, was so frightened that half of her soul was lost. For more than ten years, the friendship between mother-in-law and daughter-in-law was extraordinary. She had always been very satisfied with her eldest daughter-in-law. She also had children, took care of housework, and kept the family together. How could it be so?
No, Mrs. Zheng immediately stood up in her frail body, put on all the imperial robes, and went to the palace to plead guilty and beg for mercy.
For a time, there was a lot of discussion everywhere.
It is said that it is a discussion, but in fact there is no controversy at all. The public opinion is one-sided in favor of Madam Zheng. She comes from a noble and prestigious Su clan family and has a good reputation. Some of her ancestors are entitled to the Imperial Ancestral Temple, and her family's uncles and uncles are enshrined in the Zhonglie Temple. Her family accounts for 10% of the chastity arches across the country (what a terrible family tradition), and she herself is well-known in the capital as an upright and virtuous woman.
Just two days after little Shen entered the house, she forced such a virtuous and virtuous sister-in-law to stay in her husband's house. It was simply outrageous. Shen's wife's buttocks were not yet hot, yet she dared to be so arrogant and arrogant. He The day will bring disaster.
According to Sheng Hong's father, the imperial censor has already written the impeachment case, and is about to write it.
Not only that, even the female family members of the royal family headed by the eldest princess Qingning were very unhappy.
The Zheng family of Zhongjing Hou is such a good family, noble and kind. What's the matter? We, the princess and princess, are waiting for the nobles and dare not insult our husband's sisters-in-law, but you, the queen sister, started your business first? You are like a nouveau riche. , it’s not your turn to imitate Princess Taiping.
Empress Dowager Shotoku and several princesses even laughed at her with disdain.
I remember that at that time, Minglan also said something indignant, but brother Changbai smiled lightly: "This is just a killing with a powerful stick, and the emperor will be able to solve it in an instant." Later, Minglan understood that as a newly promoted descendant of the descendant clan, the civil servants were clear. As usual, one or two people must be intimidated and suppressed; what's more, Xiao Shen also has an emperor's brother-in-law who is working hard to create the brand trademark of "Benevolence and Filial Piety". ~
As expected by Brother Changbai, several close ministers saw the opportunity quickly, and the emperor acted quickly. They talked to the queen, and I don’t know whether to persuade or reprimand. In short, the queen immediately announced that the Zheng family’s female family members had entered the palace, and grabbed the opportunity before the Holy Emperor. Before the attack, Empress Dowager De gave her sister a severe scolding and assigned two nuns to restrain her. Finally, she comforted the Zheng family's mother-in-law and daughter-in-law in a friendly manner and rewarded her with many things, and the matter was settled.
Xiao Shen was the worst. She just made a small complaint (she had done this often since she was a child). After her sister had trained her brother, and her brother had trained the queen mother, it was inevitable that the two queen mothers would look ugly after they were sent back to her husband's house. Even her husband was unhappy, so he only apologized to his eldest brother again and again. After this battle, Mr. Shen became honest.
"To be honest..." Little Shen imitated Minglan and put her head on the plush cushion, sighing, "Although my sister-in-law doesn't like to joke, she is really a very good person." She added. He is not stupid, he cannot tell the truth from the false, and he cannot tell the difference between good and bad people.
After all, Mrs. Zheng didn't treat her too harshly. She didn't ask her to set rules, nor did she push her or make sarcastic remarks. She just prevented little Shen from being exposed and didn't let her pester little General Zheng to go out to play.
In addition, he also reminded her of social etiquette from time to time so that she would not make mistakes in her words and deeds, so as not to make jokes outside. It was much better than the sisters-in-law in ordinary wealthy families who may not get along well with each other, or engage in intrigues, or just watch the jokes with a cold eye.
"Nonsense, no one can see it. Don't be born into blessings and don't know your blessings. Your sister-in-law is so kind-hearted." Minglan said with a smile.
"Oh, even the Queen Mother is always talking about me now, telling me to cherish my blessings. Such a good family, such a pure and upright family style, the men are all well-behaved. Which generation did I come from? Tell me to listen to my sister-in-law, don't do it. What a nonsense." There was a sadness in Xiao Shen's tone that "the situation is over."
This is also the brilliance of Mrs. Zheng. No matter what happens inside, she always protects Xiao Shen with all her strength outside, assuming the posture of 'my sister-in-law, we can discipline her ourselves, and it is not the turn of outsiders to make irresponsible remarks'. Someone once said
It was a joke that little Shen was not polite enough and was as angry as a village girl. She actually put down her face on the spot, rolled up her sleeves and left. As time went by, even the queen respected her and often invited her to the palace to talk. This was also the reason why she was originally Ming
Lan chose her as a breakthrough point among a group of people.
He is really a smart man, and there are indeed hidden dragons and crouching tigers in his boudoir. But...
"Say, if back then..." Minglan considered her tone and asked carefully, "Would your sister-in-law really have gone down to the church to ask for help?" This was really not the question to ask, but she was as curious as a cat tickling her.
Xiao Shen rolled her eyes at Minglan, thought for a while, and nodded slowly, with a hard expression on her face: "I didn't believe it at first. It's been almost two years since I came here, and I'm looking at it with cold eyes..." She let out a long breath.
, "My sister-in-law's tutor is someone who despises life and death and values etiquette. Her true temperament is true, and she will risk her life."
Minglan leaned back and covered her heart with fear. She really couldn't afford to be hurt.
Someone had already gone to the villa of Zhongjing Hou Mansion to report the news. When they arrived at the concierge, several girls and maids were already waiting there.
The little girl from the Zheng family was born generous and cute, and she seemed to like the little Shen family very much. When the aunt and nephew met, they happily held hands in their carriage and said they were going to Shuishou Pavilion to buy the newly baked squab, and then to Zi
Yun Zhai looked at the newly arrived Huixuan jade paper to reward the little girl for studying hard and making progress every day. Seeing how energetic little Shen was, she thought she was really bored in the Zheng Mansion.
Minglan deeply despised this behavior of using children as an excuse.
The two children were riding in a carriage with Minglan, chattering about interesting things in class along the way. Sister Xian, needless to say, loves to read, and even Sister Rong was also very interested. Xue and everyone tested their homework,
It's not just about reading. Although Sister Rong is not good at reading, she is very good at arithmetic. While others are still touching the beads on the abacus, she can already do the calculations in one go.
"Anyway, I'm on my way, why don't I go and see Fifth Sister." Minglan asked them both to talk in interest, and suddenly came up with this idea. It's just a good day to be warm and cold, not to mention it's not easy for a lazy person like her to go out. Now that she's out,
If you have it, don’t waste it.
The carriages and horses stopped at a double-painted ink-painted gate. The Wen family was in the middle of Tianshui Hutong, in a spacious courtyard with more than three entrances.
"You just came here empty-handed?" Ru Lan held her waist with one hand, wearing a water-red butterfly embroidered thin ermine long coat, with a neat bun on her head, but with a very eye-catching
Big Southern Pearl Red Gold Hairpin.
She spoke with her huge belly and said this. Minglan couldn't help but feel angry. It was really embarrassing to have such a sister: "This is a temporary idea, how can I have anything! If you are not happy, I will only
If you ask someone to deliver something, you won’t come to your door.”
"How can it be possible?" Ru Lan just said nothing, not really greedy for things in her heart. She happily asked Minglan to sit down: "You are lucky, the two annoying people in my husband's family have gone out, your brother-in-law, he
There's something going on at my aunt's house."
At this time, a little magpie dressed as a woman was walking in with a tea tray. After hearing these words, she couldn't help but said: "My grandma, why are you..." He turned around and saw no one else, "Lest
If you are used to saying it, it will leak out when the time comes."
Ru Lan had no choice but to pout, "Yeah, this is the most annoying thing."
Minglan looked at the little magpie with a smile and said warmly: "You are in good health. If you feel unwell, don't bear to hide it. Even though I told the fifth sister, she begged for you and me."
The little magpie put down the tea tray, covered her mouth and smiled: "Look, what you said is that I can't bear to leave my girl, so I must beg her to come. The sixth girl is still so fun-loving. Today, the old lady and the second grandmother have gone out.
Madam, please just talk to our grandma more..." As she spoke, she neatly directed the maids who filed in to place the tea and fruit plates.
The two sisters sat down, and Rulan glanced at Minglan, who was wearing a silver rat jacket with gemstones that looked like blue but not a duck. This was a tribute given by the emperor, but there was something outside.
No. Looking at her pure body, she didn't wear any jewelry. She only wore a red gold filigree emerald emerald-shaped phoenix hairpin with an upturned head on her bun. The hanging pearl was as big as a thumb and rested on the side of her forehead.
Slightly swaying, moving and shining.
After getting married, Rulan always felt a little uncomfortable every time she saw Minglan dressed in a glamorous and noble outfit. But today...she lowered her head and stroked her belly, briefly glancing at Sister Rong beside her. She felt like this as soon as she entered the door.
It's quite dazzling to have such a big concubine in front of me.
After thinking about it, Minglan's glory and wealth no longer seemed so attractive. Ru Lan felt much better, and she suddenly became kind and loving. She grabbed a lot of candies and gave them to Sister Rong and Sister Xian, calling them maids.
I took them to play.
"How does it feel to be a mother without having to give birth to your own child?" Ru Lan whispered, with a malicious light in her eyes.
What a foul mouth! Minglan clenched her handkerchief bitterly. She immediately countered with a calm and sharp reply: "Fifth sister is capable, so she will only give birth to her own children as mothers."
Rulan couldn't help but be speechless. She really didn't dare to take advantage of this guarantee. Although she was straightforward, she was not naive. The most ideal life prospect so far was that she and her husband could love each other for twenty years and wait for their children to grow up. At that time, she would be busy.
If you are looking for a wife, a daughter, or even a grandchild, you might as well have two honest girls in the room to help serve you.
Minglan happily watched Ru Lan's face changing from green to red, and the color changed wonderfully. She had never suffered from Ru Lan verbally when she was a child, let alone now. After the fight, she at least said a few words, she is pregnant after all, no.
She is so easy to bully. Minglan sat upright and said with a kind smile: "How is Fifth Sister doing lately? Is there anything I can do to help?"
Ru Lan held up the gold hairpin on her temples and glared at Ming Lan before replying: "The doctor and the nuns all said that I had a good pregnancy and it was nothing important. I was just a glutton and sleepy. I had to eat five meals a day.
Sometimes, I doze off when I open my eyes, and I still feel sleepy when I don't open my eyes, just like taking medicine. But now, these are much better. And..."
Minglan listened with a smile, but for some reason, her heart suddenly moved.
It was already three o'clock in the morning when they came out from Wen's house. The group of people drove slowly back to their house. After getting off the car, a maid took the two children back. As soon as Minglan returned to the house, she saw Dan Ju walking impatiently in the house.
Walking away, when she saw Minglan, she hurriedly greeted her and said confusedly: "Madam, you are finally back. I have been here to invite you three or four times, but you went out and the old lady is here."
"Who?" Minglan was exhausted and was about to collapse on the couch.
"Old lady!"
…
This is a really busy day, a good topic for primary school essays.
The side hall of Xuanning Hall is wide open, and two noble and graceful old women are sitting in the middle. One is the dowager, and the other is the sister-in-law of Mr. Gu, who later married into the Yang family of the aristocratic family.
"Greetings to my aunt."
Minglan looked happy and bowed softly. It was already too late anyway, so she just had to freshen up and change into new clothes before coming.
Mrs. Yang Gu had a round face, and her expression should have been very kind, but at this moment she was a little bit smiley: "My second nephew and daughter-in-law are very busy people. I'm leaving now, and you're just coming back."
.It’s really not easy to meet him.”
Minglan glanced at Shao and Zhu who were sitting aside, and replied respectfully: "To my aunt, Minglan went to General Zheng's mansion today to express her gratitude for recommending her as a teacher. Two days ago, she told Mrs. Tai and her sister-in-law to return the favor.
Some of my siblings have told me. Minglan really didn't know that my aunt was coming today, otherwise she would not have dared to leave the house."
Mrs. Yang Gu smiled, turned to the wife and said, "Your daughter-in-law is so articulate. I only said one sentence, but she had ten or eight sentences waiting for me. I really don't dare to accept my advice."
Minglan smiled and didn't answer. To say it was sophistry, not to say it was acquiescence, in short, it was all wrong. People who didn't even come to have a drink with her when they got married probably wouldn't get close to her. In this case, she only said what needed to be said.
, only answer what should be answered, and follow the etiquette, and she doesn't take the rest to heart at all.
The atmosphere in the hall dropped.
Mrs. Yang Gu stared at Minglan with critical eyes; Minglan stared at her toes, counting silently, planning to sit down when she reached a hundred; Mrs. Tai held the tea bowl leisurely, with no intention of smoothing things over; Mrs. Zhu
Naturally, he couldn't speak; but Shao couldn't bear it. He glanced at the Madam above, then at Minglan, and slowly stood up.
"Brothers and sisters are tired, come and sit down." She pulled Minglan to sit next to her and said with a smile, "Something happy has come to our door today. Our seventh sister's marriage has been decided."
Minglan sat down comfortably next to the back of the chair and said with a look of 'surprise': "Oh, seriously, this is a big congratulations to the madam. Which family is so lucky to have our seventh sister go?"
Shao smiled and replied: "It is the Han consort's family who married the eldest princess of Qingchang, and they are the princess's third son."
"The Han family. Is that consort the direct descendant of the old Marquis of Zhennan?"
The reason why Minglan remembers it so clearly is because there is a dandy in the Zhennan Hou Mansion who is as famous as Gu Tingye. But since Gu Tingye washed his feet and came ashore, who from the Han family?p
The madam put down the tea bowl, her brows were filled with joy, and she spoke reservedly: "Thanks to her aunt for helping to make the connection. Although Qi Yatou was unlucky, her father passed away before she left the palace, but she still had an aunt who cared about her.
, this blessing is not bad at all.”
Mrs. Yang Gu turned around and smiled, her golden-brown brocade gown shining brightly: "Seven girls are blessed. The third son of the Han family is already a junior, because he followed Han
The marriage was postponed because the consort was away. Now that I have returned to Beijing, the number of people who come to talk about marriage is almost overwhelming. I just casually mentioned that the seven girls are famous, both big and small.
If you like it, let me tell you."
"This is really a good match." Minglan expressed her joy cooperatively.
"Her aunt is thinking about her. I really don't know how to thank her." Madam Tai reached out her hand affectionately. Mrs. Yang smiled proudly, and the wrinkles at the corners of her eyes almost bloomed into flowers.
Qi Yatou is also well-read in poetry and books, and she just happens to meet Han’s consort returning to Beijing. Isn’t this a match made in heaven?”
For a moment, everyone in the hall congratulated and thanked her one after another, especially the madam who smiled sincerely.
Minglan knew why she was so happy. This marriage was indeed a good one.
Due to the death of Queen Jing'an, the palace was in chaos and prisons were everywhere. Most of the princesses under Emperor Wu were implicated. They either got married hastily or died in depression. Few of them had a good ending. The eldest princess of Qingning was a lucky exception.
, the eldest princess of Qingchang came second.
Her biological mother died before Queen Jing'an, so she escaped the subsequent bloody disputes and grew up peacefully. Then, the late emperor's brother took the decision and found a suitable consort.
Princess Qingchang was well-liked in the court and royal family, and she was able to speak well in front of the late emperor. The important thing is that although her husband-in-law could not inherit the title of Marquis of Zhennan, Han's consort was diligent and neat, and was highly valued by the late emperor.
After years of operation, Prince Consort's Mansion has long been prosperous and better than Zhennanhou's Mansion, which is gradually declining.
My family is rich and prosperous, my parents are powerful, and I am still studying and making progress, so I no longer have to worry about my stepbrother Gu Tingye. Well, this marriage is really good, no wonder these two old ladies are as happy as flowers.
With Mr. Zhu and Mr. Shao making fun of them, Mrs. Tai and Mrs. Yang became more and more happy as they talked. Unexpectedly, they caught a glimpse of Minglan's face wandering around, obviously not enthusiastic enough. Mrs. Yang felt displeased and suddenly said: "Second nephew
daughter in law?"
Minglan might as well be called by name, and quickly raised her head, only to see Mrs. Yang's lips curled up in a sneer, "The so-called marriage between a man and a woman, and having children is a human principle. With you, you can marry into our Gu family
I am extremely blessed, but it has been almost a year since I entered the house, and why is there still no movement in my belly?"
Minglan slandered loudly: Damn it, the eldest sister sitting next to you hasn't had a baby for seven or eight years since she entered the Gu family. Why didn't you come to "human ethics" at that time!
Seeing that Minglan was silent, Mrs. Yanggu became more and more excited and said loudly: "It's pitiful, but now among the grandchildren in Gu's family, there is only one boy, brother Xian. It's really sad that there are so few people. That's it.
, I will give you two good-natured girls later, and let Brother Ye take over the house, so that I can help you share the burden. How about that?"
Minglan's heart was on fire and she sneered again and again. Although she had a lot of excuses, she did not intend to refute with reason. There was no need to be reasonable when dealing with such ridiculous people. It was best to cheat, and she could also draw the Qin family out.
Just as he was about to speak, he suddenly heard a loud announcement at the door. "The Marquis is here!"
The smile on Mrs. Tai's face immediately solidified, and Mrs. Yang Gu's happy expression as if teasing prey was also broken. Shao and Zhu looked at each other, and immediately followed the rules of avoidance, and both stood behind the left and right screens.
Lan slowly stood up and stood in the middle.
After a period of steady footsteps, Gu Tingye walked over with a solemn and majestic expression. He didn't even change the scarlet python robe on his body, and went straight into the inner hall. He stood still in the hall, with a pair of deep ink eyes that could not distinguish between joy and anger.
The faces of the two elders turned around, and the madam and the old lady couldn't help but feel a sudden tremor in their hearts.
He cupped his fists neatly, exchanged simple greetings and saluted, and then sat down on the Taishi chair beside him.
"Brother Ye, it's been a long time since I last saw you. Just now..." Mrs. Yang Gu smiled, but was interrupted before she finished speaking. Gu Tingye simply said: "I heard what my aunt said just now at the door.
"
Mrs. Yang Gu was stunned for a moment, then she smiled dryly on her well-maintained old face. Gu Tingye thought to himself again: "Tingye, I'd like to thank my aunt for her concern. But..." He smiled, with the corners of his mouth being a little cold, "Gifts are required.
It's good to be in line with people's wishes. I know what Tingye wants."
When Mrs. Yang Gu was asked this question, she really didn't know Gu Tingye's intention and continued to be in a daze.
Gu Tingye looked at the two elders and his tone became colder: "I wonder if my aunt can help me with this?"
The atmosphere in the hall suddenly turned cold. Mrs. Yang Gu had a sullen face and her chest was heaving violently. She was so angry that she thought she was so angry. Her face was also extremely ugly, and she was holding the handkerchief tightly with her thin white fingers.
Now the situation was reversed. Gu Tingye looked at the two old women indifferently, with sarcasm in his eyes, and said directly: "My aunt was born in the Gongqing's family and also married into the Gongqing's family. I don't think she doesn't know that in a mansion like ours,
, is there any difference between direct concubines and concubines? How big a difference there is."
Of course there is a difference. Minglan stood aside with her head lowered, laughing wildly in her heart and trying to hold it back.
Although the inheritance of the Youjue family is passed down from generation to generation, it must be reported to the ancestral office for the emperor's approval. One of the most easily criticized reasons is that if there is no direct inheritance, it may be possible to change the ancestral line and succeed it if appropriate.
, or you can seize the nobility'. This means that if there is a direct descendant, then the inheritance is logical and there is nothing to say. But if there is no direct descendant and you want to seize the title as a concubine, you will have to face the emperor or the clan's government.
In other words, if Gu Tingye has no direct descendants, Gu Tingwei, as his direct brother, or his direct descendants have reason to inherit the title. When the power is strong, Gu Tingye will not be easily manipulated, but if after his death, he happens to be orphaned and widowed, he will be unable to do so.
If there are people with bad intentions around, things will become troublesome.
"Auntie really doesn't know, or does she do it on purpose?!"
Gu Tingye stared coldly at Mrs. Yang Gu, hammering every word into the brick, pressing every word.
"What do you mean!" Mrs. Yang Gu finally couldn't bear it any longer. Huo De stood up and asked sternly.
Gu Tingye said calmly: "My aunt knows it well."
From a more sinister intention, if Gu Tingye was obsessed with beautiful concubines and neglected his wife, then sending two girls would not only fail to solve the problem of children, but would hinder the birth of legitimate children.
Ten years ago, the brothers of the Marquis of Fu'an fought for the title, and the lawsuit lasted for three years; eighteen years ago, the Prince of Changxing was deprived of the title; and even the Marquis of Jinxiang was demoted the year before last, all because of these two "concubines"
The words are noisy.
Mrs. Yang Gu was so angry that she was shaking all over, her face turned purple from being choked, and she couldn't say a word.
Seeing this situation, the wife was afraid that if something happened to her, her daughter's marriage would change again, so she quickly stood up to support her, and smoothed things over with a smile: "Okay, okay, this is just a mistake, they are all family members, listen.
There are mistakes."
"I have been married for less than a year, and my aunt behaves like this. Tingye has to think more." Gu Tingye cast his sniper-like precise gaze on the wife and smiled lightly, "If others don't misunderstand, you should do less to make it easy for you to be scolded.
Things that people misunderstand.”
The voice was low, like a warning.
The madam's heart was numb and she just smiled and said: "Tsk tsk, it's true. You two aunts and nephews, tell me what to say. You are really from the same blood and have the same temper. You speak so bluntly that you don't know how others will listen. Come on, I'll get angry. Come on, today is a good day. For my sake, calm down and let this pass!"
After making peace for a while, Mrs. Yang Gu no longer wanted to sit down. Without saying a few words, she stiffly stood up and left. The Mrs. Tai followed her all the way out to see off the guests. Gu Tingye just wanted to show off his guests in the courtyard, and took Minglan with him. Back to Chengyuan.
As soon as he returned to the house, Gu Tingye became angry and pulled open his collar irritably. In a blink of an eye, he saw Minglan still looking casual, and couldn't help but cursed: "You heartless! Do you know how difficult my aunt is to deal with? When you hear her coming, hurry over."
Minglan gently took off his clothes and loose robe, and said with a smile: "Don't worry, I have a way."
Gu Tingye snorted coldly: "What the hell? A jealous reputation is waiting to be deducted from you."
"No, why are you so hard on me?" Minglan blinked and said mischievously, "I'll just say this, 'My aunt's kindness is deeply appreciated by Minglan. As for my family, I have to help my family. It's not just Seventh Sister who will look back. There are also cousins from my aunt's family there, and Minglan will definitely help. Haha, let's see what they say!"
Gu Tingye was speechless and looked at her for a long time: "You... think this is useful?"
"It doesn't matter if it's useless." Minglan spread her hands and said nonchalantly, "If you really take her in, as long as Mr. Hou is willing, I will send her to Lingding Pavilion to keep you company with Miss Fengxian. What's the trouble?"
This time Gu Tingye nodded: "Well, that's okay. It's not rude to come back without reciprocating. She wants to give me a girl. I'll find some outsiders for her later."
Seeing that he was no longer angry, Minglan smiled and helped him change into regular clothes: "With the support of the Marquis, I am not afraid of any of my aunts."
Gu Tingye laughed and sighed again. He looked at Minglan, pulled the little person to him, held him in his arms for a while, then sat down on the couch, looked down at each other, and said in a deep voice: "Don't worry , having children depends on fate, you just need to take good care of yourself."
Minglan did not answer immediately. She seemed a little embarrassed and said hesitantly: "Actually..."
"Don't worry, I'm here. I can protect you for nearly ten years, and I can protect you for a lifetime!" Gu Tingye interrupted her.
"No. Actually..." Minglan murmured.
"Don't talk nonsense about concubinage, I don't like to hear it."
"Master Hou, listen to me! I may..."
"Don't be suspicious. You are in good health and will definitely have many children."
"Let me tell you!" Minglan was so depressed that she reached out her hand to cover his mouth and said loudly, "I may be pregnant!"
Then, the room fell into an eerie silence.
The man squinted his narrow eyes with a blank expression. He looked at Minglan from head to feet, and then from feet to head. He looked back and forth three times before his face showed an expression. At first, he looked strangely at a loss, and then gradually turned around. For ecstasy.
His brain gradually recovered its functions. He knelt on one leg in front of Minglan, wrapped his arms around her, and his voice trembled slightly: "Say it again, my dear, say it again."
Minglan pointed at her fingers and said sheepishly: "It should be right. Why don't you find an imperial doctor to take a look? However, it seems that Dr. Zhang Shiji works at the imperial hospital. I have already been to the Zhang family's medical clinic..."
"My darling!" Gu Tingye let out a low growl in his throat, and indescribable joy completely controlled him. He picked up Minglan, held it tightly in his arms, and spun around in circles.