Since the big commotion that day, everyone from the madam to the maids and ladies in the house have grown more respectful towards Aunt Kong’s training class, and no one dares to show any contempt anymore; especially Mo Lan, who almost behaves with his tail between his legs. After Aunt Kong's guidance on the future, Sheng Hong temporarily overcame his emotions with reason and slept in Wang's room for half a month, allowing Aunt Lin and her daughter to clear their heads. Wang's face was full of joy every day, and she almost set off firecrackers with joy. To say that Sheng Hong had made up his mind this time, at least he had to show off to Auntie Kong and refuse any request from Aunt Lin with great perseverance.
When Aunt Lin saw that something was wrong, she finally resorted to a trick. She asked her son Chang Feng to take advantage of Sheng Hong's examination to hand over a pair of soft green silk, with a plaintive love poem written in bright cinnabar on it, what is "Chaochao"? "Sijun's heart is broken, Twilight's tears are like rain" and so on. After reading it, Sheng Hong was filled with tenderness. One night in the middle of the night, he finally couldn't help himself and went to see Aunt Lin.
When Mrs. Wang found out, she was furious and said, "I'm just afraid that my concubine is educated!"
But after this time, Sheng Hong also realized that he could not be too indulgent to Aunt Lin, and Aunt Lin also restrained herself from the limelight. Mo Lan also became more honest. In such a good learning atmosphere, Aunt Kong was careful and thoughtful. After careful guidance for more than half a month, after the test results were released in Changbai County, Grandma Kong said goodbye and left. Sheng Hong added many boxes and cages to Grandma Kong for repair, and Grandma Kong kept half of them and left the rest. They all stepped back and said, "I'm half-buried. With so many things, you thought I was here to rob you."
In the last few days, Wang tactfully expressed that she hoped that Aunt Kong would write to her old friends in Beijing, and that the daughter of the Ju family would say some kind words to create conditions for Hualan's future life. Unexpectedly, Aunt Kong declined with a smile: " The eldest sister is not here to be a guest. She has to stay in the capital for a long time, and she has to create her own reputation. If I praise the eldest sister to the sky, then the expectations of Uncle Zhongqin's house will be too high. Not good."
Translated into Martian language, this sentence means: Don’t have too high expectations. If they are too high, you will be disappointed. If they are lower, it will be easier for Hualan to shine. I don’t know if Wang understands it, but she can’t hide her disappointment, so Mother Kong Added a sentence: "The eldest sister is a living sign. When she has children and is established, if I can still jump, I can yell at the remaining sisters." Wang thought of Ru Lan. , thanked with a smile on his face.
After Aunt Kong left, the girls went back to their own practice days. Old Mrs. Sheng took Minglan back to read and study, and added a new lesson - female red. The enlightenment master was temporarily replaced by Fang's mother. .Fang’s mother was a first-class maid who came as a dowry back then, and was known as the number one female celebrity in the Marquis. She was skilled in all kinds of textiles, sewing, embroidery, shoes and hats, knitting, and patchwork, although now she is too old to do delicate work. , but it is more than enough to teach a rookie like Minglan.
According to the two living examples of Mrs. Sheng and Aunt Lin, when Fang’s mother saw that Minglan was good at learning calligraphy and reading, she was very worried that Minglan also only loved poetry and did not like acupuncture. Unexpectedly, Minglan was very cooperative from the beginning and scooped out She was more enthusiastic about learning than reading and writing. Fang’s mother was surprised and happy, and immediately scooped up all the things to train Minglan. So Minglan studied with Mrs. Sheng in the morning, and learned female red from Fang’s mother in the afternoon, with the old lady standing by. Watching happily.
First, let Minglan practice stitching on the small piece of cloth. First, sew the lines. The straight ones should be straight, the round ones should be rounded, the stitches should be as fine as those made by a sewing machine, and the intervals should be even and completely consistent. This is a basic skill, just practice.
This was enough to take me to Minglan for a month. A month later, Fang’s mother chose a bald afternoon to give Minglan the exam, and she barely passed.
Fang's mother was a little strange: "Sister, if you study so hard, why can't you learn to read and write as quickly and well as you do?"
Minglan thought silently: Those who cheat are naturally different from those who start from scratch.
Mrs. Sheng was also very surprised: "Do you like female celebrities so much? You work harder than studying."
Minglan cried silently: Only ghosts like female celebrities! She didn't even do cross stitch before, okay?
Exam-oriented education has a big characteristic. For example, learning Olympiad piano or painting is to get extra points. Studying hard is to get into XX University. Getting into XX University is to find a good job and make a lot of money. This sounds like it means clear goals and direct actions.
, it sounds ugly because it is highly utilitarian; Minglan, who came from there, began to think about a problem after finishing studying "The Thousand Character Essay".
As a boudoir woman, what's the point of being proficient in poetry, song, music, music, chess, calligraphy and painting? She can't make a living out of studying because she can't pass the imperial examination. Or is it to gain a reputation as a talented woman among the aristocratic children?
As the legitimate daughter, Mrs. Sheng would certainly say: Cultivating one's temperament, nourishing one's heart and nourishing one's heart, and filling the capital with beauty are the glory of the family.
But Minglan is not a legitimate daughter, and the Sheng family is not a Marquis, so she cannot enter the top aristocratic social circle.
Aunt Lin would probably say: On my road to success, poetry, songs, music, music, chess, calligraphy and painting have given me a lot of help.
But Minglan doesn’t want to be the little wife either.
Until one time, Fang's mother casually said that a medium-sized embroidery from Ruyizhai could be sold for two or three taels of silver. Minglan suddenly found the best direction for her efforts - whether she was good at reading or good at financial management, she might
Criticized by this society, only female celebrities are safe and secure. They can not only gain a good reputation, but also have a skill to deal with in case of an emergency in the future.
After Minglan polished her idea a little, she replied to her grandmother: "Nvhong is really good. I can make warm hats for my grandmother, shoes for my father, embroider sachets for my mother and sister, and sew handkerchiefs for my brothers."
Mrs. Sheng's eyes were so moved that her eyes became hot. She held Minglan in her arms and rubbed her for a long time: "My dear, I'm sorry for you!"
Minglan was confused. Mrs. Sheng's understanding was that reading only benefits herself, while female celebrities benefit her family. Her granddaughter knows how to care about her family at a young age.
In order to make learning more interesting, Mrs. Sheng drew a few simple plum blossoms and embroidered them for Minglan. Minglan worked very hard on the embroidery. She had just finished embroidering one and a half flowers, and all the spring plum blossoms had fallen, and the peach blossoms had just begun to bloom.
, Fang’s mother sighed, and simply added a few strokes to the pattern, letting Minglan embroider it into peach blossoms.
"Plum blossoms and peach blossoms are different. How can we change them?" Minglan protested in a low voice.
"It's okay, there's not much difference in the embroidery you made." Mrs. Sheng comforted her.
Minglan:……
In April, when the peach blossoms were blooming, a letter came from Zhongqinbo Mansion in the capital, saying that Yuan Wenshao would set off to welcome his bride at the end of the month. He was counting the days and would arrive in Dengzhou in a few days. Here, Sheng Hong's eldest cousin Sheng Wei also arrived;
Originally, Hualan's uncle should be present at Hualan's wedding, but Wang Yan is now an official and cannot leave his post at will. Only Sheng Wei is in charge of business, so he can move freely; this time he brought his second son Changwu to congratulate him.
, I will accompany Chang Bai to send Hualan's bride to the capital later.
When Sheng Wei and Sheng Hong came to visit Ji'an Hall, Minglan was sitting by the kang and reciting "The Theory of Love and Lotus": "The flowers of water and land, grass and trees, are the most lovely ones... I love the lotus to emerge from the mud and remain unstained, The ripples are clear but not demonic, the middle is straight and the outer is straight, neither creeping nor branching, the fragrance is far away and clear, and the pavilions are pure and beautiful..." The child's voice is childish, reciting aloud, the little girl shakes her head, looking naive, old lady Sheng sits upright On the kang, I tilted my head and listened with a smile, my eyes filled with warm joy.
Sheng Wei's heart moved, and he saw that Mrs. Sheng was in high spirits and had a rosy complexion. She was even more vigorous than when he saw her two years ago. He looked sideways at Minglan and saw her black pupils, which were as bright and clear as paint. , as soon as she saw him arriving, she immediately climbed down from the kang and stood aside obediently. Seeing that she was so polite and sensible, Sheng Wei liked it very much and became more understanding.
After giving the gift to Mrs. Sheng, Sheng Wei took Minglan over with a smile and said, "You are the sixth girl. I have seen all your sisters, but you are the only one. When I came back to your house, you were all sick. Now you can't." Okay." He has a square face with Chinese characters and a rather weathered complexion. He is obviously only a few years older than Sheng Hong, but he looks like he is ten years older, but his expression is very kind.
Minglan held a pair of fat little fists in her hands, came forward to salute, and said hello: "My niece is all well, thank you for your concern, uncle, hello, it's really hard for you to come all the way." .”
Her voice was crisp and childish, but she spoke like a grown-up. All the adults in the room were happy. Sheng Wei especially laughed and hugged little Minglan and couldn't stop shaking. Minglan's little face turned red from laughing. He said angrily in his heart, she obviously followed the rules, okay? Why are you laughing? Be more serious!
Sheng Wei touched in his arms, took out something wrapped in red silk, handed it to Minglan and said, "Your great-aunt gave this to you. Several of your sisters have it, so you are the only one missing. "Minglan raised her eyes to look at her grandmother and father, and saw them nodding slightly before accepting it. She opened the red silk and saw that her eyes were filled with golden light.
This was a heavy red gold Ruyi Lock. He hurriedly scooped it up and showed it to Old Mrs. Sheng. The old lady smiled and hung the thin chain of the gold lock around Minglan's neck. Minglan immediately felt her neck heavy, weighing several pounds, and hurriedly He twisted his little fat body and bowed obediently to Sheng Wei. While bowing, he said: "Thank you, my cousin, and my uncle."
At this time, Cuiping came in with a small red lacquered tea tray carved with lotus leaves and lotus roots. When he saw Minglan coming, he habitually put the tea tray in front of Minglan. Minglan reached out and took one of the tea bowls and walked over. Sheng Hong originally thought that Minglan would bring the tea bowl in front of him as usual, but Minglan's short legs turned around halfway, lowered his head, held the tea bowl, and offered the tea to Sheng Wei. The second bowl came Then, he saw Minglan standing on tiptoes to scoop out the plate of fresh Shandong jujubes from the Kang table, and diligently brought them to Sheng Wei's coffee table. Sheng Hong was secretly amused and couldn't help laughing and scolding: " These six girls, who just received a gift and served tea and dates like this, have forgotten your biological father!"
Minglan's expression was twitchy, her little face was red, she stopped her busy turning body like a fat squirrel, her little hands and feet were embarrassed, and she said sheepishly: "This... no, probably... the scooper has short hands. "
Mrs. Sheng and brothers Sheng Wei and Sheng Hong burst into laughter. Sheng Wei pulled Minglan into his arms and hugged her. Seeing that her little face was young and white and timid, but really cute, he touched her body again. He took out an exquisite bag of tips, put it in Minglan's hand, and said jokingly: "Uncle, he is a short-tongued man. Here are the ninety-nine newly caught small fish, and they are all for you! I said Xiao Ming'er, your food is too expensive!"
The old lady almost burst into tears with laughter. She laughed while pointing and scolding: "You little monkeys!" The maids and women around also secretly covered their mouths, and Minglan quickly picked out a dozen of them from the fruit plate. Sheng Hong was given a big jujube with plump pulp and said with a flattering giggle: "Father, eat, father, eat, this jujube is fat..."
Sheng Hong smiled and pulled Minglan over, touched his little daughter's soft hair, then opened the brocade embroidery bag in Minglan's hand and took out an
The golden and exquisite little fish-shaped gold nugget was placed in Minglan's fat little palm: "It looks good, scoop it up."
Minglan suddenly scooped up so much gold, she was really embarrassed, and she bowed to Sheng Wei again with a red face. At this time, the Wang family came, with several children except Hualan. Minglan was small and comfortable. After taking a breath, he quickly went to salute Mrs. Wang.
Mrs. Wang met the old lady and Sheng Wei and asked her children to salute. She saw the huge golden lock on Minglan's chest, Ru Lan pouted her little mouth, and Mo Lan lowered her eyebrows with no expression. They passed by Aunt Kong. Due to their education, the two of them have become much more honest. Sheng Wei exchanged a few words with his niece. Ru Lan Jiao Jin and Mo Lan Si Wen were both speechless. Sheng Hong had nothing to say, but Wang said with a smile on her face: "Sister-in-law." You're too polite. I feel sorry for letting my uncle go all the way for Hua Lan and bring all these things." Then he turned around and said, "There are also yours, brother's things are in the master's study, and sister's are all here. It's at Wei Ruixuan's place, pick it up later."
The children immediately thanked Sheng Wei and everyone said a few more words. Ru Lan was excited to see the gifts. Old Mrs. Sheng smiled and asked her granddaughters to go first. After the three girls left, the atmosphere in the room immediately calmed down. , Sheng Wei said sternly to Chang Bai who was standing opposite: "I heard that Brother Bai has passed the government examination. My brothers and sisters are really lucky."
Changbai cupped his hands and said, "My eldest uncle is full of praise, but my younger nephew is ignorant and needs to study more."
Mrs. Wang felt proud in her heart and replied: "You still have to take the final college exam before you can be considered a scholar. Uncle, don't be too busy praising him. People say that Brother Wu is also studying. They can take the exam together later."
Sheng Wei shook his head and said with a smile: "This can't be done. Back then, I was not as good at reading as my second brother. Your eldest nephew followed me and only looked at the spirit of the books. He was confused when he saw those things. Although your second nephew can read two books , but it is far worse than Brother Bo. I see that he still likes to dance with guns and clubs. After sending my eldest niece to the capital to get married this time, I plan to ask Brother Wu to visit the head coach Xia Lu Kuilu and give it a try. Follow the path of martial arts."
Sheng Hong said with a smile: "This is a good relationship. Na Lu Gangzi's martial arts qualities are all first-class. When he was taking the martial arts examinations, he often drank with me. We have not stopped contacting each other these years. I will write a letter to him later. Let Brother Wu take the letter and take care of it."
Sheng Wei was overjoyed: "Thank you so much, second brother, Wu'er, why don't you kowtow to your uncle quickly and thank him!"
Chang Feng, who was standing next to him, looked about the same age as Chang Bai, but he had a familiar figure, a square mouth and a broad face, and a cheerful spirit. He happily kowtowed to Sheng Hong, and Sheng Hong hurriedly helped him up: "The elder brother said these two things again." Family talk, Brother Wu will be successful in the future, which is also our blessing. Only with our brothers taking care of each other in the officialdom can our family prosper, right?"
Sheng Wei turned to look at Chang Feng again and said with a smile: "Look, your cousin Wu is useless. He can only become a martial artist in the future. It seems that you two brothers should take the exam together. I heard that Feng My brother's poems and prose are very good, he is quite talented at a young age, and he will definitely be able to come back as a top scholar in the future."
Chang Feng stood aside with a smile, and then he handed over his hands and said: "My nephew is ashamed. I only hope that I can be half as knowledgeable as my elder brother in the future. In the previous dynasty, Zhang Taiyue was born as a child when he was 9 years old. My nephew is not talented. I plan to try it next year." hand."
Old Mrs. Sheng said sternly: "Although poetry and prose are important, the imperial examination does not test all poetry and prose. You should also spend more effort on essays. Even your grandfather, who wrote poems and essays gracefully in the apricot forest, also learned essays first. You can study with your big brother later." Chang Feng smiled and answered yes.
After talking for a while, Mrs. Sheng asked the three brothers to go off and let the adults chat for a while.
After they went out, Sheng Wei respectfully said to Mrs. Sheng, "Your niece-in-law is also coming this time, but she is tied up by family matters and can't free her hands and feet. I asked her to kowtow to the second aunt to express her congratulations."
"Why are you coming all the way here? My nephew-in-law is responsible for how a big family can survive. We don't need these empty houses. How is your mother's health? Is she still healthy?" Mrs. Sheng said with a smile.
Sheng Wei's expression turned gloomy: "Everything is fine at home, except for my mother, who has become more and more lazy recently, and her body is not as strong as before. She often thinks about you, my second aunt. I am thinking about waiting for my aunt to be free and come to my house for a while. "I'm just afraid that I'll tire Auntie, so Mom won't let me mention it."
Old Mrs. Sheng sighed and said: "Why are you tired? Your mother-in-law and I got along very well with each other. What's wrong with my younger siblings going to see my sister-in-law? Alas... I admire my sister-in-law very much. She is a weakling." The woman has endured these many years, and she has managed to survive, but unfortunately she has been suffering from a lot of pain."
Sheng Wei said sincerely: "It's all thanks to my aunt's support for our mother and son that my nephew's family is what it is today. It's really..."
Mrs. Sheng repeatedly waved her hand to stop him from continuing: "I won't mention it anymore. I won't mention it anymore."
Seeing the heavy atmosphere, Sheng Hong wanted to find a light topic. She looked at Wang. Wang received the signal and understood immediately, so she smiled and said: "I haven't been back to Jinling for a long time. I wonder how Brother Song's daughter-in-law is doing? Go up. The letter came back saying she was pregnant."
Sheng Wei's expression became increasingly gloomy: "It's a pity that Qian'er suddenly passed away."
There was a moment of depression and the atmosphere became heavier. Sheng Hong glared at Wang with dissatisfaction. Wang was wronged and she didn't know.
Well, it takes talent to liven up the atmosphere. Wang's family obviously still needs to practice. Sheng Hong was not satisfied with Wang's family and decided to take action on his own. He smiled and said: "I wonder how the family that talked about Brother Wu last time is doing? I can ask, brother. If it goes well, my uncle will have to start preparing gifts."
Sheng Wei's face was as dark as the bottom of a pot: "Oh, don't mention it, that girl eloped with the groom!"