There are two ways to make friendship quickly warm up. One is having the same enemies, and the other is having the same secrets. [Ye*] [*]
After Minglan was forced to listen to a section of the Western Chamber that night, Rulan's feelings for her obviously warmed up. She often caught Minglan eating together, working together, writing together, and even wanted to sleep together - something Minglan firmly disagreed with.
Minglan sternly warned Rulan that it was okay to like her in her heart, and it was the right way to propose marriage in the future, but no more trysts were allowed, otherwise she would expose it immediately, but Rulan agreed: "Don't worry. Brother Jing is preparing for the Chunwei exam.
Where can the husband come out?"
"If he has a husband, is it possible for you to go and meet him?" Minglan found it unbelievable. She dared to say that Rulan was a lover.
Rulan's face was dizzy, but she was very proud: "Not seeing her for one day is like three autumns."
Love is indeed great. Ru Lan, who couldn't even memorize the Three-Character Sutra, actually dropped her book bag. Ming Lan was stunned and immediately complained: "Then you'd better pray to God and pray to Buddha to point him to success in one fell swoop this spring, otherwise
You really have to wait three more autumns."
The consequence of this sentence was that Ru Lan immediately devoted herself to religious activities with great enthusiasm. Not only did she actively respond to Wang's burning incense and worshiping Buddha, she also frequently visited the old lady's temple. The old lady wanted to worship Buddha alone, but she had to advance in advance.
reserve.
The results were announced a few days after the Qiu Dynasty. This time, the Sheng family was praised for their feng shui. Not only did Chang Feng and Li Yu win, but three of the five scholars in the school also won. The candidates for their son and son-in-law were all selected.
Sheng Hong was very happy to be so promising.
In other words, since Aunt Lin was sent to the village, Chang Feng has no control over her daily life. Wang insisted that the maid should be beautiful. Sheng Hong suspected that Wang had special intentions. Hai thought that bitterness should be first followed by sweetness.
Changbai believes that everything depends on self-consciousness. After a democratic discussion in the four-person group, they decided to let Changfeng get paid according to his work and distribute benefits based on his academic performance.
Minglan heard this and clapped her legs. If a scholarly family is wiser than a Quanjue family, what's the use of just beating him?! There must be a real threat. If Jia Zheng had done this to Baoyu back then, he would have detained the attacker.
Ren Qingwen was not allowed to get close to her, and she stopped Sister Bao and Sister Lin from seeing her. She only allowed disgusting women like Mother Li to serve her. Then Baoyu immediately studied hard to take the exam and came back?!
There is motivation when there is pressure. Chang Feng worked hard and got three gentle and charming maids back this time. It is said that if he can pass the exam in Chunwei, he can regain the right to withdraw a certain amount of money from the accountant. For this reason, Chang Feng
Brother Feng continues to work hard.
Mo Lan was also very happy and went back to her parents' home to show off. The main point was to encourage Chang Feng to keep up her efforts and set new heights. Mrs. Wang began to worry. The concubine itself was not a problem, but the concubine Tai Chengqi who had a problem with her aunt was.
what to do?
"The state holds a talent promotion ceremony every three years. Officials can be awarded by selecting people, but only those who have more Jinshi can submit a petition. The Jinshi for each subject can be as high as three or four hundred, or as low as thirty or forty, and then they can accumulate seniority from low-level officials.
Slowly upgrading, how much support from the family is needed, mother can rest assured." Haishi used powerful data to completely stun Wang.
Wang was convinced.
Minglan watched with cold eyes, feeling that Mrs. Sheng's sex was very interesting. When she was a wife, she was even more stubborn than a melon and refused to be accommodating. But when it came to Minglan's marriage, she became very open-minded, easy to talk to, and thoughtful.
Horrifyingly alive.
In February of the first spring of the new year, Li Yu simply stayed at Changwu's house in order to prepare for the exam. He came to Changbai from time to time to ask for advice on exam papers. Therefore, every time Li Yu came to pay his respects to Mrs. Sheng, the old lady looked kind and lovely.
My dear, I asked questions about this and that, and Li Yu was very cooperative. He held the old lady's hand in a familiar manner, lowered his eyebrows and looked shy like a new daughter-in-law.
But this guy's heart is absolutely bright. He can see Minglan's shadow through the screen. While talking to the old lady, he can still glance at the gap and wink at the screen. ~
"Grandma! Look, look! He keeps peeking at me!" As soon as Li Yu left, Minglan ran out from behind the screen, grabbed the old lady's sleeve and complained, "This guy is not a good person!"
The old lady slowly took a sip of tea: "If you are young, you will admire your parents; if you are lustful, you will admire Shaoai. It is human nature." She gently put down the lid of the tea bowl, looked at Minglan and said, "Your Aunt Yu has asked about it.
Well, the Li family has a clean family tradition, and there is no one in Brother Yu’s house yet. He was also honest when he was studying in Songshan and never messed around with those classmates who claimed to be romantic."
"so what?"
"Nothing, the old man has nothing to do, just asking."
Just as he said this, the He family came to post a message. Madam He invited the silver bud tea that Shu had just served. The old lady raised her eyebrows obligingly, and Minglan pouted. The weather is cooler when I go back to He Mansion.
, but both grandfather and grandson lost interest, and sat on the left and right sides of the carriage with a straight face, with a small table filled with lacquered wood between them.
After arriving at the He Mansion, they went straight into the main courtyard of the inner house. Mrs. He Er was sitting at the top table with Mrs. He. As soon as Mrs. Sheng entered, Mrs. He Er immediately sat down in front of the Sheng family's ancestors and grandson. As soon as Old Mrs. Sheng sat down, she
He rolled his eyes and hummed: "Where's the tea? Didn't you ask me to come to book tea?" Mrs. He also felt unhappy these days, so she rolled her eyes and went back: "What's the rush? New tea needs to be brewed freshly.
Just wait a minute! I even packed a few bags for you to take back."
The two old friends stared at each other and fought for a long time. After thinking about it, they also found it funny. With Mrs. He Er telling a few jokes in between, the atmosphere melted. Mrs. He Er said something wrong and called the host and guest.
Both parties served tea and snacks and then went out. The two old people only exchanged a few words before asking about He's mother. Mrs. He sighed and said: "Since the fight...after that, she has never been able to get rid of the root of the disease. She lies in bed every day."
On the sickbed." Mrs. Sheng also sighed.
At this moment, a maid came in, saying that He's mother was in bed and could not see guests, and she did not dare to move her elders. She just missed Minglan and wanted to ask Minglan to come over to talk. Mrs. Sheng glanced at Mrs. He, and only saw the old Mrs.
She shook her head helplessly and looked at Minglan again, only to see Minglan nodding calmly. Mrs. Sheng thought for a moment and then let her go.
After Minglan followed the maid out of the door, Mrs. Sheng immediately darkened her face and said to Mrs. He: "What on earth do you mean? Let me tell you first, if you want to wrong my Ming'er, there is no way!"
Mrs. He looked helpless and sighed: "It's been decades, how can you change me? I'm the most impatient with this kind of nonsense. Yes, relatives have to help each other, but if you give me money, you can't live with me anymore."
I found him, and he promised that he would help the Cao family's brother to establish his career in the future, what else do you want?! The He family is the He family, and the Cao family is the Cao family. Is it possible that the Cao family's old snacks, food, drinks, accommodation and transportation are all covered, and that's what you want?
?" Mrs. He was a little excited, took a few breaths, paused and continued: "Having said that, if Mr. Cao was implicated and unjustly accused, so he was exiled to Liangzhou, I wouldn't say anything.
But he... hmph, he was so happy when he was greedy for money!"
The two of them became close friends because they had similar personalities. They were both straightforward and forthright people. After hearing these words, Mrs. Sheng felt much better. She took Mrs. He's hand and said softly: "Sister,
I know you are not such a person, but...hey, I have suffered so much myself, and I really don’t want to ask Ming Ming to suffer through it again."
Mrs. He was also sad when she thought of the hardships she had experienced when she was young: "I don't know what you mean, I haven't had it easy in the past few decades. I'm not bragging, but my brother Hong is really unbeatable in terms of his calligraphy and appearance.
When I was young, I traveled around on my own. I went through a lot of things with my maternal uncles and brothers, and I brought home a lot of money in the past few years. I know how to care for others, and I am filial and considerate; ever since that year I made love to him.
After that, he waited wholeheartedly. Not to mention the banquets and socializing outside, even the girl at home didn't talk much. ~The girl Ming didn't have a choice. I often think, if these two children can live a good life,
That is truly a God-given match, not to mention how beautiful it is, but...that's all, even if she can't be my granddaughter-in-law, I still like this child and hope she will do well."
Mrs. He let out a long sigh, and Mrs. Sheng also lamented that in this world, everything is really not perfect. How can anything be perfect? There is always a shortcoming before it can be successful, so she also sighed longly.
…
But if we talk about sighing, Mother He probably sighed the most during these days. As soon as the results were announced, Mrs. He said to her honestly and politely: "You think your son is the only girl in the world to marry? Look.
Well, all the brothers in the Sheng Family Academy have good family backgrounds, so who can’t be the son-in-law of the Sheng Family?!"
He's mother was worried, fearing that she would lose a good marriage and her son's life; her mother-in-law refused to let go, and her sister cried endlessly all day long. She was not a decisive person, and she was exhausted from being tortured these past few days.
After much deliberation, I decided to talk to Minglan first.
"Good boy, Brother Hong has told me everything you want. Don't blame him. It's all my fault!" He's mother was half lying on the bed, with a handkerchief wrapped around her head.
His face turned yellow, his eyes were dark, his cheeks were sunken deeply, and he looked haggard, "But... Jin'er, she's gone too. I've always known you to be a wonderful child, so you just treat me as pitiful."
It's pitiful, just let her go!"
Minglan knew this was going to happen before she came, so she didn't panic. She just turned her head and glanced at He Hongwen, who was standing at the end of the bed. He saw his eyes full of apologies, looking only at Minglan. Minglan turned to the right again.
I saw Aunt Cao sitting opposite the bed, and Cao Jinxiu standing beside her. Both mother and daughter had swollen eyes and sleeves, and looked gloomy.
Aunt Cao didn't apply makeup this time, and her complexion looked even more sallow and rough. When she saw that Minglan didn't respond, she walked over and took Minglan's hand, praying in a low voice: "Good girl, I know you are unhappy in your heart.
But my Jin'er really has nothing to do. How can she allow others to deal with her in such a condition? I just hope that Brother Hong can take care of her for the sake of relatives."
Over and over again, it was all about how pitiful Cao Jinxiu was, how he could keep his duty, and would never compete with Minglan for favor. Minglan listened to it all, but didn't say a word. In the end, He's mother became anxious, and Minglan
He just said lightly: "Minglan talked nonsense that day. When I got back, my grandmother had already scolded Minglan. It was just a joke that the elders usually talked about. It didn't count. Whoever the He family brother wanted to let in, he had nothing to do with me.
What's the matter?"
He's mother and He Hongwen were startled at the same time. He's mother suddenly remembered Mrs. He's words, her heart beat wildly for a while, and she leaned against the bed. He Hongwen was also panicked and looked at Minglan at a loss.
Aunt Cao was annoyed and said bitterly: "That's right! My mother-in-law has always made the decision to marry my daughter-in-law, and she has the final say! It is common sense for a man's family to have three wives and four concubines, but my sister is too lenient and indulges others.
You don’t know what’s wrong! Once you’ve entered the door, why don’t you ask Brother Hong to guard a woman?!”
Minglan listened with a smile and said slowly: "What Mrs. Cao's wife said is very reasonable. It's really pitiable. But Minglan still has a few things that she doesn't understand. Can I ask for advice?"
Aunt Cao waved her hands angrily, and Minglan continued to ask: "First, if it is true as Mrs. Cao's wife said, then from now on, will my aunt's daughter-in-law regard you as her aunt, or as her concubine's mother? If it is just
The concubine's mother, the principal's grandmother, was happy, so she asked her to come in and see her daughter, and rewarded her with a few pieces of silver. If the principal's grandmother was not happy, she could throw her out without any money."
As soon as these words came out, Aunt Cao's face changed, and He's mother was also dumbfounded; there is nothing bad about status, but the difference here is huge.
Minglan looked at them leisurely and said with a smile: "Secondly, the so-called concubine is a standing woman at the top and a woman at the bottom. Together, she is a standing woman. She is a half-servant serving the male and female masters; if the Cao family's cousin does it,
If she takes a concubine, will the future grandma of the He family be her maid and concubine, or will she be Jin Gui's aunt and cousin?"
Aunt Cao looked at Minglan's relaxed expression and gritted her teeth with hatred: "There are also concubines among you! I don't believe it anymore. With my sister here and brother Hong here, who dares to touch a hair of my daughter?!"
Minglan chuckled softly, but the laughter did not reach her eyes: "Mrs. Cao's wife is absolutely right, and this comes to the most important point. Thirdly, no matter how expensive a concubine is, she is still a concubine, and she can never surpass the main wife's grandmother.
If you go, the brother of the He family will say a few words and look at it less. It's all based on his own pleasure. There won't be an aunt to point out whether he is neglected or not. He will be unhappy if he is ignored; but now, the cousin of the Cao family has Aunt He.
Protected by my aunt... Hehehe, Brother He, will it be difficult for you to be your future wife?"
He Hongwen's face was extremely ugly, his eyes were fixed on Minglan, Minglan turned his head away from her, she said everything that needed to be said, how could she not have so many, repeated old words, the peach blossoms last time
Lin consumed a lot of her impulses. Her emotions and physical strength were limited, so she had better use them sparingly.
Minglan faced He's mother with a stern face and a solemn tone: "Aunt, I heard what Mrs. Cao's wife said just now. My cousin from Cao's family keeps saying that she wants to be a concubine, but... is there such a noble and protected concubine? You will eventually want to be a concubine in the future.
Those of you who want a decent daughter-in-law, have you ever thought about how your mother-in-law, daughter-in-law, and even your concubines will get along with each other in the future!"
No matter how stupid He's mother was, she still understood. Aunt Cao was so angry that she jumped up, pointed at Minglan and cursed: "You damn girl, why don't you just say that my Jin'er's entry is the source of family chaos! Fight!"
You have a good family background, you little bitch..."
"aunt!"
He Hongwen yelled suddenly, interrupting Aunt Cao's scolding. Veins popped up on his forehead and his eyes glared. Aunt Cao was also frightened. She stood there holding her chest, and Cao Jinxiu burst into tears.
Choking up sobs, "Cousin... don't blame my mother, it's all my fault... It would have been better if I had died in Liangzhou. I shouldn't have come back to embarrass you and embarrass my aunt..."
After saying that, Cao Jinxiu knelt down, kowtowed repeatedly, and cried so hard that her heart broke out. Aunt Cao also screamed miserably, threw herself on her daughter, and started crying: "My poor daughter! It's all my parents' fault.
You, you originally thought that your cousin would take care of you when you returned to Beijing, but you didn’t expect that the world has changed, and people are waiting to climb high branches... How can they care about your life and death! My son, you should die together with your mother.
Come on, who told you to have such a cruel aunt and cousin?"
The mother and daughter were crying loudly. He's mother looked pale and slumped on the bed unable to move. Minglan's face was as heavy as water and she slowly stood up.
He Hongwen clenched his fists angrily, his face turned purple. Since returning to Beijing, the Cao family came to see him three times a day. Sometimes it was because Aunt Cao was feeling unwell, and sometimes it was because Cao Jinxiu had fainted. He wished he could just leave He Hongwen at the Cao family's house. He was always there.
Crying and complaining, if it were an ordinary man, he would have been moved. But as a doctor himself, he knew very well that his aunt and cousin were just depressed and weak.
He turned to look at his sickly mother, and then at Aunt Cao who was still crying there. He suddenly felt a sense of indignation in his heart. He had done so many things for the Cao family, but now the Cao family was making things difficult for others. If he didn't want to, he started to cry.
What's the point of calling yourself a bitch and a bitch?
During the commotion, the maid outside reported that Mrs. He and Mrs. Sheng were here.
He's mother struggled to get up and salute, but Mrs. Sheng quickly held her down and repeatedly comforted her and told her to have a good rest.
Mrs. He glanced at the Cao family's mother and daughter on the ground, with a look of displeasure on her face, and shouted to the maid outside: "Come in! You are all dead, help my concubine up quickly, how can I behave like this?! You are shameless!"
I don't know whether this meant that the maids were shameless, or was a reference to Sang scolding Aunt Cao. Aunt Cao's face was expressionless, she covered her face and slowly got up. Cao Jinxiu did not dare to cry anymore, and only sobbed and choked.
Old Mrs. Sheng seemed not to have seen all this, she just pulled her granddaughter to her side and said with a smile: "What are you talking about? It's so lively."
Ming Lan, who was obedient, said in an innocent tone: "Just now, the Cao family's wife said that she wanted to ask her cousin to be a concubine for the He family brother. Although it has nothing to do with the granddaughter, she did listen to it."
Old Mrs. Sheng glared at Minglan, then turned to Mrs. He and said: "Look at me, my granddaughter. She has been coming to your house to play since she was a child. She doesn't think of herself as an outsider. She even hears about this kind of thing. How can it be spread out?
Don’t be a joke!”
"It's not a joke, I've touched your girl Ming's heart." Madam He said with a smile on her face, "But it's just a talk, not even a name or a matchmaker."
Mrs. Sheng gently slapped Mrs. He, and said with an angry smile: "Sister, I am getting more and more nonsense. Is it true that the wedding is also a big deal?" Then she turned to Aunt Cao and smiled, "Don't be offended, Aunt Cao.
My sister and I have been together since childhood, and we are used to talking nonsense, so don’t take it seriously, concubine."
Aunt Cao smiled awkwardly, not knowing what to say. She saw He Hongwen beside him, who was completely lost in thought. He just stared at Minglan blankly with his eyes. There was a surge of anger in his heart, and he was about to say a few disgusting words.
Old Mrs. Sheng spoke again.
"...Speaking of which, my concubine is also very lucky. After the amnesty, she can return to the capital and has relatives to take care of her." Mrs. Sheng suddenly said such a sentence, with a calm tone and a caring look on her face.
Aunt Cao's heart suddenly sank. What Mrs. Sheng said was heart-breaking. Generally speaking, criminals like the Cao family must be returned to their original places even if they are pardoned; criminals who secretly returned to the capital
It’s not that there are no official family members, so it’s okay if no one sues. If you are accused, you will be fined again immediately, ranging from a fine of silver to a severe punishment.
Mrs. He leaned over and said with a smile: "You are the only one who talks a lot of nonsense. The Cao family is lucky because the ancestors have accumulated good deeds. It will be smooth sailing in the future." Mrs. Sheng sighed: "Yes, accumulate more."
Virtue, God always bless you."
The two old people sang together, but Aunt Cao was a smart person, so she couldn't understand the meaning. In other words, no matter whether Cao Jinxiu's matter was successful or not, whoever He Hongwen married in the future had nothing to do with the girl from the Sheng family. If she dared to go out and cause chaos,
Yelling, the Sheng family also has people who control it, not to mention that there is no proof for the words, no tokens, and no matchmaker. Even if the Cao family goes out to talk, they may not be able to get back.
Aunt Cao shut her mouth bitterly. It seemed that she had to keep her words. Suddenly, she thought about it. Looking at Old Mrs. Sheng's attitude, could it be that she didn't want to marry the He family? Aunt Cao couldn't help but feel happy.
.
"That's it, that's it. I've got the tea, I've taken the big and small bags, and I've also seen your daughter-in-law. We're leaving now." When Old Mrs. Sheng saw that it was almost done, she pulled Minglan away.
Mrs. He also smiled and stood up to see off the guests.
——"Aunt!" A loud roar sounded.
Everyone turned around and saw He Hongwen standing there straight, clenching his cheeks, seemingly frightened and determined. He looked straight at Aunt Cao and Cao Jinxiu, and said in a deep voice: "Aunt, I absolutely must
I don’t accept my cousin! I have considered her my biological sister since I was a child, and she will be my biological sister from now on!"
He Hongwen's eyes were bare and his sleeves were bare. Aunt Cao fell to the ground slumped. Cao Jinxiu looked at him in disbelief, her face as gray as a dead person. Mrs. He and Mrs. Sheng smiled with satisfaction.
Minglan stood quietly at the door. Is this... considered a victory? Why was she not happy at all? When Sima Xiangru turned around, did Zhuo Wenjun welcome him with both hands? Instead of beating him, he knelt for two nights.
Washboard or something? It’s so suffocating.
The author has something to say:
I had a seizure last night and couldn't log in. I added some more words at noon and finished the scene, which can make up for everyone's young minds.