As soon as Sheng Hong returned home, Mrs. Wang hurriedly pulled him into the room and chatted for a long time. As an official, Sheng Hong had always had a sharp ear and eyesight, and he was the most thoughtful in the court. His value to Gu Tingye was probably more than that of the women in the inner house. Intuitive understanding, he thought about the pros and cons for a while, and went out to inquire about Gu Tingye's personality the next day. All inspection projects were based on the standards he had used when he inquired about Yuan Wenshao.
After a few days of this, Sheng Hong told Mr. Wang that he agreed to the marriage.
After Rulan was frightened for several days, the verdict was finally pronounced. She threw half of the things in the house. Her screams were enough to scare the river fish that were about to hibernate. She lost her temper with disheveled hair and scared the maids in the house half to death. Wang's arrival After a few words of instruction, Rulan Chixiu, with eyes wide open, retorted: "If you want to marry yourself, just marry yourself!"
Wang was so angry that she was trembling all over. She only asked why she didn't want to marry into the Gu family, but Ru Lan couldn't tell her why. She was not so angry that she was stunned. If she told the truth, Brother Jing would have to be cannon fodder first. Rulan searched her guts and shouted in a sharp voice: "...Mother, are you confused? There is a generation gap between my daughter and that Gu Tingye! I have called him 'second cousin' before!"
The little magpie who was lying on the ground silently picking up the broken porcelain pieces secretly smiled bitterly. In the past few days, he had been forcing the sixth girl to think of something. How could the sixth girl dare to interfere with the master's and his wife's happiness? In the end, he got desperate and only said this A bad point.
As expected, Mrs. Wang was furious. She pointed at Ru Lan and cursed loudly: "What seniority?! I was just following the nonsense of others at that time. There are many well-connected families in the capital who have many transitions and kisses. You If you keep talking like this, I'll tell your father to go and deal with you!" She hated Princess Pingning so much that she really didn't have the sheep disciples to offend her and almost made her son-in-law an equal.
Wang may have threatened her daughter with empty words many times, but this time she kept her promise. When Sheng Hong returned home that night, she called Ru Lan over and gave her a severe scolding.
Among the daughters, Sheng Hong originally disliked the arrogant and willful Ru Lan the least. She had been punished a lot since she was a child. Ru Lan refused to flatter her sweetly, so she had always been the most afraid of her father. Sheng Hong scolded her with a cold face, Then she scolded Ru Lan and cried.
"The books I have read over the years have gone to the dog's belly. I have no idea what filial piety is and what chastity is. Since marriage is an important matter, it is the order of the parents. When did you go to your girl's house and ask about marriage?! You can Do you know the word "shame"?! I'm so ashamed for you!" These words were really powerful. Ru Lan covered her face and cried loudly. Wang could not hold back her heartache.
The parents of the Sheng family's approval of the marriage quickly reached Gu Tingye through the tortuous route of Wang - Hualan - Yuan Wenshao. Gu Tingye was very efficient. Within a few days, he was accompanied by Yuan Wenshao and visited the old lady in person. She claimed to be ill and did not want to come forward, so Wang simply saw each other alone. Minglan did not know the specific process of the meeting between mother-in-law and son-in-law, but judging from the reaction afterwards, Wang should be very satisfied; she stood in front of Ru Lan, condescending He praised Gu Tingye's magnanimity, character, appearance, and virtue over and over again, until he was as praised as a flower, and Minglan got goosebumps as he listened.
Rulan lowered her head and said nothing, and continued to look blank, as if she heard nothing; Minglan on the side was very surprised. Wang's gushing made Minglan sound like she was not praising a living person, but Like a passionate speech at a hero's memorial service; she sneaked a few steps away, came to Hua Lan's side and whispered: "Madam, you have such a good eye, how can you see so many benefits after just one meeting?"
Hua Lan tried hard to calm down the twitching at the corner of her mouth and the slight guilt: "Did your brother-in-law make a mistake in being a matchmaker? General Gu is a perfect match. ~" In fact, although Gu Tingye tried his best to show humility, he still had the unique murderous behavior of soldiers.
However, the power of the attack was clearly revealed. Wang didn't say a few words at all. Yuan Wenshao said that his mother-in-law was quite courageous.
Hua Lan looked at Ru Lan's stubborn face and was a little puzzled, so she asked Ming Lan softly: "I wonder what's wrong with this girl? She's making a fuss about the marriage for no reason, as if she and Gu Erlang are having a huge holiday.
Like."
Minglan felt panicked for a while and quickly said: "Fifth sister is just a little too angry. She called her father and scolded her a lot earlier. She hasn't turned around yet. If the eldest sister and my wife don't do it again,
Please give me more advice."
Unexpectedly, Hua Lan shook her head, turned around and whispered to Minglan in a low voice: "I can't persuade you for much longer. General Gu told your eldest brother-in-law that his eldest brother is about to die. It's not good for him to be a younger brother and get married before his body is cold."
, so it’s best to get married as soon as possible; you can also help persuade me to help fifth sister understand it as soon as possible.”
Listening to Hua Lan's enthusiastic tone, Minglan looked at the saliva at the corner of Wang's mouth, who was trying hard to persuade Ru Lan. She felt deeply sorry for her brother, but... having said that, maybe first love is meant to be broken and missed.
Maybe. In a few days, the news of Gu Tingye's marriage to the Sheng family gradually came out. It was unknown which family of Sheng and Gu Yuan he came from. Fortunately, the old lady carefully reminded Sheng Hong and the Wang family.
Before getting engaged, one must not reveal one's caliber first. Wang didn't take it seriously at first, but soon realized that the old lady was really far-sighted.
The first person to react to the rumors of Gu Sheng's marriage was Mrs. Gu's wife. She immediately made plans to choose a daughter-in-law for Gu Tingye. Regardless of whether Gu Tingye was born to Mrs. Qin or not, from a formal point of view, she could do the subsequent marriage.
For some masters, especially when Mr. Gu is deceased. If she does not approve of the Sheng family's marriage, it will be regarded as "not reported to the parents" and is not appropriate.
Wang was anxiously circling around, and Hua Lan consoled her: "Don't worry, mother, Gu Erlang has already prepared his next move." Recently, Hua Lan called Gu Tingye more and more affectionately, as if he was already her brother-in-law.
On November 12, the Empress Dowager Sheng'an recovered from a minor illness. The emperor was delighted and held a simple family dinner to celebrate. During the dinner, the Empress Dowager pointed at her newly engaged uncle Shen Congxing and said with a smile: "Your sister is so beautiful."
I have worked a lot for you, but I have found a good match for you." Queen Shen on the side smiled and said: "My younger brother is easy to get rid of, but I don't know how Master Gu's marriage affairs are going." The person sitting down was sitting down.
Gu Tingye smiled and said nothing. Shen Congxing, who was sitting next to him, stood up and smiled at everyone present: "I'm afraid you don't know. I haven't read seriously for a few days in my generation, and I don't know how many words I know, but now I can't."
I want to marry the daughter of a scholar!"
The atmosphere in the banquet room was relaxed, and the emperor seemed to be interested in asking. Gu Tingye then answered that it was the palm of Mr. Sheng Hong, the censor of Zuoqiandu. The emperor smiled and said: "This marriage is well found. Sheng Hong has a good reputation."
, Keshen is diligent and diligent, and is a good match for you." Empress Shen's newly appointed brother-in-law, General Zheng, the left deputy commander of the Royal Forest Army, was the most youthful and unruly. After a few glasses of wine, he joked: "Your Majesty, I am a scholar.
My family is a scholar, but I don’t know if I want this soldier!” Everyone at the banquet burst into laughter.
When the news spread outside the palace, there was no more movement in the Ningyuan Marquis Mansion. Mrs. Wang let out a big sigh of relief. When the old lady found out, she was silent for a long time and only said: "Hurry up and tell Ru Lan to change her mind."
Minglan understood what she meant. If this matter was the result of Gu Tingye's careful planning, then this person's scheming was astonishing. If this matter was done intentionally by the emperor and the others, then this person must have achieved great results. Tian Xin, if the Holy Spirit has such a wish, he will be put to great use. No matter what the situation is, it will further strengthen Sheng Hong's intention to get married.
Sheng Hong is not the kind of paper tiger father in Korean dramas. He roars until his veins pop out and makes him hoarse, but in the end he always forgives his heartless daughter. He is a typical ancient feudal scholar-bureaucrat. He talks about morality and thinks about career and economics. The children are more tolerant than the serious old scholar, but they still abide by the clan etiquette and rules of the monarch and their father, who has absolute authority in the family.
From this perspective, ancient scholar-bureaucrats rarely had fathers who doted on their daughters unconditionally, and they often had more than one daughter. As long as the daughter did not ruin her reputation as a woman of virtue and chastity, it was enough to wait for marriage. In those days, Hualan was favored and valued. She also didn't dare to talk about the marriage. Mo Lan was once Sheng Hong's most beloved daughter, but since she almost ruined the reputation of the Sheng Mansion with her selfish plot regardless of her family, Sheng Hong no longer treats her with pretentious words. Ming Lan can clearly understand from his I saw disappointment and disgust in my eyes.
In the face of reality, many things are vulnerable. Ru Lan does not have enough courage to resist the family and etiquette. Just like Brother Bao likes Sister Lin and is favored by Jia Mu, he never dares to speak out in front of Jia Zheng and Wang. It was her own choice; not to mention that since Mo Lan was born, Heidi's vigilance had increased exponentially. As soon as she saw that Ru Lan was unwilling to get married, she immediately treated the inside and outside of the Sheng Mansion as closely as Guantanamo, so West Chamber had to suspend the performance.
Ru Lankong shed tears for a few days, and gradually softened her behavior, but her mood was a little depressed. Wang and Hualan talked about Gu Tingye's benefits like a car battle, and asked Minglan to join in to show their support for the family's decision. Minglan knew that Gu Tingye had a great advantage, but she didn't dare to say it. After holding it in for a long time, she finally came up with something: "Fifth sister, think about it, if you only married an ordinary husband, wouldn't you be called the fourth sister?" I’m superior to you?!”
When Ru Lan heard this, her eyes that had been dull suddenly lit up. Ever since she was born, she and Mo Lan had a deep feud. If she could make Mo Lan suffer, then she would bring her own dry food to the front line. Yes.
Wang and Hualan were inspired and immediately changed their strategies. After every three words of praise to Gu Tingye, they tried to exaggerate how great Ru Lan would be in front of Mo Lan after marrying Gu Tingye. The effect was very good; Ru Lan gradually accepted her fate. , it’s not like pushing her into a pit of fire, it’s just asking her to marry a second-hand high-end product, not to mention that Brother Jing may not be original.
Minglan was praised by her superiors for her outstanding performance in persuading Rulan, and was allowed to return to Shou'an Hall on parole to accompany the old lady. The old lady rewarded her with a gift of congratulations to Hongwen. After Mrs. He came that time, Minglan was Hongwen came two more times, but Minglan didn't show up. He just bowed his head and apologized to Old Mrs. Sheng like a prisoner. The old lady saw that he had a good attitude in admitting his mistakes, and gradually became a little soft-hearted. Although he still didn't let go, her attitude was already kind and friendly. too much.
Minglan walked on a small road leading to the second gate of Shou'an Hall. This side road was paved with broken stones and there were few people coming and going. Next to her was He Hongwen, who was following suit. Whenever this time, Minglan would feel what the old lady was thinking.
Very cute. She was born in the Yongyi Marquis Mansion, so she was tired of the lustful and lustful men of the Youjue family, and hated her deeply, so she chose a prostitute. Unexpectedly, the civil servants were not much better. Not long after their wedding, Mrs. Sheng
He brought back a beautiful concubine, and shyly explained that it was a gift from the peak and could not refuse, and he also hoped that his wife would be virtuous and help him take care of the concubine. After the marriage failed, the old lady was also disappointed with the ethics of civil servants.
They then tended to favor non-mainstream employees, such as He Hongwen.
"...Sister Ming...Sister Ming..."
Minglan came back to her senses and saw He Hongwen looking at her shyly and calling softly. Minglan calmed down and said with a smile: "What's the matter? Please tell me."
He Hongwen suddenly dimmed his eyes and lowered his head. After a while, he slowly said: "Sister Ming must be angry with me, otherwise she wouldn't speak like this."
Nonsense! I've already said what I need to say! But Minglan said: "Brother Hongwen, what can I say, there is no such thing."
He Hongwen suddenly stopped and looked at Minglan eagerly with his eyes. His throat rolled a few times. He seemed to be extremely excited, but couldn't say anything for a long time. He finally said: "Sister Ming! I know you are angry with me.
, but please listen to me!" Minglan also stopped and waited quietly. He Hongwen took a breath and gathered his strength and said: "...I dare not say how much I understand, but at least I know what I want to say.
Who am I marrying? It is true that I regard my cousin as my biological sister, and there is absolutely no personal relationship between a man and a woman. But the matter has come to this, and I can’t watch her die, so I can only wrong you! But please understand that my sister must believe it, hehe
For my cousin, my home is just a place to stay. She can have enough food and clothing, but it’s... no more than that!"
He Hongwen was very emotional and talked incoherently about his helplessness in accepting Cao Jinxiu. He also implicitly said many promises that he would be devoted to his wife in the future. Minglan listened quietly all the time, neither feeling moved nor sarcastic.
He Hongwen looked at Minglan and gradually became frustrated: "Sister Ming, you still refuse to believe me."
Minglan chuckled, shook her head and said, "Whether you believe it or not, it's not about what you say, but what you do."
"Of course I will do what I say!" He Hongwen's face was pale and he was sweating slightly at the tip of his nose.
"For example..." Minglan ignored him, turned around, and started walking slowly again, thinking to herself: "While you and your wife were playing chess, your cousin suddenly had a headache, leg, and stomachache. I want you to go over and take a look.
"
He Hongwen smiled, breathed a sigh of relief, and followed behind: "The young man is not very talented and has little knowledge. He should hire another doctor. He can take the medicine and see the doctor when he is sick."
"If my cousin gets sick every three days, it's not good to call a doctor every day. All you need to do is go and have a look."
"Since it's a serious illness, you must always have medicinal materials at home. Just boil a bowl and give it away."
"If my cousin plays the flute, plays the harp and recites a poem of resentment, the sound reaches my ears and no sound comes out, and she is crying so pitifully that you have to comfort her."
"Trying silk and bamboo is an elegant thing, but it must be done in moderation and not disturb the purity of others, otherwise it will be deliberately causing trouble. As for pity, my cousin has been pitiful since the day my uncle was exiled. I was not with her in those years.
Isn't she alive?" Minglan stopped suddenly, looked at He Hongwen intently, and said coldly: "Don't pretend to be stupid, you know what I'm talking about."
He Hongwen also stopped and stood in front of Minglan, his hazel face full of uneasiness: "Sister Ming, do you know what you are complaining about? That day I went to see my cousin, she was so thin that she had only a skeleton left.
She waited for me with a breath, couldn't even speak, and only begged me with her eyes. I was weak and useless, and I didn't harden my heart, so I agreed. But at that time, I also told her clearly that I
Give her a way to survive, but only one way to survive. After entering the door, she should not think about the relationship between man and woman, greetings and greetings, if she seeks death and survival again, I will no longer have any guilt!" Minglan listened, silently,
He Hongwen took a deep breath, and his broad chest heaved violently: "Sister Ming, if she dies like this, she will become a lump that will stay in my heart forever, telling me to remember her forever!...I
, I don’t want to remember her all the time, I should only keep my wife in my heart!”
Minglan slowly raised her head, with the sun behind her. He Hongwen's young and handsome face was full of sincerity and nervousness. A small part of her heart felt a little softer: "After all, living under the same roof, I'm afraid you won't be able to do it."
Just turn a blind eye."
He Hongwen said in a serious voice: "Sister Ming, I know what you are worried about? But I have eyes, and I won't let anyone coax you away. The fourth uncle of the Zhang family is now away from home. Back then, he visited the Duke's mansion.
I have been ill for more than ten years, and I have never seen anything from my husband’s dozen concubines to his grandson’s mess! Even a doctor can’t understand the secret tricks of the housewife.”
Minglan raised her eyebrows in disbelief: "So you know this? You still think you pity Miss Cao's weakness."
He Hongwen smiled sheepishly and said helplessly: "Men are not all stupid. Unless they are biased, why can't they understand? Besides, I believe in your character and you will take good care of cousin Jin'er.
of."
Minglan looked at him for a long time, then slowly smiled: "You're right,...maybe." No matter what, there was Cao Jinxiu between them, and she existed after all.
Can He Hongwen's words be trusted? She doesn't know. Can he fulfill today's guarantee? She doesn't know either.
She only knows that He Hongwen has done his best to reach this point. In the final analysis, he is just an ordinary ancient man. Marriage is just the beginning, and whether this beginning is good or bad, the road ahead will
How to go is the most important thing.
The rising sun in winter is warm, like soft cotton wool covering the skin. The bare branches above the head are shaking gently with the wind. Minglan and He Hongwen are walking slowly along the stone path. The sky is bright and the sun is shining brightly.
The head is flat, the mountains and rocks are quiet, and all the scenery is so calm and calm; the Cao family has left Beijing, Ru Lan has given in, and the old lady has basically made up her mind. It seems that everything will move forward slowly according to the established track.
But a long time later, Minglan thought of this day and suddenly realized that this was the last time she met He Hongwen.