Ordinary clear day

Chapter 157 Neighborhoods
It turns out that the Lu family has been closing their doors since their daughter was injured when she refused to marry last time, and she doesn't communicate with relatives and friends. Apart from occasionally sending something to each other's Zhang Bao's family to say hello, even their own tenants are rarely seen, for fear of causing trouble. It's not the case, and I'm afraid that the son of the prefect of the Daming Prefecture will come to the door again.

Later, the prince of the magistrate was killed because of his nonsense, just happened to be bumped into by a passing censor, and he was arrested and handed over to the Ministry of Punishment.However, the chief judge of the Ministry of Criminal Justice is a reckless person, no matter who speaks, he doesn't care, and finally collects a lot of evidence of this dude's misconduct, and because of his life, he should have been given a heavy sentence. He tried his best and was sentenced to exile.

When the criminal department was inquiring about the case, they also sent people to the door of Lu's house to inquire. Master Lu used money to spare his daughter from going to court to testify, and only let a housekeeper do it for him.When the case was over, he saw that the news had calmed down and his daughter recovered from her injuries, so he planned to talk to her about the marriage as soon as possible, so as to avoid long days and dreams.

But here's the trouble.Although Miss Na Lu has always been famous in the countryside for her talent and beauty, but now everyone is saying that she has spoiled her looks and got into trouble with officials. Therefore, although she has a reputation of being chaste and strong, no serious scholars come to propose marriage.Those who came to the door were either a rich man who lost his wife, or a wealthy businessman with a group of concubines. Finally, a scholar came to the door, but he was greedy for money and gambling, and he wanted to marry the Lu family.

Today was the fourth time the matchmaker came to the door, and she said he was a rich man, but everyone said that he was not a good person, and he came to propose marriage just to take advantage of Miss Lu's good reputation, so he came with the matchmaker and wiped away before finishing a cup of tea. The maid is oily three times.Master Lu almost died of anger, and asked his servant to drive him out.The man cursed and uttered some cruel words, and left. Seeing that another business deal had been ruined, the matchmaker cursed at the door of Lu's house, speaking extremely badly.

The Lu family just closed the door tightly and ignored it. A porter on Zhang Bao's side didn't sound like it, and hurried out and shouted: "Wu that woman! Don't you see what this place is?! Is there a place for you to play tricks here? Hurry up and get out!" The woman was very familiar with the neighborhood, and knew that this was not someone she could provoke, so she stopped talking and left.

The concierge chased away the onlookers, turned around, but said in surprise, "Huh? Master Li, Mr. Li, are you here to see our master? Shall I pass it on for you?" It was the Li family The head of the family brought his nephew, both of whom were neatly dressed.

However, the nephew of the Li family said: "I have other business to do right now, I will pay my respects to Mr. Zhang later." Then he followed his uncle to the gate of the Lu family and said loudly: "Young Li Wensi, Bo has a great reputation. , I have a little family property, so I have the audacity to beg, Wang Shibo promised me to be my wife." Then he bowed to the ground.His uncle just stood on the side, staring at the door.

After a full stick of incense, the door opened. The housekeeper of the Lu family came out to invite the uncle and nephew of the Li family to come in, and closed the door behind him.The concierge of Zhang Bao's family saw it and was very interested, so he hurried back to the house to report.

However, after the uncle and nephew of the Li family entered Lu's house, Master Lu and his wife were entertaining them in the living room.Originally, Mr. Lu felt that the Li family was at odds with his family, and that they were businessmen, so he didn't want to accept this relationship, but seeing that Li Wensi was a good-looking man, and he was famous for raising others, he was also a little happy, so he Be patient and ask some details.When I heard that Li Wensi's family was in Shanxi, with only a few tile-roofed houses and dozens of acres of Susukida, I was very unhappy. I was afraid that he, like the scholar before, would come here as a dowry for the Lu family.

When Master Li heard that he made such a statement, he almost turned his back immediately.Back then, it was obvious that the Lu family took over an extra foot of land from his house, but they refused to admit it. If it wasn't for his nephew begging, he would not have come here!Although he is in business, his brother is an heir to farming and studying, and has a reputation, so he will definitely be able to pass high school in the next subject.The daughter of the Lu family can't get married now, so it's good if she is willing to come. Since they still dare to dislike his outstanding nephew?
Seeing that the two elders were about to quarrel, Li Wensi hurriedly stopped him, saying: "Lu Shibo, although the junior's family property is small, it is not a problem to support his wife and children. The junior wants to marry Lingmei, but it is not for the dowry, but because of the admiration in his heart." If Ling Ai Zhenlie's name can be fulfilled, she will be treated like a pearl like a jewel. As for the dowry, there is no need for it, the two elders should keep it for the elderly."

Both Lu and Li were shocked by his words, and Master Lu still felt that his words were a little rude, and he was unhappy.Unexpectedly, Miss Lu Ziyu had already quietly arrived in the back hall. After hearing these words, she directly asked Li Wensi through the screen, if she was really interested in her, why did she come at this time?But because he saw her marriage being hindered, he felt that he could take advantage of it?

Li Wensi hurriedly said: "Miss misunderstood. When I heard about Miss' refusal to marry that day, I lamented Miss Zhenlie, but at that time Miss was injured and there was a rift between the two families, so I didn't dare to disturb. Offending Miss, I can't bear Miss being humiliated again, so I came here boldly."

Lu Ziyu asked again: "Young Master, as a juror, you will have a rare moment of prosperity in the future. Don't you want a wife from a noble family? Why do you want to marry a commoner's daughter?"

Li Wensi said: "The purpose of studying and seeking an official is to serve the court and do things for the people, not for the sake of prosperity, so I only want to find a good wife with both ability and political integrity. .”

Lu Ziyu paused, and then asked: "The little girl's appearance has been damaged, and she has provoked officials, so don't you care about it? Maybe you will regret it after seeing my appearance."

Li Wensi said: "Miss is clearly the victim of the lawsuit, how can you blame her? As for appearance, I have always married a wife and asked for a lady, not to mention that I often hear that Miss does good deeds on weekdays, such as the widow in the west of the village, Old man He's grandfather and grandson in Nanpo, Miss Yu's family, and Shanyu Hall in the town, no one in the village knows the lady's benevolence and righteousness? You have such a kind heart, even if your appearance is a little lacking, you are better than the picture A beautiful but heartless woman is stronger than a hundred generations."

After Lu Ziyu heard this, she remained silent.Master Lu felt a little uncomfortable, he cleared his throat and was about to speak, but he heard his daughter ask in the back hall: "Young master said earlier that you don't want a dowry, but is it true?" Li Wensi hastily said it was true.Miss Lu then walked out from the back hall, knelt down and said to her father, please ask him to promise herself to Mr. Li, and she is willing to marry him and live a poor life.

Master Lu was stunned, but it was the first time for Li Wensi to see Miss Lu. How could there be any disfigurement on her face?Although he could vaguely see a scar on his forehead, his hair was covered, but his beauty was still there, Li Wensi was really overjoyed, and even more delighted to see her act.

Master Lu was already willing in his heart, but he still wanted to try this son-in-law, so he said with a straight face that he would marry, but there was no dowry at all, and asked them if they would still be willing?Li Wensi only nodded his head and was so angry with his uncle, but thinking of his nephew's willingness and the beauty of his nephew's daughter-in-law, he reluctantly endured it.

The two families immediately decided on the date of marriage. Master Lu asked Li Wensi about his plans in the future. When he learned that he wanted to take his wife back to his hometown to study, he was unwilling. But he also felt that the son-in-law was tough enough and sincerely begged his daughter to come, so he secretly planned to accompany him with a generous dowry, but he had to keep this matter from the old man Li, so as not to be taken advantage of by him.On the other side, Master Li also lamented secretly that his nephew was stupid, thinking that he must help him pay more dowry to the Lu family so that his life would be easier.

Not to mention that the two old men were plotting against each other, the two families agreed that they should report to Zhang Bao from now on.First of all, the three families are close neighbors, and the Lu and Li families usually get more care from Zhang Bao's family, especially the Lu family's previous refusal to marry, if Zhang Bao hadn't come forward to protect them, I don't know what would have happened.Secondly, although Li Wensi has not been Zhang Bao's staff these days, he has allowed him to go in and out of the study room of other courtyards to borrow books freely, and he was recommended by Zhang Bao. He helped Fangshan county magistrate to draft a few articles, which can be regarded as acquaintance Grace.Li Wensi was very grateful in his heart.

When Zhang Bao heard that he was going to marry Miss Lu's family, besides congratulating him, he also offered to write a letter to the county magistrate, asking him to be the officiant.That's all for Li Wensi, but his uncle was overjoyed when he heard it, it was a very decent thing, and he even wondered if his son could benefit from it.

Before they left, Mrs. Tong had already asked people to prepare a congratulatory gift, but it was only a pair of jasper cups and 20 taels of congratulatory silver, which were already considered heavy, and Li Wensi refused repeatedly before reluctantly accepting it.

When the news spread to the backyard, several young people heard it, but they had their own thoughts.Duanning and Zhenzhen naturally felt sweet when they saw other people getting married, and when they thought of themselves.Chongli and Tongying didn't know what they were thinking.Shu Ning was pulled aside by Xu Xu to speak, and didn't pay much attention to other people's reactions.

Xuxu just met the Zhenzhen brothers and sisters, but Duanning didn't tell his cousin the truth because he considered that the marriage was undecided and it was not easy to make public.Xu Xu thought they were just good friends like Tong Ying, and seeing that they couldn't talk much, she put her mind on Miss Lu's affairs, and pulled Shu Ning to whisper.

She had some doubts about Miss Lu at first, but during her temporary stay in Fangshan Bieyuan, after hearing what happened a few days ago, she became sympathetic to Miss Lu and sometimes sent some things over.If it wasn't for the concern that he was recovering from his injuries, and there were rumors of disfigurement, she would have wanted to visit her in person, for fear that he would be annoyed.Every time she learns dim sum, she always picks a few good ones and sends them to the opposite door, and every time she returns the gift, she feels that the other party has accepted her affection, and she already regards Miss Lu as a friend in her heart.

Not long after, Zhenzhen and Chongli bid farewell.Both Duanning and Tongying repeatedly reminded them not to forget what they had to do, but fortunately Chongli was sad, but he knew the importance of doing things, so they agreed to them one by one.

In the evening, Xu Xu came to Shuning again, and asked: "Since Miss Lu's marriage has been settled, and I heard that she has recovered from her injury, you can accompany me to visit tomorrow, okay?"

Shu Ning thought for a while, and said: "Of course it's good, but since her family is going to have a wedding, it's not convenient for me to come to her house. Why don't you go by yourself? How about I ask Wang Er's family to accompany you?"

Xu Xu hesitated: "Go alone? I haven't tried to go out alone..."

"How can this be considered going out alone?" Shu Ning smiled, "Sister brought someone with her, didn't she? Besides, it's just the opposite door. After going out the gate, it took a few hundred steps to reach his house. Nearby We only live in the three of us, and this road outside has never been passed by outsiders, so it’s okay for my sister to walk over. Miss Lu used to be so particular about things, she also walked over when she came to my house. "

Xu Xu thought about it, so she nodded, with excitement on her face, but then she thought: "What gift should I give her? In the past, these things were all decided by my mother-in-law."

Shu Ning said with a smile: "When a good friend gets married, the gifts usually given are just the four treasures of the study, clothing accessories, or calligraphy and painting, or various things. Honey friend, it’s best not to give too expensive things, as long as they have auspicious meanings.”

Xuxu rolled her eyes twice, and she had an idea.

The last thing she gave was a pair of purses embroidered with gold thread and colored thread that she made a few days ago, which was considered appropriate because of the pattern of blooming and rich flowers on it. In addition, she brought a box of red bean cakes made by herself.She took only one girl and two women with her, and went out with Wang Er's family. At first she was a little uncomfortable, but she didn't meet anyone, and she walked on the road with a light heart.She also had a good time at Lu's house. Although Miss Lu's behavior was still a bit unaccustomed, it was much more pleasing to the eye.When Xu Xu came back, she got a basket of crystal cakes as souvenirs.

She tasted the sweetness this time, and began to feel that it was okay to go out "alone", so she planned to try it a few more times.

Not long after, Shuning asked someone to send a box of fresh lotus seeds to Liangxiang to inquire about Zhenzhen's family, but they heard that they had gone back to Beijing.Two days later, Zhenzhen packed a box of grapes in the original box and sent someone back, along with a letter.

According to the letter, Wu Dan has already asked the emperor for a marriage, the reason is just like what Shu Ning, Tong Ying and others discussed before, but there are many good words added.While laughing and scolding his cronies for being too careful, the emperor praised him for his sincerity, and promised to marry him and Zhenzhen after Duanning was satisfied. He also asked about Duanning's schoolwork, but didn't say anything.

Shu Ning and Duan Ning saw that what was said in the letter was as expected that day, they were both determined. Shu Ning also jokingly congratulated her elder brother on finally marrying a beautiful woman, but Duan Ning knocked his head on the head.

However, before the decree is issued, this news will be kept from others for the time being, this is also to avoid trouble.So Zhenzhen also said in the letter that she was going to stay at her grandmother's house in the countryside for a while to avoid the limelight in Beijing.

(I'm in a bad state today...)
(End of this chapter)