Ordinary clear day

Chapter 171
Shu Ning was a little stunned: "Seventh elder brother? I don't seem to have heard of this elder brother." Tong sighed: "His mother is not of high status, she is just a concubine, and he himself has been disabled since he was a child. He has limited mobility, so he has never received any serious errands, and he can be said to be the most inconspicuous of the several princes. I didn't think of him at all."

Shu Ning was in a mess, and said: "But my second sister and I are sisters, the palace won't point out the two sisters to the two princes, right? Our mansion is not as respectable as this."

Mrs. Tong nodded and said: "That's true, but it's not like this happened before. It's just that most of them happened in the families of first-class princes, and our family is not up to that status. It's just that your grandmother said that the palace is in the palace. Before the draft, you secretly send someone to the noble family to see the candidate for the election, which usually means that you want to choose the prince Fujin. According to the custom of this dynasty, I am afraid that your second sister's temperament is not suitable for the prince's main wife, but her status is not good enough. It's too tall to be a concubine, so right now it's not certain that she can be referred to Fifth Prince, if not, the marriage referral may fall on you."

Shu Ning felt as if her throat was choked, and it was difficult to speak: "The fifth elder brother is thinking about the second sister, why should I join in the fun? Even if the empress in the palace thinks that the second sister was not good in the past, she is still decent now. What's more, the fifth elder brother spent so much effort to get the second sister to participate in the election, will he let it go?"

Tong Shi said: "That's what I said too, but judging from your grandmother's intentions, it seems that she intends to let you marry into the royal family, either fifth elder brother or seventh elder brother. Anyway, seventh elder brother's biological mother can't say much in the palace. As long as Tong Niangniang speaks, this matter will be more secure than your second sister." She saw her daughter's eyes were red with anxiety, and she felt uncomfortable: "Good Shu'er, if I knew this kind of thing, I would rather you marry the fourth elder brother , at least he will think of our love and take good care of you. If you are really pointed out to Seventh Brother, he is a cripple, has no future, and will inevitably have three wives and four concubines in the future, how can you bear it?" She With a choked voice, he hurriedly wiped the corners of his eyes with a handkerchief.

Shu Ning has no interest in marrying the fourth elder brother. You know, this person will become the emperor in the future, and he will also be the head of the Sangong Sixth Courtyard.But the current situation is worrying.The Tong family, which has always been regarded as a backer, has actually become a stone blocking the way.No, the Tong family must not be allowed to take action!

She knew that her personality had always been peaceful and quiet. It was no problem for her to learn from the ancient lady's embroiderers, learn piano, chess, calligraphy and painting, and not go out for ten and a half months, because she was willing and lived a fulfilling life.However, being able to adapt to the way of life of the ancients does not mean that she can accept the concept of marriage of the ancients. She is required to let a few people who think they are noble decide her fate at will, and obediently marry a dude or royal family whom she has never met The relatives of the country, and then have to endure the man's three wives and four concubines, watching the concubines scheming and jealous every day... This kind of life, she would not live it if she was killed!
Originally, she had the idea of ​​losing the election, and she planned to gradually choose someone who was pleasing to the eye and would not easily marry a concubine for herself, and then cultivated a relationship for a year or two, and it would not be too late to marry when she was seventeen or eighteen.Anyway, most of my parents will not object to this.As long as that person is a disciple of the Eight Banners, the rest is not a problem.She wants to live her little life as happily as Xinran, so she doesn't want to be a bitter wife!
However, how to get the Tong family to stop?She racked her brains and finally thought of a reason.

"Emiang," she said, "Grandmother wants me to marry into the royal family. Is it for the sake of dignity, or for some real benefits?"

Tong Shi was arranging her daughter's hair, and when she heard her say that, she stopped: "Why do you ask that?"

"If you want to look decent, then that's fine, but if you want to gain benefits, this is not the best way." Shuning clenched her fists unconsciously, "Think about it, the fifth elder brother wants to marry the second sister wholeheartedly, if it doesn't work, can it be Won't you vent your anger on the future Fujin? This is not a good thing. I'm afraid that if there is no benefit at that time, the Tong family may be blamed by him. As for the seventh elder brother, he is not a good one among the princes. What good is it to Tong's family to be outstanding, and her mother's family is not prominent? Marrying him is nothing more than gaining the dignity of a prince Fujin. It's better to lose the election and find another good marriage. Wouldn't the family and the Tong family be more beneficial?"

Tong's family paused: "Shu'er, you, Ama, and I have never thought about this idea. I just hope that your future husband will treat you well."

"Of course my daughter knows." Shuning smiled. "It's just to tell my grandmother so that she won't interfere in the draft. As long as Tong Niangniang doesn't take action, my daughter will be mediocre regardless of her appearance, family background, talents, and conduct. If the queen mother in the palace wants to be promoted, she must also be convinced by others, right?"

Mrs. Tong understood what her daughter meant, and straightened up quickly: "That's right, I'm really confused, and panicked when I heard your grandmother's words. Okay, I'll go back to my mother's house tomorrow."

Shu Ning hurriedly said: "Ama is going to take office tomorrow, Er Niang should go with her. I'm afraid I will stay in Beijing for a while. You should write a letter now and send it to grandma as soon as possible. Once you get the approval letter, you will be successful." .”

Tong sighed: "Silly boy, how can I leave you alone at this time?"

"It's okay, Ama's business is important." Shuning said, "The appointment letter has been issued for nearly a month, and it is unreasonable not to leave. I think that after Ama takes office, he will be very busy to hand over the business, even if the people below I am capable, but I am not as good at taking care of her as my mother. I am not alone at home, I have my brother, besides, uncles, aunts, uncles and aunts, they will not ignore me, right? "

Tong Shi hesitated, she also knew that what her daughter said was right, her husband would not be able to take office without her, but the situation here has not been clarified yet, how can she be relieved?

Seeing this, Shu Ning said: "Emiang, you should go to work with father first, and then come back after you settle down. Now it's almost the twelfth lunar month, and brother's wedding is scheduled for the first month, so you can only go for a month at most. What can happen this month? What's more, the capital is so close to Baoding, I can often write letters there."

Tong Shi thought about it, and was about to agree, but heard Suyun's voice from outside the door: "Madam, Luyun came to invite you to the bamboo courtyard, saying that the eldest lady has something important to do." Looking at Lu Yun who came in cautiously, he said angrily: "What's the matter?! Now my daughter is sick and my husband is going away. Does sister-in-law have more important things than this?!"

Lu Yun tremblingly said: "Return to the third wife, our wife said that it happened last night, and I found some important news, and I want to tell you."

Tong shivered, and looked at her daughter. Shuning softly called "Er Niang", she nodded knowingly, and said, "I'll go over and find out what's going on. You haven't eaten all day, and you still have dinner." It's early, let's eat something and go down."

Shu Ning agreed, and after her mother left, she thought about it, got up, put on homemade winter clothes, combed her hair and washed her face.Suxin sent a bowl of soft boiled minced ginger porridge, she ate with Liubiju's pickles and Cantonese fermented soybeans sent by Da Liu's, and drank some hot tea, feeling her strength again.

She sent the little girl to find out that her mother had returned, so she put on a thick cloak with sleeves and walked across the yard to the main room.As soon as he entered the door, he saw Mrs. Tong writing a letter on the kang table, Zhang Bao and Duanning brothers were there.

Seeing her daughter coming, Mrs. Tong quickly put down her pen and dragged her to the kang, and checked whether the clothes she was wearing were thick enough.Zhang Bao asked someone to heat up the brazier, and then handed Zhang Bao over.Duanning poured a cup of strong hot tea early and asked his sister to hold it in her hand.Xian Ning walked past her sister, took out a pack of dim sum from her sleeve, and said: "Sister, this is the dim sum that my brother bought for me, it's delicious, give it to my sister."

Shu Ning only felt warm in her heart, and after listening to her younger brother's words, she smiled and said, "Sister has eaten just now, she's not hungry, brother Xian can keep her to eat." Xian Ning was overjoyed at first, but felt that this was not good , the expression on his face was very tangled for a while, he didn't know whether he should continue to give the things to his sister, or take them back and enjoy them himself.

Duan Ning smiled sullenly, put his arms around his younger brother and said: "Brother still has some, I'll send it to your sister when I turn back, you can keep these for eating." Xian Ning smiled with eyebrows and eyes crooked, and hurriedly put the things back. Duanning patted his younger brother's forehead and said, "Don't just sit here stupidly, go back and practice calligraphy, you still have a hundred characters to write today, don't try to be lazy!"

Xianning stuck out her tongue and ran out in a hurry.Tong took a look at her husband and eldest son: "You two are the ones who spoiled him. Now that he is full of snacks every day, how can he still eat?" Zhang Bao and Duan Ning knew that they were wrong, and laughed embarrassed It's over.

When Shuning saw the letter on the Kang table, she knew it was addressed to her grandmother.Seeing the relaxed expression on her mother's brow, she seemed to have received some good news, and asked what was wrong.Tong said: "just now your eldest aunt invited me and told me that last night that aunt Ming left our house and went to your second uncle's house to visit your fourth sister. From this point of view, That aunt most likely came here to see your second sister, and you and your fourth sister are just passing by."

Shu Ning was stunned, and a sense of joy gradually rose in her heart.If so, the situation is back to square one again.A family of three sisters audition, it is impossible for everyone to get married, so the one who is most likely to lose is still himself.

She looked at her mother happily, and Tong smiled and nodded: "Have you thought about it too? Speaking of which, your eldest aunt probably planted someone in your second uncle's house, so she found out what happened last night. It is said that the fourth girl She behaved very well yesterday. She is already good-looking, and she often goes to the palace to pay her respects. She is familiar with the rules and etiquette. Aunt Ming praised her very much, and she also said that there will be great fortune. I feel relieved after hearing that Xiasong, although your second uncle's official title is not high, but with the support of the crown prince and the family is rich, I think it would be more suitable for the women in the palace to come to the fourth girl. Don't say that there are only two elder brothers who are of the right age, even if there are ten Eight, the emperor will not allow the three of you sisters to be accused of marrying the royal family at the same time, even if they are members of the imperial family!"

it is as expected!Shu Ning breathed a sigh of relief, and a smile appeared on her face.Zhang Bao twirled his beard and said, "I'll leave tomorrow as usual, and my wife will go with me too. Duan'er has to take good care of his sister and take care of the house, you know?" Duan Ning hurriedly got up and said, "Yes, my son knows what to do. Do it, please rest assured, Ama Erniang."

Shuning hurriedly said: "Since it's fine, can't I follow to Baoding?" Tong smiled: "Silly girl, even if you lose the election in the future, the palace will still send people to visit you from time to time, how can you leave?" Shu Ning thought about it, so she said embarrassedly: "Then I'll send Ama Erniang to Fangshan." Zhang Bao and Tong agreed to this.

Mrs. Tong quickly wrote the letter and handed it over to Huzi, the best rider among the servants, to ride a fast horse to her mother's house. Then she came back with peace of mind and arranged dinner for the family. After the meal, she instructed everyone to pack their luggage and prepare for tomorrow's trip.

Su Xin came to ask Shu Ning if she wanted to take out the clothes and sundries packed in the box, Shu Ning was about to nod, but suddenly her heart moved, she said: "Leave it alone, just take out the things you need urgently." Su Xin didn't know why , looked at Shuning several times, and then went suspiciously.

Huzi didn't come back until after one watch, and brought a letter from Tong's mother.Shu Ning hurriedly urged her mother to read the letter. After reading it, Tong frowned slightly. Seeing her daughter's anxious expression, she hurriedly said, "It's all right. Although your grandmother didn't say it clearly, looking at the meaning between the lines, she probably agrees." She also said that she would not mention this matter for the time being when she entered the palace to visit the empress in the new year."

Shuning's heart was relieved, but she had some doubts: "Since there is nothing wrong, why is Erniang frowning?" Tong sighed: "Although your grandmother agreed not to interfere in the finger marriage, she also said that the draft should not be sloppy, Do the best you can. She doesn't trust the nanny we found in the mansion, so she sent a nanny Cui from the Tong family to teach you manners." She looked up at her daughter and said with a wry smile: "This This nanny, who taught Erniang before, is the most shrewd and strict, I'm afraid you will suffer."

Shuning made a bitter face.Could it be that he is going to follow Wanning's old path and endure the torture of another "Nurse Rong"?

Seeing this, Mrs. Tong comforted her and said, "Don't worry, this Nanny Cui is strict, but she knows how to measure. As long as you are obedient, she won't do anything to you. Just remember, don't talk to her in front of her." Play smart, or you will suffer a lot. She will arrive in two days, and I will arrange her to live in the room next to you, so be careful. "

What else can Shuning say?I had no choice but to obediently agree.

In the early morning of the next day, the servants of Sanfang were busy loading the car and luggage, and Zhang Bao and his wife were ready to set off with their children.Duanning couldn't go to Fangshan because he had to go to work, so he had to see off his family at the gate of the house. But thinking of seeing each other again during the Chinese New Year, he eased his sorrow a little.Jin Bao and Rong Bao all brought their family members to the door to see him off, and several friends who were familiar with Zhang Bao also came.

Of the people on Chen Liangben's side, only Yuheng came.According to him, the two adults, Chen and Huang, are now at odds, and the officials of the Chen faction are facing a split.Both Yuheng and Zhang Bao were full of sighs, but the former added a sentence at the end: "The emperor has issued an order. I am about to change to be the governor of Fujian, and I will leave in a few days. The disturbances in Beijing will never be with me again." We are related." Zhang Bao was silent, and only said "Take care" to him.

Back in Fangshan, Chang Gui had already brought people to the door to greet him, and the house was cleaned.Zhang Bao and Tong Shi discussed that they would only stay for one night, and they would be on the road the next day, so the time was very tight.

Tong has already discussed with her husband and daughter the family members she will bring to Baoding.Changfu also had to take care of the affairs of the mansion and other courtyards, plus Duanning was a boy and had to go to the yamen to do errands, Tong was worried that his daughter would stay at home alone, so he simply left Ermo as well.Wang Er and his wife are going to go out with them, and Changgui and his wife are going to take care of the other courtyard, so on Thursday Lin and his wife will go to Baoding.In the past two years, their family has also successively taken in several houses. Taking this opportunity, they selected some more houses for use, plus a few attendants, a total of thirty or so people would go with them.

The rest of the male and female servants, except for the few sent back to Beijing, will continue to stay in the other courtyard.Xiao Liu and Xiaobao still live here, and Changgui and his wife take care of internal and external affairs.Considering that his son was going to marry a wife, and the new courtyard would be commanded by someone, Tong sent Ma San'er and his wife back to Beijing.As for the possibility of Si elder brother coming again, she explained to Chang Gui in detail, and selected a reliable Niu Xiao Si from among the servants to take over Ma San'er's shift, and also ordered Qiao Yun to be responsible for the cleaning work of Zhenxia Pavilion.

Speaking of the newcomer, Gu Quansheng, he has been assigned to Fangshan for two or three months. At first, he worked under Chang Gui to handle the chores of the outer court. Because he is capable and humble, he is very well received by the managers. The children even took care of him everywhere, but in the end it made a few young servants feel dissatisfied.Fortunately, they knew how to measure, and at most they could only say a few ugly words, so as not to bully him, so Gu Quan's life was relatively easy.

Zhang Bao specially asked him to come to see him, and asked him about his recent situation. He saw that his complexion had improved a lot, and he seemed to be in good spirits. He was less depressed when he spoke and acted.After listening to Changgui's report, he knew that Gu Quansheng had put in a lot of effort in managing various industries during the autumn and winter seasons. You don't have to spend time looking for a buyer every year to know that you have accidentally acquired a talent.While he was happy, he also specifically confessed to his wife that Gu Quansheng's monthly salary and benefits had been increased, and he was promoted to deputy general manager, responsible for taking care of various properties.

Gu Quansheng was a little surprised, but he also knew that this was a good opportunity for him, so he solemnly gave a big gift to thank Zhang Bao for his trust.

In this way, even if the servants of the other courtyard have made arrangements, there are still other people to consider.

Mr. Cai learned that his boss had given him a foreign job and was about to leave, while the young lady wanted to stay in the Beijing Middle School to learn the rules for the draft, so he made some calculations in his heart and submitted his resignation to Zhang Bao and Tong.

In fact, Zhang Bao and Tong also had the same idea. Although it is not a big deal to support more people, but the daughter may not have the opportunity to study homework at ease for the time being, there is no need to delay Mr. Cai, so they readily agreed to him.It's just that Mrs. Tong privately asked him not to mention his daughter's talent after he left, and if someone asked, just say that his aptitude is mediocre.

Mr. Cai didn't understand what they meant, but the host sealed 100 taels of thank you silver, and promised to give him a few good pianos, chess sets and four treasures of the study that he had used for free, and allowed him to bring his favorite old painting with him. Walk.With these things, plus the silver that he usually saves, he can buy dozens of acres of land, and then go home to take care of himself in peace, without having to look around for a house.In the past two years, he lived happily in Fangshan, and his hosts treated him very politely. He was grateful in his heart, and although he didn't understand their intentions, he still agreed to that strange request.

Mrs. Tong secretly breathed a sigh of relief, and turned to arrange Mr. Yang's affairs.For some reason, he suddenly proposed to move out, saying that no members of the main family were there, only Aunt Liu and Xiaobao lived, and he was young and single, so it was not easy to continue living in the house.Tong felt that his idea was a bit weird, because Master Cheng's family lived in the other courtyard, and although the number of servants had decreased, the inner courtyard was still strictly guarded, and he had never been to the back.However, after she heard a statement from the little girl in the room, she smiled and agreed to his request, and asked someone to rent a small courtyard in a nearby village for him to live in, and allocated a servant and a The mother-in-law takes care of him.Mr. Yang went happily.

The family affairs are almost arranged, and the whole family is relieved.Shu Ning told the maids to pack the piano, chess, calligraphy, painting and other utensils and winter and spring clothes in the courtyard, but she didn't say that she would take them back to the Earl's Mansion.

The next day, it was early in the morning again, Shu Ning stood in the front yard, suppressed the reluctance in her heart, bid farewell to her parents and younger brother, and sent them on the road to Baoding.

She didn't walk in until she couldn't see the shadow of the carriage. Looking at the somewhat deserted courtyard, she couldn't help feeling a little dazed.Suddenly, Su Xin exclaimed: "It's snowing." She looked up, and sure enough, a few snowflakes fell from the sky, fell into the palm of her hand, and soon disappeared.

She clenched her fists and secretly cheered herself up. Now that her parents are not by her side, she must work hard!

This road, after all, has to be walked by oneself.

(A chapter with a lot of weight, I won’t tantalize my appetite today...)
(End of this chapter)