Ordinary clear day

Chapter 208 Nong Nong
Kou'er is nineteen years old, and she is one of the girls to be married this year, but Niu Xiaosi is three years younger than her, so she is not on the list of this batch of marriage candidates.Moreover, the two of them got together, which made Shuning feel a little surprised, and wondered if Kouer was often asked to pick flowers and grass in the garden, but Niu Xiaosi was picked?

Niu Xiaosi also murmured about it. It turned out that Kouer cared about him on weekdays and often helped him make some clothes, shoes and socks. I heard that Kouer had a good impression of Gu Quansheng. He became anxious, and later Kou'er said that he didn't have that kind of heart for Gu Quansheng, and there were many maids who were good to Gu Quansheng, but none of them liked him, so he felt more at ease.It's just that as soon as he heard that Kou'er was going to get married this year, he immediately confessed his love to her, but the girl fled all the way back in embarrassment, and he also chased after her.

Kouer was so ashamed and annoyed when he heard Niu Xiaosi's words in the backyard, and when Niu Xiaosi finished speaking, he ignored Shuning before he spoke, and retorted loudly: "Who wants to marry you?! Stop talking nonsense! I... I... I It's just because you don't have anyone to take care of you...that's why I sent out kindness..."

Shuning heard her tone was a little guilty, held back her smile, and said to Niu Xiaosi with a straight face: "Even if you ask for a marriage, there is no reason to chase after someone, this is an inner house, you just broke into it like this Come on, what do you look like? Go back quickly, I asked Kouer what she meant later, if she nods, I will fulfill you; if she refuses, you are not allowed to pester her endlessly."

But Niu Xiaosi was very happy, as if he felt that he was sure of everything, he hurriedly accompanied Zuin and retired.As soon as Shuning saw him leave, she turned her head to look for Kou'er, but Suxin and Dongqing jumped out of the south chamber, hurriedly pulled Kou'er out of the backyard, and immediately asked questions.

Shuning saw that Kou'er just blushed and didn't speak, but she didn't mean to be upset, on the contrary, she smiled at the corner of her mouth, knowing what she knew, and said deliberately: "It seems that Kou'er doesn't like that Niu Xiaosi, he is too much, even broke into Come to the inner house! When I turn back, I will tell Er Niang to go and make him suffer a lot, and see if he dares to pester you again."

Kou'er panicked, and quickly waved his hands and said: "It's none of his business, he came after me because I ran back in a hurry, it's none of his business..." Seeing Shu Ning's teasing eyes, his face turned pale Flushing red, he lowered his head in a nasty manner, and said after a long time: "Girl, don't make things difficult for him... I... I'm not unwilling..." The voice was not much louder than the sound of a mosquito.

Shuning smiled, took Kou'er's hand and said, "Since you are willing, follow me to see Er Niang, and ask her to make the decision for you." Su Xin and Dong Qing winked at each other, already planning to give Niu Xiao Four good news went.

When she came to the main room, Mrs. Tong was talking to Qiao Yun. After listening to Shuning's story, Mrs. Tong smiled: "It seems that there are many people who have weddings these days, and we have to send a lot of wedding money." Then he called Someone went to call Niu Xiaosi.

Over there, Niu Xiaosi got the letter early, and happily came to the main courtyard, and kowtowed to Mrs. Tong together with Kouer.After talking about the husband and wife and Mu, Tong told Qiaoyun to give them a happy money so that they could choose a date to get married.It's just that Kou'er's family is in the mansion, and Niu's family has to go to hire first.

Shu Ning was thinking about what to give to Kou'er to add makeup, Tong called her to stop, and said: "It just so happens that there are still a few servants and girls who want to get married, and some of them have hired girls from the nearby villages. There are several weddings to be held before and after. If you don’t understand these, let me take care of them. But Mr. Yang just sent a post saying that he wants to marry a girl from the Yu family, and he will be hired tomorrow, and it will be on the eighteenth day of the twelfth lunar month. Go through the door."

Shuning was pleasantly surprised: "Sister Yu's family is getting married? Then I want to give a big gift. As for Mr. Yang, please send it to me, too." Tong Shi nodded: "It should be like this .”

Shu Ning went back to her room and chose a pair of gold hairpins from the jewelry. The style was made of plum blossoms with hearts, and what was embedded in it was not jewelry, but a red jadeite. It looked very happy, and the plum blossoms also matched Tong's character.

She touched the plum blossom hairpin, looked up at the picture of red plums hanging on the wall, and couldn't help but think of the painter.Since meeting in the palace in June, she hasn't seen Tong Ying for nearly five months.I didn't think it before, but after making a marriage contract, I miss him very much.Brother Xiumu will return to Fangshan tomorrow, I wonder if he will come?

She shook her head, forgetting these random thoughts.There is only one day off, and my brother is willing to hurry back and forth because he is thinking about his pregnant wife, and Tongying doesn't have that much time to spare, so how could he come?

She found a small box, put the hairpin in it, added a pair of handmade pouches and an embroidered handkerchief, wrapped them in red cloth, and picked out a pair of twisted silver bracelets and a pair of silver bracelets from the jewelry box. A pair of gold earrings and a pair of gold and silk flower hairpins were wrapped in handkerchiefs and brought to the South Chamber together.The casket is a congratulatory gift for Yu Tong, and Su Xin will deliver it; while the jewelry wrapped in the handkerchief is a dowry for Kouer.

Suxin Dongqing and Kouer were very happy when they heard the good news about Yu Tong.At the beginning, they all learned how to play nets from Yu Tong, and they went out on weekdays when they were free, and occasionally went to Yu's house to play, so they discussed that they should follow the ceremony.Shu Ning handed over the things to them, let them go to discuss by themselves, then went back to the bedroom by herself, staring at the picture of red plums again in a daze.

After a while, she got up and went to the garden alone.There are also plum blossoms planted in the garden, but the ones that bloom at the moment are all winter plums and no red plums, but they are always better than nothing.She broke two branches, took them back to her room, put them in a plum vase, and placed them in front of the red plum picture. She smelled the fragrance, and she didn't know what she was thinking.

========================== I am the dividing line of the conversion scene ===================== ======
Duanning was supposed to come back tomorrow, but he arrived in the middle of the night. The whole family was surprised and happy, talking non-stop around him.Zhenzhen kept blushing and smiling, while Duanning looked at her tenderly and told her a lot.However, he had known the good news for some time, and he had calmed down. Although he still uttered a silly sentence or two from time to time, he was no longer as incoherent as before.

Seeing his son's tired face, Mrs. Tong hurriedly urged him to go to rest, but privately told the young couple that one was tired from the journey, and the other was more than two months pregnant, so go to bed early and don't make too much noise. However, the young couple made a big blush.

Changfu and Huzi came back this trip, it is said that Ermo will come tomorrow, they have something to talk to Mrs Tong, Shuning was a little sleepy, so she went back to the courtyard to rest.

Early the next morning, the whole family sat down to have breakfast together.Xiao Bao and Xian Ning went to bed early last night, and they didn't know the news of their brother's return until now, so they hugged him happily.After eating, Duanning was happy for a while, so he picked up one of them and led them to run along the corridor. The two boys experienced the thrill of flying and screamed with excitement.Xiaobao only cares about being cheerful, but Xianning tightens his brother's hand, insisting that he play with her a few more times.

Tong Shi was a little dumbfounded, and raised her voice: "Come back soon? Brother Duan, you are too. You are going to be a father, and you are still playing with the children." Shuning and Zhenzhen sniggered beside them.Duan Ning felt a little embarrassed, coaxed his younger brothers to let go of him, and then returned to the table.

Tong said: "Mr. Yang is hiring at Yu's family today. I want to show up. Brother Xian and Xiaobao don't go to school today. If you do your homework obediently, I will take you to play when the time comes. How about it?" The younger one obediently agreed, and obediently obeyed her elder sister Shuning's words. After drinking the goat's milk, she obediently went to the study to memorize and write.

Ermo arrived and talked with Mrs. Tong for a while before announcing the big news: Suyun will be promised to Huzi.

This marriage has been discussed by the two families for a long time.Although Shu Ning didn't know about it, it was obviously not the first time Su Yun had heard of it.Ermo's eldest son, Huzi, was two years older than Duanning, but he never got married. He probably followed the little master around and had a higher vision. He demanded that the future wife's appearance, temperament, ability, and knowledge were all indispensable.Ermo has had a headache for a long time, and she planned to hire someone outside, but how can a girl who can meet these conditions be willing to marry a servant?So it can only be found in the mansion.Changfu Ermo and his wife can be regarded as senior managers. They didn't want to accept ordinary girls, so they searched among the big maids in each room, and finally set their target on Su Yuntou of the third room, because she was about the same age. , with a delicate appearance, yet gentle and stable, knowing the basics, it is the most suitable.Ermo went to her home to propose marriage at the beginning of the year.

Both of Suyun's parents died when she was young, and her two sisters lived with their uncle and aunt.A few years ago, her sister became the concubine of Nala's family, and her situation was not good, so her uncle and aunt wanted to make Suyun marry again.But Suyun has been away for many years, and the third wife, Tong Shi, is very tight. They are not easy to do, and they have been dragging their mouths about Huzi's marriage.After Wanning got married, many family members were dismissed in the mansion, and they were among them. Seeing that the housekeeper of the third room did not change his sincerity in proposing marriage, they hastily agreed and accepted a large gift money.

Although Suyun hated her uncle and aunt, the marriage was not bad, and Hu Zi was very familiar with her, so she readily agreed.Mrs. Tong had made a decision to stay with her after she married Huzi, so she generously rewarded her with 20 taels of silver, a bag of jewelry, and a few horseshoes, so that she could get married in a splendid manner.

Huzi and Suyun were both very respectable among the servants and maids in Fangshan's other courtyard. The matter here was settled, so they were hugged and left.Mrs. Tong didn't care too much, and directly asked Ermo to rest, and took a few maids and wives in a small car, and went to the nearby village.Duanning also brought his two younger brothers to accompany him.Zhenzhen was a little tired and stayed in the room to rest.After finishing the housework, Shuning went back to her yard to practice calligraphy.

After practicing for less than half an hour, she was a little tired, so Shuning stopped writing, but she heard the button outside the door calling herself softly.She walked over strangely and asked what was the matter, but Kou'er blushed and said, "Xiaosi...waiting at the small corner door...it is said that someone is looking for a girl..."

Shuning was puzzled, so she followed her to the backyard, because she didn't see Suxin and the others, she asked Kouer, and found out that He Suyun had gone.

When we arrived at the small corner gate in the backyard, Niu Xiaosi was waiting behind the gate. When he saw Shuning, he hurriedly saluted and said in a low voice, "Miss, Master Bei is here. He is waiting in my small courtyard. He said he wanted to see the girl." one side."

Shu Ning was taken aback, and immediately felt a wave of joy, surprised that Tong Ying actually came, but wanted to meet her in private, and happy that he actually came, and rushed to see her.But why did he come in through the back door and see her alone?That's right, if he came in through the front door, the family probably wouldn't allow them to meet, and even if they could, they wouldn't have the opportunity to speak in private.Her heart was in a mess, and she didn't know how to react, but subconsciously straightened her hair and clothes, washed her hands, and then followed Niu Xiaosi to the backyard along the lane.

They didn't meet anyone on the way, but they saw two or three maids and daughter-in-laws going forward, and they heard that they were there to congratulate Suyun.

Niu Xiaosi's small courtyard is located in the northwest corner of the house, where Ma San'er and his wife used to live.There are two big houses, one on the west and one on the north, with a wall on the east side, next to the big courtyard where the servants live next door, and a small door leading to the horizontal path leading to the garden. Sometimes it is used by the attendants to settle down. There are all tables, chairs, beds and cabinets inside, and it is cleaned exceptionally clean.

Niu Xiaosi stepped back when he got to the gate of the courtyard, seeing the smile on his face, he clearly knew what he knew, but because Shuning helped him a lot, he reciprocated, so it's not a joke.Shu Ning didn't care about being shy, the closer she got to Westinghouse, the faster her heart beat, but when she reached the door, she began to hesitate, not knowing whether she should step in or not.

Tong Ying was sitting inside, heard footsteps, but saw no one, so she came out first, and said with a bright smile: "Why don't you come in?" Shuning looked at him blankly, feeling sour in her heart: "You are thinner." Tong Ying Touching his face, he said with a smile, "It's because I'm wearing dark clothes today, which makes me look thinner." He pointed to the room, "Let's go in and talk, it's cold outside." Then he took a step forward.

Just as Shuning was about to enter the room, she caught a glimpse of the bed in the room and was a little hesitant.Although she herself didn't think there was any problem with this, as an ancient person, would Tongying feel that she was not very supportive of just entering the house carelessly like this?Moreover, today the two met in private, avoiding people, if mother and elder brother found out, they would definitely be scolded.Although these are all caused by feudal thoughts, the thoughts of family members are very important.She thought for a while, then stopped and said, "I won't go into the house."

Tong Ying was stunned, then smiled: "Okay, if you don't enter the house, you won't enter the house, let's talk outside." After speaking, she lifted two stools and put them outside the house to a shelter from the wind, and said with a smile: "Sit here, here There's no wind, so it'll be warmer." His attitude was generous and frank, which made Shuning feel that he was too pretentious, could it be that after living in ancient times for more than ten years, he really regarded himself as an ancient girl?
Thinking of this, she took a deep breath, sat down as usual, suppressed the shame on her face, looked at Tong Ying directly for a while, and said: "You lied just now, you are obviously thinner, and you are thinner than the last time I saw you." You were still skinny, didn't you say you gained weight a few months ago?"

Tong Ying sneered: "It's just that I've been tired recently, the military department is busy." Shu Ning said seriously: "No matter how busy you are, you should spare a few hours to eat and sleep, and you can't just ignore your body while doing things. If you are tired and sick, and you have to see a doctor to take medicine and take care of your body, wouldn’t it be a waste of time? Instead, your body will break down. Brother Tongying has always been smart, so why didn’t he settle for this?”

Tong Ying rubbed her head embarrassingly: "I see, sister Shu, don't be angry." Seeing that Shu Ning's face had calmed down, he said cautiously: "That...Sister Shu, the recipes and soup recipes you gave me last time, I eat very well, but... after a few months, I feel a little tired. Do you... have any other recipes?"

Shu Ning couldn't help laughing, and hurriedly said: "Of course, what I gave you last time was autumn food, and I should have given you winter recipes. After I returned to Fangshan, the delivery was inconvenient, so I forgot it for a while. I will write it later. , let my brother take it for you."

Tong Ying smiled, seemed to think of something, and said cautiously: "Then if... I lend the recipe and soup recipe to others, will you be angry?"

Shu Ning looked at him in surprise, and he said shyly, "That's right, my sister-in-law hasn't been in very good health since she gave birth, I thought your soups are meant to nourish the body, maybe it will work if you let her try it." .But I figured I should ask you first, so..."

Shuning smiled: "There's no need to be so polite, the recipe given to you can be used by anyone you like, but don't forget to eat it yourself."

Tongying grinned: "Is this your thing? I'm afraid you'll get angry if you give it away without your consent."

Shu Ning said softly: "It doesn't matter, we are a family anyway..." She immediately realized that her words were ambiguous, and quickly added: "I mean, you and your brother and sister-in-law are a family..." She almost bit her tongue, Isn't this 300 taels of silver here?

Tong Ying obviously wanted to go together, with joy on her face, her words became incoherent, and her voice became louder: "Yes, yes, you are welcome, I took your recipe to use, if you If you fancy something of me, you can use it..."

Shu Ning was amused in her heart, and was about to refute him, when she suddenly thought that she had taken the inkstone and brush that he hadn't taken away, so she hit the right line with this sentence, she immediately felt a little hot on her face, she hurriedly lowered her head and didn't speak.

At this time, there were a few titters from outside the wall, it was clearly the voice of an unfamiliar man, Shu Ning was startled, and hurriedly stood up and looked in the direction of the sound.With annoyed expression on her face, Tong Ying quickly walked through the small door, and said something to the people in the alley, and then faintly heard the sound of the door opening and the neighing of a horse.Then, Tong Ying came back.

Shu Ning never knew that there was someone in the alley, and she felt that someone was prying into her privacy, so she was annoyed and showed it on her face.Tong Ying hurried to accompany her: "It's all my fault that I didn't make it clear. They are the guards sent to me by the palace. They have always been on good terms with me. If they shouldn't be said, they will never spread. Besides, the wall is very thick and closed. Open the door, I let them hear me because I spoke loudly just now, and they didn't hear the previous conversation." He bowed a few times, looking very pitiful.

After hearing this, Shuning felt relieved, and just asked: "Why did the palace still send guards to follow you? There was no such rule before?" Tong Ying said with a wry smile: "I can't help it, I'm considered a confidential person now." He paused, then whispered: "I'll tell you something, don't tell anyone. It probably won't be long before the Northwest will go to war, and I will probably go out with the army, at the earliest at the beginning of this month, at the latest next spring. Let's go."

Shu Ning was taken aback, and hurriedly asked: "What do you mean? You are not a general, do you want you to lead the way? Will it be dangerous?" Tong Ying smiled and said: "It's okay, I'm just following the commander and counseling the military plane. Even I am in danger, so there is no need to fight this battle. I have been busy with this matter since September last year, and I have been preparing for it for more than a year, and I know it well."

But fighting is still a very dangerous thing, and now the army also uses firearms. I heard that they are very powerful, and the enemy will have them if they fail to protect them. ah.

She was secretly worried. Seeing her expression, Tongying's heart moved, and she reached out to hold her hand, but found that the sky suddenly darkened. When she looked up, the sun seemed to have been bitten by a big bite, and the surrounding wind gradually rose.

It's a solar eclipse.

(Guess what the title means?)

(End of this chapter)