Ordinary clear day

Chapter 229
Standing in a cold grand hall wearing a heavy dress, saluting to the empress dowager and imperial concubines with a large group of unknown women is really not a pleasant experience.However, seeing the clothes of the female relatives with higher titles, Shu Ning felt that the dresses and accessories on her body were not so unbearable, after all, there were many people who worked harder than her.

Although there is a room full of royal daughters-in-law and clan women, only before the ceremony, everyone has time to exchange a few words. During the ceremony, they are not allowed to talk to each other and must keep quiet.Instead, after the ceremony, the Empress Dowager talked a few words with the female relatives of the various prefectures, especially the sisters-in-law and nephews.In the entire hall, there is only the voice of the empress dowager talking to others, and even the imperial concubines will not interrupt easily.However, after the most honored people left, the people in the hall did not disperse for a while, so we could have a little exchange.

This time Dachao Shuning met many long-lost characters, many of whom have changed a lot.

For example, the fourth cousin, Yuanning, held her head high and didn't care about other people's comments.She hadn't communicated with the outside world for a long time, and she didn't even enter the palace much.There are rumors outside that the fifth elder brother is depressed due to his damaged appearance, has a bad temper, and often speaks harshly to his wives and concubines.Wu Fujin was born in a low family background and was not favored. After three years of marriage, he has not married, and life is even more difficult now.But these are always rumors. When people see Yuanning's raised belly, they know that she has not lost her husband's favor, and she is finally proud.

Although the gown was loose and most of the people in the hall were stooped, Wu Fujin straightened her waist as soon as she entered the door, revealing her slightly protruding belly. The news of her pregnancy quickly spread throughout the hall.The courteous treatment of the Empress Dowager and Concubine Yi further confirmed Wu Fujin's stable status.Soon there were rumors that Wu Baylor had recovered from his injuries and would soon return to the court for business affairs, and the discussions around him became even worse.

Yuan Ning raised her head proudly, and cast a cold glance at the others, as if she wanted to trample all the rumors under her feet.It's just that she, who was well cared for by the palace, was immediately led to the harem by the queen mother after performing the ceremony. In a hurry, she only had time to give a slight nod to Shuning, but she didn't have a word of conversation, which made Shuning a little disappointed.

There is another royal daughter-in-law with a big belly, and that is Qifu Jin Wei Wan.Different from Yuanning, her belly is already big, she still looks indifferent, and she is not very close to other sister-in-laws, but the Crown Princess and Sifujin are very kind to her.Shu Ning was standing a little far away from her, and she came a little late, and she started worshiping shortly after entering the door, so she didn't have time to say hello.Shu Ning only saw her leaving with a concubine.

She still seems to be living in the palace, Seventh Elder Brother is building a mansion, but it will be at least half a year before the mansion will be divided into another mansion.

However, from the whispered discussions of the surrounding female relatives, Shu Ning learned some rumors about the seventh elder brother and his wife.It is said that the seventh elder brother favors the concubine, but he still respects his first wife.It's just that Qifu Jin has a cold temper, so she is not very popular among the sisters-in-law, but her mother-in-law and concubine get along very well with her.When Shu Ning heard this, she couldn't help feeling sorry for Wei Wan, such a noble and talented woman, how could Brother Qi not know how to cherish her?But after all, this is the private matter of the couple, so she can't say much.

Not many prince Fujin stayed in the palace to chat with other clan women, and even the crown princess left.Shu Ning watched from a distance, and found that her complexion didn't seem very good.Da Fujin and San Fujin enthusiastically gossiped with the Fujins from several palaces, discussing that none of the female family members of Prince Kang's mansion entered the palace.Si Fujin took great care of the wives of the Dukes of Belle, whose husbands were slightly lower in rank, asking them about the household matters and trivial matters of their children.

Shuning was also cared for by Sifujin.Because Prince Jian Jifujin went to talk with the queen mother together with other concubines, and the eldest son Fujin Guerjia was very indifferent to his concubines and just went to talk with the female relatives he knew, so Shuning's situation was a bit embarrassing.Although she didn't care much about it herself, she was still very grateful to those who greeted her actively in an unfamiliar environment.

With the help of Sifu Jin, she quickly talked with other female relatives, besides Baoyao, who she knew before, there were also several beautiful girls of the same class.But most of them married earlier than themselves, so now they are talking about having children and raising children. Shuning is a bit out of touch, and is often used as a joke.She had no choice but to purse her lips and smile, not to strike up a conversation, so as not to be used to make some blushing jokes again.

Shuning got along well with these female relatives, only one person didn't give her a good face.She felt familiar at first, but later she remembered that she was Yanyan, Xuxu's elder sister. She heard that she is also Mrs. Beizi now, but why is she still putting on such a face?It could be seen that the other party had a mediocre relationship with other female family members, so after she made some sarcastic remarks, Si Fujin took the topic away with a wink, and no one paid any attention to her.

On the other hand, Yan Yan felt bored by the side, she curled her lips and went to another group of people, and actually chatted cordially with Prince Jian's eldest son Fujin Guarjia.Shuning vaguely heard them calling each other "cousin" and "cousin", but she somewhat understood why Yanyan treated her badly.

After the sun rose, the hall became warmer, but the stomach gradually became hungry.Many female relatives left one after another, and the Guerjia clan had long since disappeared.Shuning and Sifujin whispered a few words, then quietly exited the hall.The sun is good today, and it makes people feel much warmer.

Back on the carriage, Shu Ning didn't set off, but ordered someone to inquire about Tong Ying's situation.After a long while, Xiao Lanzi hurried over, saying that he heard that Master Bei had gone to Qianqing Palace with the prince and son, and he was afraid that he would have dinner there.Shuning told Xiaolanzi, Tianyang and a few attendants to stay and wait for Tongying, and asked that the former had enough snacks to satisfy his hunger, then sent them to the next hut where the eunuchs were resting, and took the first step by herself.

Back at Beizi Mansion, she quickly changed into lighter auspicious clothes, checked the utensils prepared by the housekeepers for greeting guests and eating, it was already noon.

Shuning ate lunch alone, so she felt a little lonely.But Tong Ying came back not long after, and ate a few pieces of cake with Shu Ning's hands.Shu Ning asked: "Didn't you say that you are eating in the palace? Haven't you eaten yet?" Tong Ying said while changing her clothes: "How can you be full if you eat in front of the emperor in the palace? I'm tired of eating, it doesn't taste as good as the one at home." Shuning smiled and ordered someone to bring another food, but Tong Ying said that she was already full.

After a short rest, the young couple rushed to Prince Jane's mansion to pay their respects. They said auspicious words, asked for red envelopes from their elders, and gave red envelopes to their younger brothers and nephew.Tongying has a sweet mouth, which pleases her father and wins a lot of prizes.The palace was full of joy and laughter, if one ignores the hesitation implied in Ji Fujin's face, everything would be fine.

On the second day of junior high school, Shu Ning followed Tong Ying into the palace again, and it was the first time to see the emperor after marriage.Emperor Kangxi said some words of encouragement and harmony between husband and wife, and then rewarded red envelopes and gifts.As soon as they got home, the young couple couldn't help but think about it.

In addition to the 3000 taels of red envelopes, the emperor rewarded some very valuable medicinal materials, spices, silks and satins, a set of the four treasures of the imperial study, and a piece of "Fu" written by the imperial pen.Including the annual gifts from other mansions in return, this year's expenditure is not too bad, only the most expensive ones are sent to the palace and Prince Jane's mansion. There are quite a few, and there are several state government houses that are more generous.The property donated by the two shops and restaurants is also considerable.

The couple did some calculations. This year, for the New Year's event, the loss of money can be controlled within 4000 taels, which is still acceptable.Shu Ning secretly sighed, life is not easy for someone with a noble title, just the favors for the Chinese New Year will cost so much, how much will it cost in a year?It seems that she is still inexperienced, and she will have to work harder to increase revenue and reduce expenditure in the future.

Tong Ying looked at her wrinkled face and smiled: "Okay, as long as there is no famine, it's not bad. Is it the first time for us?" Shuning smiled and put the account aside , someone set up a glass screen in the main hall door, and together with Tong Ying, they personally pasted the blessing word bestowed by the emperor on it.

On the third day of junior high school, she took Tongying back to her natal home and spent a day comfortably.Because she was happy, she simply sent all the big maids around her back to their respective homes for the festival. Suxin and the others had just received the red envelopes, and they had a lot of money, so they all retired happily.Only Tan Xiang stayed with Dong Qing by Shuning's side because her parents were both in Fangshanzhuang.

After staying in the big house for a while, the family returned to Huaiyuan, the men went to drink and chat by themselves, and Shuning was talking with her mother and sister-in-law.Suddenly, he saw a few sneaky heads outside the door. After a closer look, he found that it was Xiaobao and Xianning, and there was a brother Ming, riding on Xiaobao's neck, with three pairs of round eyes. Look into the house.Seeing Xiao Liu, she hurriedly said: "Be careful not to drop my brother, let me put it down quickly." But Ming brother held on to Xiaobao's hair and refused to let go.

Shu Ning suppressed her smile and waved to them: "Come here, what are you doing standing there? Isn't it cold outside?" The three children entered the room and moved to Shu Ning with a smile. Xiao Bao coughed lightly, Xianning patted Brother Ming, and then heard Brother Ming say in a childlike voice: "Happy Chinese New Year, I want a red envelope."

Shuning was drinking tea and immediately choked.Tong Shi turned her head away, covered her face with a veil, trembled for a long time, then showed her face again, and patted Zhen Zhen and Xiao Liu Shi on the back who were laughing so hard that their stomach hurt.When the men in the study heard the laughter here, they all probed their heads and asked what was wrong.Shuning smiled and took out a few purses, stuffed them one by one, and poked each of them on the head: "Ghost spirits, you came here only after you have practiced, right? How many people fell into your tricks?"

Xiao Bao blushed and lowered her head, Xian Ning smiled and stretched out eight fingers, and added another one: "My sister is the ninth." Zhen Zhen finished laughing beside her, and said pantingly: "Zhuyuan Tao The courtyard and the apricot courtyard were all tricked, and even the eighth aunt did not let go. Yesterday my second brother came, and they wanted to leave all the purses on him. If I hadn't given some more, he would have almost died Went to the old man's house in a clean robe."

The family in Chongli was betrothed, because one of the elders of the girl passed away, and had to observe filial piety for five months, so the marriage was postponed.I just fulfilled my filial piety a year ago, and going to pay New Year's greetings during the New Year means talking about the wedding day.

After hearing this, Shu Ning looked at her younger brother and nephews amused.After Tongying heard about it, she hugged Brother Ming and said, "Good boy, give uncle a kiss, and uncle will give you another little thing." Brother Ming spat half of his face with saliva, and got a pair of hibiscus stone carvings. Maverick, hurriedly hid in the arms of the two little uncles and went to play.

Shu Ning recognized that it was one of the lottery Tong Ying won at Prince Jane's residence the day before yesterday, seeing him so generously using it to coax her natal nephew, she felt sweet in her heart.

In fact, she really wanted to stay at her mother's house for a while, but unfortunately there were a lot of things to do, so she had to go back to Beizi's mansion after dinner.In the next few days, the husband and wife were busy shuttling through the mansions of the princes and dukes to pay their respects. Except for Prince Kang’s mansion, which refused visitors because the old prince was seriously ill, they had been to all the mansions in central Beijing. The prince did not fall behind either.

When going to Sibeile's residence, Shuning helped to deliver a few things to Wanning because of her aunt Nala's entrustment.After Wanning accepted it, she thanked her lightly, and then she pleaded guilty to Sifu Jin Yumin, and went back to her own yard, which surprised Shuning.Yumin smiled slightly and said: "A few months ago, she was a little irritable. I asked the doctor to come to see her, and he said that she was not sick, and she just needed to rest. I think she eats fast and recites Buddha a lot, and her mood will naturally be calmer. She meant to send a few more Buddhist scriptures and added more attendants. It is really much better now. It is a big festival, and there are so many people in the mansion, so I asked people not to disturb her. You don't have to worry too much. "

Shu Ning responded with a smile, seeing the faint sneering expressions on the faces of the two female relatives from Sibei Le's mansion next to her, her heart sank.After thinking about it again and again, she still told Nala what Yu Min said, but she didn't mention anything else.Nala thought that her daughter was very well-behaved in Sibeile's mansion, and even Sifujin was taking good care of her, so she was relieved and planned to bring her back to stay for two days.

Originally, Shuning wanted to accompany Tongying to Wubeile Mansion, but both of them entered the palace, saying that the Empress Dowager specially left Wufujin to accompany her for the New Year, and there was only one concubine in the mansion, so Shuning and his wife had no choice but to go back to the mansion. , look for another opportunity to come again.

After running around like this for a few days, I finally calmed down after the eighth day of the lunar new year.Shu Ning felt so tired that she nestled on the kang and refused to move, but there were still many people rushing to visit her every day.The young couple couldn't take it anymore. After discussing it, they decided to go to Changping Zhuangzi to relax for a few days, and then come back before the Lantern Festival, avoiding the people who came to visit. Anyway, they have already met what they should see, and the rest have something to ask for. Yes, they have no time to pay attention to it.

They went to the Zhuangzi who planted flowers.In fact, the distance between the two Zhuangzi is only seven or eight miles, and they are all within the range of a mountain.When they went to one of them, they could still eat the melons and vegetables sent by the other Zhuangzi.

Zhuangzi is not big, and the place where he lives is newly built by Tongying.It is a small courtyard with three entrances, but the main courtyard occupies the largest area. The layout inside is not in the traditional courtyard style. The houses seem to be scattered randomly, but in fact they are all built on the hot spring. Even the house where the servants live has a small spring.The houses are connected by verandas. Although they are only made of ordinary materials without much decoration, they are full of ingenuity.Tong Ying also said that when it was first built, a literati with expertise in gardens was invited, who was his brother when he was studying painting.

The main house where the couple lived was divided into front and back rooms, with the hot spring in the middle, covered by a small hut, forming a pool six to seven feet square.In the room near the spring, the hot spring passes through the ground, so the floor is warm.There is no bed in the room, only a special wooden couch, sleeping on it, it is as warm as a kang, but less angry.

During the few days that Shuning lived here, she lived like a fairy.The husband and wife don't need servants, only two of them live in the main room, and they spend every day together with each other, full of tenderness, and don't need to worry about all trivial matters.

It's a pity that the good times didn't last long. After only three days, they received an urgent letter from Beijing and China, and they had to end their vacation early.

Prince Kang passed away.

(End of this chapter)