Ordinary clear day

Chapter 253 Breaking the Cocoon
This unexpected transfer order was the result of internal struggles in the Zhili chief secretary's yamen in the past two years.The Daoist candidate who intends to take over as Chief Political Envoy hopes to squeeze Zhang Bao out, at least not to allow him to add more political achievements.However, with a Zhili governor like Li Guangdi around, he didn't dare to go too far, lest he get himself involved.

But if it is based on ability, Zhang Bao is superior to him in terms of seniority, popularity, political achievements and civil administration ability. In addition, most of the current chief envoy and subordinate officials in the yamen have good friends with Zhang Bao, so he has no way to start.Just in the year of the scientific examination, he came up with such a way to ask Zhang Bao to be recommended by his backers to any province on the grounds that Zhang Bao was a manchu but was born as a serious Jinshi. Academic politics.As long as it is not an official position in civil affairs, Zhang Bao will not be able to make contributions in this area within three years, and it will not arouse other people's associations and shake his status.

Education, schools, and examinations in a province are in charge of education, schools, and examinations. They have always been held by censors who were born in Jinshi, or six ministers, or doctors. Most of them are Han Chinese, and they are extremely noble positions.Although the grade is the same as the previous official position, it can be paralleled with the governor and governor.Huguang, including Hunan and Hubei, is a large province, not poor, and he is a chief official without any constraints. It is reasonable to say that it is a good job for Zhang Bao. The problem is that he is best at farming and civil affairs. It's all useless.

After Shuning received the news, she took Tongying back to her mother's house to ask for clarification.

Zhang Bao and Tong Shi had already returned to the baron's mansion at this time, they just waited for the family members who stayed in Baoding to bring back the rest of their luggage, and then they were ready to go south.

Knowing that the schedule was so urgent, Shu Ning was a little surprised, and Tong said, "Huguang is far away. We have to arrive before August in order to catch up and settle down before the hospital exam. We will take the canal first, and then turn overland on the way. If you don't leave, it will be too late." Shu Ning also understood this truth, so she had to accept it silently.However, she was more worried about whether her father would be hit by being transferred at this time.

Zhang Bao didn't care too much about being transferred from the position he was good at, and all he had done before was to marry others: "What's the matter? Although it was a bit depressed at first, but think about it, we have the opportunity to let it out again, how great Ah. Nowadays, there are constant turmoil in central Beijing, and even Zhili is not quiet. It would be better to go out and hide for a few years. It would be even better if it can continue to be released. In the past few years, in Beijing and Zhili, how can I live outside as comfortably as before? ? Studying politics is very good, it’s clean and expensive, and no one cares about me. Walking around in the office, it’s like visiting mountains and rivers.”

Seeing her father's open-mindedness, Shu Ning felt relieved a little, but she always felt that it was dangerous to be an official in charge of scientific examinations, didn't she often act on TV?Cheating in scientific examinations, bribing examiners, if an official refuses, he will become a thorn in the eyes of everyone. If he follows the trend, he will not only be scolded to death, but also sentenced to exile or death.Dad is so soft-tempered, but has a little bit of integrity, will he be harmed by others?
So she asked nonchalantly: "If... if someone wants to make a fuss about the scientific examination, such as using... improper means to win the exam... will Amma suffer a loss?"

Zhang Bao opened his eyes wide: "Is anyone so bold? Although I have heard that the origins of some places' fame and fame are somewhat unclear, but I am a student of politics in a province. I don't allow it. Who dares to let me Suffering?"

Tong Ying smiled lightly at the side, and said: "Don't worry too much. In June, the emperor appointed the new governor of Huguang, that is, Guo Xiu. Your father-in-law should have heard of it, right? He has always been clean, and he can't tolerate it People with grains of sand. If someone dares to cheat in the scientific examination, just let him know, and he will deal with those people."

Shu Ning vaguely remembered this man, he seemed to be a censor, and his temper was very straightforward. With him sitting in Huguang, it seemed that Dad was really not in too much danger, so he said happily: "This man seems to be good, maybe I can make friends with Ama."

But Zhang Bao shook his head and said, "Forget it, since he is an upright and upright person who is not afraid of the powerful, he may regard me as a powerful person too. Besides, he has made many enemies in the officialdom, so being friends is not enough. I just need to be good." For his part, he will not embarrass me."

Shu Ning thought about it, so she didn't say anything.At this moment, Duan Ning interjected: "Speaking of which, Huguang is a good place. It is adjacent to Sichuan and Guizhou. Although the fourth uncle is in Chengdu and cannot leave at will, it is not a problem to send things by mail. Uncle Zhou said Maybe we can find a chance to meet each other. I heard that Mr. Fei is from Changsha, so going with him this time will be of great help."

Zhenzhen also said at the side: "Besides, it is adjacent to Guangdong, so it must not be too cold in winter. This year, Ama and Erniang will also be able to suffer less cold." After a pause, she suddenly remembered another thing: "It's just... I heard that the food there is too spicy... How can Ama and Erniang get used to it?"

Tong said with a smile: "Silly boy, we bring our own cook, what are we afraid of? Could it be that even the pots and bowls are spicy?"

So a few women talked about food, clothing, housing, travel, etc. Seeing that her family didn't care much about the accident, she talked about the life outside, she couldn't help letting go of all worries, and joined the discussion come.

After the initial discussions had yielded results, when Zhenzhen and Xiao Liu left to ask someone to buy things for the road, Zhang Baocai smiled and said to the others: "I have been a Jinshi for more than 20 years. Putting on the airs of a school official, let hundreds of thousands of students call me a teacher, and it makes people feel refreshed when they think about it."

Shu Ning was amused, and Xian Ning leaned over her head and asked, "Ama, there are so many people calling you teacher, so you are better than the masters in Brother Xiaobao's school?" Zhang Baozhong nodded emphatically: "Of course. If some of my students go to the official school and become a teacher, then you will call me Patriarch from now on."

Shu Ning resisted the urge to roll her eyes, and called "Ama" angrily, but Tong stopped her with a wave of her hand: "He's very happy in his heart. The older you get, the younger you live. Our house Talk to him and ignore him."

Shu Ning agreed, paused, and looked back at Tong Ying, only to see him smiling and watching Xian Ning and Xiao Bao chatting and laughing around Zhang Bao, and occasionally the two younger brothers turned to ask his opinion, and he followed suit. After a few words, he felt better than when he was at home, so he turned around and chatted with his mother in the room with confidence.

Duanning also smiled and watched his younger brothers messing around, and felt that it was too much, so he lightly reprimanded him a few times and knocked his head a few times.Seeing that Tong Ying had been sitting quietly by the side, knowing that he was in a bad mood, he said, "I heard that you've been a little depressed recently, and you've become obsessed with things in your cup. Is it true?"

Tong Ying smiled lightly: "It's just drinking to relieve boredom, it's not overdose, don't worry."

Duan Ning shook his head and said: "Wine makes you sad and sad. No matter how much you drink, it is of no use. Instead, it will damage your body and cause your family to worry. I have heard a little about your story, and I can guess you What is uncomfortable, in fact, such a result is not bad for the deceased, it is someone else who did the bad thing, and it is someone else who is behind the scenes, why do you take it as your own fault?"

Tong Ying smiled wryly and didn't speak. After Zhang Bao heard this, he dismissed the two children casually, and said to Tong Ying seriously: "Danning's words are right. Although I'm outside, I don't know much about your affairs, but I know you He has always been a well-measured, calm and kind-hearted kid. You can’t do things like scolding people to death. I don’t want to ask more about what’s going on. You just need to remember that we will all stand by your side That's enough. Let's rest at home for a while, read, write, practice riding and shooting. When you feel uncomfortable, talk to Shu'er or your family more, don't be bored in your heart."

Duan Ning also said: "That's right, if you really want to drink, you can come to me. In the past two years, we didn't get together much, and I almost forgot that we were brothers."

Tong Ying smiled: "Don't you still have some errands? Just arrived at the Ministry of Criminal Justice, you must be very busy, right?" Duan Ning waved his hand and said, "I got it in the morning, and there is no big case. Maybe I will be busy at the end of the year, but now I am free. "

Tong Ying smiled again, thought for a while, and said "OK", then bowed to Zhang Bao: "Thank you, father-in-law."

Shuning listened to the conversation outside in the room and smiled slightly.Tong Shi said to her softly: "How are you doing recently? If you have been wronged, just tell Er Niang." Shu Ning smiled and said: "It doesn't matter, there are gossips and idleness, but I can handle it. There are three aunts and six wives everywhere, as long as I stand firm, they can't do anything to me. Just..." She paused: "It's just at the palace, where the grievances are greater. Those Fujin and younger brothers are all heartless Tongying is very sad because of their gossip."

Tong's snorted coldly: "These princes' families are already intriguing. How can there be any real feelings? Besides, they are not biological mothers, and the younger brothers are separated from each other. Just ignore them. I heard that Tong Ying has been drinking recently? I am in a bad mood , it’s not impossible to be indulgent, but there must always be a limit. You have to persuade.”

Shu Ning nodded, and said again: "Ama Erniang is going on a long journey, and I don't know how long I will see you again. Before you leave, I will stay at my mother's house." Transportation was inconvenient in ancient times, and it might take three months to separate. We won't be able to meet again until the next year.Although my parents only return to Beijing every few months when they are in Baoding, it is very convenient to communicate and deliver things, which is incomparable to being separated for three years.What's more, there is no postage in the Huguang area. If you want to communicate, you can only send it to the postal point closest to the two lakes by post, and then your family will pick it up.

Tong agreed happily, but was a little worried: "What about Tongying?"

"Come and live together." Shuning said, "he takes etiquette into consideration here, and won't drink too much. It's good to change the mood."

So for the next few days, Shu Ning and Tong Ying stayed at her mother's house with her parents and relatives.Zhang Bao and Tong Shi went to the post this time. Because they were reluctant to bear their children, they decided to take Xianning with them after discussion.Although Xianning is reluctant to part with her brothers and sisters, the attraction of being able to go to a new place is still very strong, so she acts like a baby in front of her elders and brothers and sisters all day long, or pulls Xiaobao and Mingrui to talk about things and write letters if.Xiaobao was a little envious, but when he saw his mother, he stopped thinking about it.

On the morning of the fourth day, Zhang Bao and Tong took their youngest son and [-] or [-] family members and set off southward to Huguang.Before leaving, Mrs. Tong asked Mrs. Liu to take care of Duanning and his wife. Mrs. Liu said, "Don't worry, my sister. Although these children are young, they are all smart and capable. I don't need to remind you. I just need to be by the side. Just help out. You can go on the road with peace of mind, and remember to send letters back often."

Tong Shi nodded, and told his son-in-law, wife, son-in-law, grandson and adoptive son a lot of words.Zhang Bao bid farewell to his two elder brothers.It wasn't until the sun rose overhead that they officially set out on the road.

After sending off her parents and younger brother, and saying goodbye to her natal family, Shu Ning turned her head and smiled at Tong Ying and said, "Let's go home?" Tong Ying looked at her smile, and also smiled faintly: "Okay."

Since then, Tong Ying really drank less, but Duan Ning came to their house more often and would drink with Tong Ying every time.Shu Ning often arranges snacks and hangover tea for them, sometimes listening to their chatter, she can't help being amused by some of the words.It's just that when she sent her brother away and helped her husband go back to the room to rest, seeing the gloomy look between his brows, she felt a little sad.

Tongying seldom goes out, but Shuning can't.She still has to go to Prince Jane's mansion to pay her respects on a regular basis, so as not to be attacked by Tong Ying for being unfilial.Sometimes, Prince Jane or Ji Fujin sent a message, and she had to accompany her "mother-in-law" and sister-in-law to certain banquets.

But now she is no longer the new daughter-in-law who was at a loss when faced with other people's malice. She can basically remain calm when responding to those who are curious or ridiculed.In fact, most of the clan circles in central Beijing are good people. Knowing that the emperor doesn't want that scandal to spread, naturally they won't mention it publicly, it's just tacit understanding.So Shuning's life is not difficult.However, there are always some people who will mention it in front of her with certain purposes.

For example, at a certain banquet, a female family member took the initiative to say to Shu Ning: "You were really wronged in that matter, and our family was wronged for Tong Ying's nephew. It was too much for the crown prince to treat him like that. If someone If you want to gossip about you, just come and tell Auntie, Auntie will make the decision for you.”

Shu Ning couldn't easily believe that this strange woman really had good intentions, she carefully recognized it, and vaguely remembered that during the New Year's Eve, this lady seemed to be very close to Da Fujin, talking with others along the way.She shivered in her heart, and said with a smile: "Thank you, aunt, for your kindness, but... my nephew and daughter-in-law don't quite understand what aunt said. Tongying was demoted because of his dereliction of duty, and he is currently reflecting at home. But what does this have to do with the prince?" relation?"

The female relative froze, and suddenly smiled and patted her: "Oh, isn't that what happened? Don't tell me you don't know." Shuning smiled: "My nephew and daughter-in-law really don't know, please tell me me."

The female relative coughed twice, looked left and right, and withdrew her hand embarrassingly.Shu Ning thought that the matter was over, but she heard another female family member approaching and said with a smile: "Actually, Auntie is just out of kindness. Why should younger brothers and sisters be so careful? We really want to help you."

Shu Ning smiled: "Thank you very much. But I never ask about men's outside affairs, and I just do housework and take care of my master's health on weekdays. These important court affairs are not our responsibility. Aunt and sister-in-law said yes ?”

The two female relatives felt that it was very boring, and after saying a few words casually, they wanted to go back to their seats.Shu Ning breathed a sigh of relief, but heard a familiar voice from the next table: "What are you pretending to do? Who doesn't know what's going on? Every day I talk about how my man spoils me, but in fact he is more masculine, right? No wonder you have to be willing to take a concubine." It was Na Danzhu.

The surroundings suddenly became quiet, and everyone stared at Na Danzhu and Shu Ning for a few moments, but they pretended not to hear them and started chatting again tacitly.

Shu Ning rolled her eyes: Very well, I didn't want to argue with you at first, but since you want to die, don't blame me.

So she turned her head and smiled at Na Danzhu and said, "What did the younger siblings say? You need to know that as the daughter-in-law of the Aixinjueluo family, we should be cautious in our words and deeds, and behave in a dignified manner. What should we say? What should we say?" It shouldn't be said, you have to know it in your heart. Even if you are not talented enough, you must always remember the word "cautious". You must never be like that village woman who speaks dirty words without knowing it."

Na Danzhu blushed with anger: "You say I'm a village woman? Do you know who I am?!"

Shu Ning still smiled and said: "As noble daughters of Horqin, younger siblings are different from ordinary ladies, so they should pay more attention to their own words and deeds. I have heard that girls from Horqin are noble, honest, and frank, and they are good girls as precious as jewels. Brothers and sisters, please remember your hometown and don’t disappoint Horqin’s glory.”

Na Danzhu was too angry to speak, Shu Ning still smiled, glanced at the surrounding people, slowly picked up the wine glass, and took a sip.

Two days later, she went to visit Xuxu, and when she returned to Beizi's mansion, she was surprised to see several family members walking towards the backyard with hammers, shovels and other things. She found someone to ask and found out that Tongying ordered the backyard to be demolished The main hall was taken aback, and hurriedly asked what was going on.

Tong Ying said indifferently: "Today, my little grandson came to me and said that someone outside said that our house was built according to the Beizi system. Now that we have been demoted, we should not live in it anymore. I don't have time to find another house to move, so I have to let Someone dismantle the apse, so that no one will be troubled."

Shu Ning said angrily: "You made military achievements at the beginning, this mansion was bestowed by the emperor, not assigned by the Ministry of Internal Affairs, why do those people say such things?" Thinking of what happened at the banquet two days ago, she said: "Is it popular? You broke their business, so you took the opportunity to retaliate?"

But Tong Ying said: "It doesn't matter if it's right or not. Anyway, this place is only used to store things, and it has no serious use. There is still an empty yard. Remove the things and dismantle them clean."

Shu Ning hesitated to speak, thought for a while, and sighed: "Okay, it's up to you. But the house will break ground, and it's noisy for us to live in. Why don't we go outside for a walk. Let's say it's to inspect the property."

Tong Ying hesitated and agreed.

After reporting to the clan's mansion, and saying hello to Prince Jian's mansion and Shuning's family, Shuning sent a few people to report to several Zhuangzi, and then set off with Tongying.

There are only three carriages in their line, and a dozen or so people, which can be regarded as light and easy.After starting from Deshengmen, Tongying changed her mind and didn't want to go to Changping, so the group turned around the city wall and headed south.Walking slowly all the way, as if traveling in mountains and rivers.Tong Ying was riding a horse, and sometimes she ran a long way by herself before returning to the carriage.On the first night, she spent the night at Prince Jane's mansion in Wanping's Zhuangzi.

They only walked twenty or thirty miles a day, and even had a picnic outside for lunch.On the second day, he settled in Zhuangzi in Liangxiang Baron's Mansion, and on the third day he arrived at Fangshan Courtyard.

Changgui had already had someone clean the yard where Shuning used to live, but Tongying missed Zhenxia Pavilion, so Shuning lived there with him.It was autumn now, and the scenery in the garden was a little bit faded, but the lotus hadn't faded yet, and the sweet-scented osmanthus and chrysanthemums were already in bloom. Smelling the fragrance of flowers, eating fresh fish and fresh lotus root produced in ponds and small lakes, Occasionally, both of them strolled in the fields, and the days were very leisurely.

They even climbed mountains on foot to visit various Buddhist temples, not only Shijing Mountain and Yunju Temple, but also Shenglian Mountain and Miaofeng Mountain. Sometimes they stayed in the mountains. Gradually cheer up.

Tong Ying took up the brush again, painting sketches for the flowers in the garden of other courtyards, and sometimes painting landscapes.When Shuning saw the large ink lotus in his pen, she suddenly remembered what Wang Yin had mentioned in the letter, so she discussed with Tong Ying to live in Jumahe Xiaozhuang for a few days.

The house of Jumahe Xiaozhuang is just an ordinary courtyard with three entrances.At the beginning, Shuning planned that the front yard should be larger, and Wang Yin and his wife lived here with a few small stewards, so they could handle daily affairs.The main courtyard is where Shuning and Tong Ying live, and the backyard is the warehouse, where the collected grain and farm tools are stored.As for the barn, there was no barn. Shu Ning asked someone to find a piece of land nearby and build a yard to raise animals for all the tenants.

They didn't let too many people know about them, so many tenants didn't know who the young couple who talked to them every day on the edge of their field were, and the children didn't know where the kind brother who bought them candied haws came from. of.Tongying lives in the countryside every day, talking with these simple people, her mood gradually improves.

Tong Ying's gloom faded away, but her paintings got better and better, and sometimes she would write poems or something on a whim.Shuning paid close attention to what he wrote.

When he first came here, he wrote the song "Qinyuanchun" on a painting: "The three paths are just completed, the crane complains and the ape is startled, and the Jiaxuan is in the future. Even Yunshan promises himself, and the ordinary life is lively; the well-dressed man smiles, and the dust of death The mind is tired and must be returned, the body is free and early, how can it be a sea bass soup. On the autumn river, watch the geese avoid the frightened string, and the boat returns in the treacherous waves. Donggang rebuilt the thatched house, so that all the windows are opened by the water. If you want to go fishing in a small boat, you should plant willows first; if you want to protect the bamboo with vegetables and fences, don’t hinder the viewing of plum blossoms. Autumn chrysanthemums are good for eating, and spring orchids are admirable, and I leave them to be planted by my husband. 1)

Shu Ning knew that he was still a little unwilling, although he was a little sad, but she didn't say anything, just went around with him every day to relax.

Although the scenery of the lotus pond is not as good as in summer, it is still rare.The Juma River has a beautiful scenery. The couple paddled a small boat across the water, stretched out their hands to feel the coldness of the river, and felt that it was very different from the lake in their garden in Beijing.

One day, Tongying wanted to swim the entire Shidu on a whim, so Shuning went to find someone to find a cruise ship, and played with him for two days. On the way, she happened to see wild flowers on the grass on the bank, and the two got off the boat again. Spent some time ashore.

After more than a month like this, the weather is getting colder, and Tong Ying has already started to paint a early plum in the courtyard.When Shu Ning was tidying up his paintings, she suddenly saw a piece of writing on which was also inscribed a song "Qinyuanchun": "The lights in the lonely hall are green, the chickens in the wild shop are in the wild, and the dream in the travel pillow is dying. Frost Geng Geng, Yunshan Jinjin, morning dew twilight. The world is endless, labor is limited, just like Xian Huan, the head of this district. Singing, I am speechless with the saddle, and the past is full of stories. At that time, we visited Chang'an, like the first arrival of Erlu Juvenile. He has thousands of characters on his pen and thousands of volumes in his chest. To Jun Yao and Shun, why is this so difficult? When you use your care, you can hide me. Why don’t you just sit and look at me with your hands away. He is tall and healthy, but he is as old as a dead man, and he is more respectful.” (Note 2)

She was a little pleasantly surprised, knowing that Tong Ying had put it down, seeing him concentrating on painting, her eyes couldn't help but blurred.

After finishing the last stroke, Tong Ying took a closer look and sighed: "It's getting cold, and the colored ink can't melt. Let's go back to Beijing tomorrow, we've been out for long enough."

Shu Ning responded lightly, and went out to ask someone to pack her luggage.Tong Ying looked at the picture she had just drawn, showing a faint smile.

When returning to the capital, the first thing to do is to greet Prince Jian's residence.Prince Jane glanced at his son and sighed: "It's good to be back, just in time, the palace's decree for marrying the third child has come down, Xiao Ding will serve wine that day, you can help greet the guests."

Shu Ning looked at Tong Ying with some worry, but Tong Ying responded, with no reluctance in her expression.

After walking far, when Shu Ning asked if it was important, Tong Ying said: "Do you really think I'm made of glass? I've been depressed for a long time, if I don't get up again, I will look down on myself. Don't worry Bar."

He smiled brightly, held Shuning's hand, and walked forward.

(Note 1: Qinyuanchun (the new residence with the lake will be completed), Xin Qiji's work, has the meaning of "although I have the intention to retire, but my ambition has not been fulfilled, and I am unwilling".)
(Note 2: Qin Yuanchun, written by Su Shi, expresses his determination to avoid the vortex of political struggles when his talent is underappreciated, and take a leisurely attitude to preserve his health and live a leisurely life.)
(End of this chapter)