cloud temple phoenix hairpin

Chapter 53

Chapter 48

It was dark that day, and the road from the gate of Yiyuan to Wangshan Tower was covered with big vermilion lanterns. Looking from a distance, it seemed that two golden dragons were winding on both sides of the road.

The Jiang family and the mothers in charge of the house personally greeted the invited guests at the second gate of Yiyuan. They were all girls from various prefectures who had been in contact with Ming Yu in the past and were not yet married.First let's go to the Plum Waterside Pavilion built on the lake, where Ming Yu and Ming Pei and Ming Fang sat and talked with each other, received the congratulatory gifts brought by the ladies, and thanked them one by one.When the guests were almost here, they boarded the boat together.

Moored on the big boat next to the Plum Waterside Pavilion.Zhang Hu, a colorful screen at the bow, set up a waist-high Fushan stove with animal patterns and a scent, and a large windproof thin cowhide lantern hung on a lamp post wrapped in gold leaf. The large mahogany round table is filled with pots of pomegranates, pears, dates, chestnuts, grapes and other seasonal fruits.

Although the girls from each family are from the first class in Jiangzhou, they are either rich or expensive.Zhiyi Garden is the place where the emperor of the current dynasty stayed a few years ago, and it has long been famous far and wide.Except for Xie Mingrou and Jingzhu from the Xie family, the rest of the girls came here for the first time, so they were naturally curious.Surrounded by a group of maids and mothers, boarded the boat, leaned on the railing and looked at it. Although the moon was not as perfect as the fifteenth or sixteenth, it was still shining in the sky.The cool wind blows across the lake, the silver light of Banchi Lake is shining, and the Wangshan Lake under the moonlight seems to be boundless, all of which are refreshing.After the boat slowly went out again, when it reached the lake not far from the waterside pavilion, there was another big boat parked just a few feet away from the opposite side.The layout of the boat is imitated by the colorful sheds of the stage, with bright lights, and the bow of the boat is already full of artists playing clappers, pipas, nine-stringed qin and other musical instruments.They were all fourteen or fifteen-year-old girls, and it turned out that Ruan Hongtian specially invited the Jiaofang team for his daughter's night.

The foreman's mother on the opposite theater saw that the girls had arrived, and led all the girls under her command to the bow of the boat to greet her and return to their seats.Before the music started, there was the sound of chirping birds, which attracted the attention of all the girls, and the boat suddenly became quiet.I only heard the harmonious singing of various birds from the opposite stage, like a phoenix flying under the moon to gather together.It turned out that the people in the Jiaofang class were imitating the bird song ventriloquist.

Although the girls have heard of it, it is rare to hear it with their own ears on weekdays.At this moment, everyone is attracted.When the birds stopped, they heard the sound of silk and bamboo, and people in pink makeup stepped onto the stage and sang the birthday opera that Jiang had ordered in advance.

Ming Yu is the host today, so he naturally wants to entertain the guests.Many girls were attracted to take their seats. At this time, the cooks who were in the cabin in advance delivered freshly cooked North and South delicacies and served them on the table one by one.All the girls watched the moon and listened to the opera, while drinking and talking, and there was only constant laughter on the lake.

This side is lively, dozens of zhang away from here, there is a plum water pavilion in the Wangshan Tower, which is also feasting and singing at the moment.It turned out that the Jiang family got the letter yesterday, saying that the two brothers Xie Zuiqiao and Xie Yilin from the Xie family would escort their sister over.Then Xie Yilin can be regarded as a nephew, but Xie Zuiqiao is a distinguished guest that his family can't usually invite, so naturally he dare not neglect.So in the Wangshan Tower, another banquet was carefully arranged, so that his two brothers could have a place for entertainment when they were waiting for their sister.
This Wangshan building was the main building before it caught fire a few years ago.Later, when welcoming Shengjia, it was changed to Yunzao as the main building.After Zhengde left, Ruan Hongtian listened to his daughter's words and sealed up the Yunzao Tower used by the emperor, saying that it was the place where Shengjia met all the officials, and his family dared not use it again. Set up as the main building.Today's honored guests come here, so naturally a banquet will be held here.

Because Xie's sisters came first, so his brothers also came first.Ruan Hongtian personally welcomed Xie Zuiqiao and took him to Wangshan Tower.He had met this young master of the General's Mansion several times in the past few years, and he felt that he was humble and did not have the arrogance of a son of a noble family in Beijing.Last month, for the Yanlai Bay dam, I saw that he was steady and decisive in handling things, and he was more dedicated than his uncle Xie Ruchun, so I admired this young man even more in my heart.Xie Zuiqiao smiled and said, "Thank you, Mr. Ruan, for your hospitality. This place is very nice. My cousin and I are here to wait for my sister. Today is Ling Ai Fang's birthday, Mr. Ruan must be If you have other affairs, just go and get busy, don't worry about me."

Ruan Hongtian knew that his age was quite different from the two young masters of the Xie family, so he couldn't talk to each other when he sat down to accompany him, but each of them was more restrained. Hearing this, he nodded and ordered the clever servants in the building to take good care of him. , just left, and when they reached the door, they bumped into the housekeeper, saying that the escorts of the newly arrived ladies were all brothers and sisters at home, and asked if they would be brought here to sit together.

Ruan Hongtian was a little surprised, but after thinking about it again, he suddenly understood.I think those people in Jiangzhou City have heard that Xie Zuiqiao will escort the girl over.He was originally from a noble family, and he knew that as soon as he returned to Beijing, he would return to the emperor's side to serve him, and his future was limitless.At this time, he was more resourceful, and there would be more ways to enter Beijing for the imperial examination in the future.Only then did they want to take this opportunity to make friends, and they became flower protectors by coincidence, and came to the Yiyuan in a swarm.

After Ruan Hongtian thought about this, he hesitated.He knew that Mr. Xie's family was easy-going, but he didn't know if he was willing to live with those people in the same room.I didn't dare to make a decision on his behalf rashly, so I went in and asked again, and finally said: "If Mr. Xie doesn't want to be disturbed, I will invite him to another place."

Among the few people who reported, Xie Zuiqiao also knew one or two, and said: "I am a guest at your place, and they are also guests. Why do you disturb the saying of Qing Jing? Just invite them over."

Hearing what he said, Ruan Hongtian felt relieved, and hurriedly went out with the butler to welcome the guests.

Although Wangshan Tower is tens of feet away from the double boats over there, and there is a plum water pavilion in the middle, only because the moonlit night is quiet and the lake is empty, the sound of silk and bamboo over there can still be sent by the wind from time to time, faintly and occasionally You can also hear the laughter of women.Xie Zuiqiao was sitting by the window, thinking of the girl laughing and talking in the moonlight at this moment, she was in a daze for a while.Suddenly felt that his sleeve was torn off by someone, looked to see Xie Yilin, it turned out that someone beside him was talking to him, but he didn't realize it.Smiled, withdrew his mind and talked with everyone.After only a few sentences, he felt that the dozen or so children from various families were flattering him, and they frequently persuaded him to drink, all of which showed the meaning of looking forward to supporting him in the future.Although I know this is just human nature, I just feel that when I am drinking clear tea, I suddenly see a fly-like disappointment in the cup, I don't want to say more, I get up and leave the room, and go down to the steps facing the water Looking at the moon.From a distance, I heard a intermittent girl's laughter coming from the wind.This time not only he heard it, but also the rest of the people inside.After a while of silence, someone sitting on the seat suddenly said: "I have heard for a long time that Miss Ruan's family is the most talented person in the south of the Yangtze River, but unfortunately I have never met one, and I don't know if the rumors are exaggerated or not?"

Although Xie Zuiqiao was outside, the room was empty, but the noise inside could be heard clearly.Startled, he turned his head and looked from the porch, and saw that it was Mr. Wu from Mr. Qian's family who was speaking, and he was shaking his head with regret.Suddenly, there was a feeling of unhappiness in my heart, as if my treasures were coveted by others.

"It's absolutely true!"

As soon as Mr. Wu's words fell, Mr. Su of the Tongju Mansion on the side immediately interjected: "My sister's birthday is also at the beginning of the year, and I invited people to the mansion to have fun, and this Miss Ruan's family is also here. When I entered the second gate, I happened to meet her. I took a few glances. Although she was a little younger, she really looked like a beautiful woman, especially those pair of wonderful eyes. , no matter how low the rank is, I will definitely ask my parents to come to my door to propose marriage."

When these noble gentlemen usually go to restaurants and flower streets, four or five of the ten sentences they sit down are talking about which girl is beautiful and which flower house girl is intoxicating. As far as home is concerned, there is no respect in my heart, so naturally my mouth is open.

Xie Yilin who was sitting across from him opened his eyes wide suddenly, as if he was about to speak, but he finally endured it, but his face turned pale.But everyone was being aroused, and no one noticed his expression, and another well-informed young master said: "Speaking of marriage proposals, I do know that in the past few months, this Miss Ruan has been begged twice. Second kiss." After speaking, she stopped as if deliberately teasing people's appetite.

"Tell me, whose family is it?"

The other young masters couldn't bear it long ago and urged them on. The man whetted the appetite of others, and then he said proudly: "One is the concubine of the Cheng family in Wu County, Tong County, with a crooked body, and the other is from the Sicao family. Son, his wife just died. Master Ruan sent them all back."

All the young masters burst into laughter when they heard the words, Mr. Su said: "It's really a toad who wants to eat swan meat. He has taken a fancy to the Ruan family's gold and silver mountains, so that's why he came to propose marriage? Well done!"

But Mr. Wu shook his head and said: "No matter what else, if you look at it by family status, then if Miss Ruan wants to be the son-in-law of an official family, she can only match such a person. It's a pity that such a beautiful talent... "

"Not necessarily!" Mr. Su suddenly seemed to think of something, patted the table and said: "Why didn't I think of this! If she is willing to be a concubine, I will be willing to welcome her in. It's Fengliu..."

Mr. Su hadn't finished speaking when he suddenly saw Xie Yilin who was opposite him glaring at him. He was stunned, but before he could react, his face turned cold, and Xie Yilin actually picked up the cup in his hand, poured the wine on his face, and bowed his head When I saw it, it was ticking, and half of my chest was already soaked.

He usually had a good relationship with Xie Yilin, so he didn't guard against his sudden change of face at this time, humiliating himself in public.For a while, he couldn't care less, and said angrily, "Why are you throwing me at me!"

"Good splash!"

Suddenly, there was a voice with hints of anger behind him.Mr. Su was startled, turned around and saw that the person who spoke was actually Xie Zuiqiao who got up and went out just now.I just don't know when it came in again.Seeing that the gentleness before was gone from his face at this moment, his brows were slightly frowned, and his eyes were full of anger when he looked at him, he felt a little shy, Na Na opened his mouth, but couldn't utter a word.

"Today you are all in the garden of the Ruan family. The Ruan family is hospitable and treats you as guests, but you talk about a woman in a boudoir behind your back. I see that you are all well-dressed, and I think you have read the books of sages." You bastard, you treat lowly work like a coquette, you have no shame, it's truly despicable!"

When he was speaking, his eyes swept around, and those young masters who had been beaten like chicken blood just now became a little sluggish, showing embarrassment.Although Su Gongzi was dissatisfied in his heart, he was afraid of his status as an imperial court, and said embarrassingly: "I was just talking casually..."

"I know that you have an aunt who is the side concubine of Prince Jingzhongrui's mansion. Your sister will also enter the Beijing draft next year. I heard that your father's official reputation is fine. Just by looking at your words and deeds today, you can tell that you are out of control. You need to be more careful in the future, so as not to lose face to your Su family when you go out in the future."

Xie Zuiqiao looked at him and said coldly, without getting angry.Mr. Su's face was flushed red, the alcohol that he drank just now turned into sweat, dripping down his forehead.He bowed his head and couldn't say a word.

There was a dead silence in the Xuan room, and the sound of silk and bamboo was brought along with the wind, but no one spoke again.

After Xie Zuiqiao finished speaking, he glanced at Xie Yilin who was standing there in a daze, and turned around to leave the Wangshan Tower.

A gust of night wind blew in front of him, blowing Xie Zuiqiao's sleeves and robes, but the sullen feeling in his heart was still hard to dissipate, he walked along the lake, and finally stopped at a place far away from the plum water pavilion .The words that he overheard just now are still hovering in his heart at this moment, making his chest swell as if blocked.

(End of this chapter)