A Thousand Hills

Chapter 17

As the weather got hotter, Xie Moru decided to move to another yard.

As I said before, don't look at the lack of voices in the Rhododendron Courtyard, saying that spaciousness is the first feature of the Xie family, and the Songbai Courtyard is not as good as it.In the entire Rhododendron Courtyard, besides the main courtyard where Mrs. Fang lives, there are three other small courtyards. For example, the small courtyard where Xie Moru lives now is also called the Wisteria Small Courtyard by Xie Moru because it is full of wisterias.Xie Moru moved here in the wisteria courtyard in spring, she doesn't live here in winter, and she lives in Qiuju courtyard in autumn and winter.Therefore, when the summer is hot and the wisteria flowers are falling, Xie Moru will move again. In summer, she lives in the sycamore courtyard, where the vines are shaded by the vines, and the sycamores are so clear that it is the coolest.

Grandma Zhang watched Xie Moru grow up, so she naturally knew her habits, so she was prepared, and said with a smile, "I have ordered Wutong to bring people to clean up the Wutong courtyard, and it is easy to move. Get it right."

Xie Moru smiled, "Alright, let's move today."

So, when Xie Bo came to Dujuanyuan, Xie Moru changed his residence.Xie Bo saw the two sycamore trees in this courtyard like a cover, covering a large area of ​​shade, vines and green bamboos were planted all over the wall, the courtyard was full of greenery, and the heat was gone, he couldn't help saying, "This courtyard is just right for living in summer."

Xie Moru stood up to greet him, smiled, "Second Uncle is here."

Xie Bai held a box in his hand and handed it to Xie Moru, "I didn't know you moved the yard, this is a gift for moving."

Xie Moru took it, and asked Xie Bo to sit at the bamboo table under the plane tree, asking, "What is it?"

Xie Bai took the tea from Jingwei and smiled, "Open it and have a look."

Xie Moru opened the box, and saw a table screen carved from bamboo inside. He just took a look, and Xie Moru praised, "This knife is so vivid." The table screen is not big, only about one foot wide, but it is exquisite. Divided into four folds, the carving is a famous allusion in the early Han Dynasty: Hongmen Banquet.Bamboo carvings are not expensive because of their materials, but this bamboo carving is different. Although it is a freehand technique, with just a few knives, it has shown various tense situations vividly, as if you were there in person.

Xie Moru liked it very much, took it out and put it on the bamboo table, and asked with a smile, "It's really a good thing, where did Second Uncle get it?"

Xie Bo smiled, "A classmate of mine, his calligraphy and painting are excellent, but he has not been in the imperial capital for a long time, and his reputation is not obvious. This is his game work, and it has not been sold in the Wenwan shop for many days. Look at him This knife skill, this skill, is one of the best in the imperial capital, not to mention ordinary craftsmen, even the ancient and modern masters are not far behind. I saw it at a glance, thinking that you will like it, so I will come to show it to you. "

Xie Moru felt incredible, "Such a good thing can't be sold?"

Xie Bai thought that Xie Moru was young, and it was normal for him not to know much about the outside world, so he explained with a smile, "Most people in the world like flowers blooming and wealth, or auspicious meanings such as having more than one year in succession and winning laurels in the toad palace. A set of Hongmen Banquet, bamboo carvings, not very expensive, no one bought it, but was returned by the shop. If you want me to say, the old-fashioned wealth, auspiciousness and auspiciousness are really tiresome. It’s not as good as this one. The knife is exquisite and the story Also interesting."

"Yes." Xie Moru nodded, playing with it back and forth, loving it, "Since it is something to enjoy, it shouldn't be limited to the meaning of the material. What's more, historical allusions can always make people think deeply."

Xie Moru thanked, "Thank you second uncle for thinking about it, I like it very much."

"It can be seen that I have a good eye." Xie Bai smiled and sipped his tea, and said comfortably, "Your yard is really nice." Thinking of the maids who occasionally heard gossip a few years ago, saying that the eldest girl was busy building and tidying up the yard, I couldn't help but With a smile, he said, "It's mainly because the people who live in this yard are good." Xie Moru is the person he has ever met who understands life best.

Xie Moru smiled, "It's the second uncle who thinks I'm good."

Xie Bai raised his eyebrows, "Anyone who thinks Mo Ru is not good enough must be blind."

Xie Moru smiled but said nothing, Xie Bo saw a book in her hand, stretched out his hand to turn over a few pages, saw that it was a book in Western Mandarin, he was a little surprised, and said, "Do you know Western Manner?"

"I've read books and learned a little before, but I can only understand the general idea, not proficient in it."

Xie Bo lamented, "It's true that there is no book that can't be read."

"There are so many books in the world, and I only read what I like." Xie Moru asked curiously, "Second Uncle, what is it like outside? Like the Wenwan shop you mentioned, what does it sell inside?"

"It's just some study utensils, some are exquisitely crafted, some are antiques, they are different, and they also sell calligraphy and painting." Another thought, "Oh, you are so old, you haven't been out of the house yet." Xie Bo raised his hand With a wave, "Xue Mu tomorrow, I'll take you out for a stroll."

Xie Moru thought for a while, she really wanted to go out and have a look, but there was also some embarrassment, she said, "I wonder if grandma will allow it?"

Xie Bo smiled, "I'll speak for you."

"Why do you ask Second Uncle to tell me about my affairs." Xie Moru said, "I'll just ask my grandmother."

Seeing her serious appearance, Xie Bo smiled and said, "Where, I'll take you out, it's our business."

So, Xie Morufang said, "When will the second uncle be free, let's go ask grandma together."

Xie Bai really convinced Xie Moru, who are you so reserved? !Xie Bai also followed Xie Moru's seriousness, "Second Uncle is free now."

Xie Moru looked at Xie Bai, puzzled, "What is Second Uncle laughing at?"

Touching his face, Xie Bo said, "I'm not smiling."

Xie Moru was sure, "I laughed in my stomach." This is not the first time, I always laugh secretly.

Xie Bai laughed and pointed to himself, "Now I have a smile on my face."

Xie Moru also admired Xie Bai, she really didn't understand why her second uncle always laughed for no reason?Don't tell me if you ask, I don't know why I always laugh!

Xie Bo really likes to listen to Xie Moru's serious talk. He ate half a plate of red bayberry here, his teeth were sore, and his mouth was full, so he said, "Come on, let's go to your grandmother's."

Xie Moru first ordered the servant girl to bring warm water to wash Xie Bai's hands, and said, "Second Uncle, please sit down for a while, I'll come after changing clothes."

Xie Mo Ru not only changed his clothes, but also combed his hair again, this party came out with a maid, and Xie Bo was curious about his unhurried appearance, and asked, "Mo Ru, are you not in a hurry?"

"No hurries?"

"Aren't you in a hurry to go out to play with me tomorrow?" If Mo You knew that I took her out to play, she wouldn't be able to sit still.Of course, Xie Bo didn't say the last sentence, he knew that the two little sisters were not easy to deal with.

Xie Moru tilted his head slightly, "Isn't this going to tell grandma, what's the hurry, second uncle is in a hurry?"

Second Uncle is not in a hurry, Second Uncle is about to choke to death on you.

Xie Moru was quite considerate, "Second Uncle, don't worry, let's go there now."

Xie Bai: ...

Seeing her youngest son and Xie Moru coming together, Mrs. Xie said with a smile, "Why did you go to the same place?"

Xie Moyou stepped forward to pay respects, Xie Bai smiled, "Mo You is here, that's just right." Fu and Mrs. Xie said, "I just went to see that Mo Ru moved into a new yard, and when I started talking, I realized that she grew up so far outside Dalian. I haven't been to the street once. I will take a rest tomorrow. I have nothing to do. I will take Mo Ru Moyou out for a stroll. Although our family is a big family, it is not easy to let the girls in the family really stay out of the door. Jingjiang Wang's family The owner of the princess still goes out to race horses from time to time, and no one said that the owner of the princess is not dignified."

Mrs. Xie smiled, "You're all set, why do you still ask me?"

Xie Bai dutifully peeled a grape for his mother, and smiled, "I'm not sure, it's not your mother who has the final say on family affairs. Mother, please nod, and I'll take them there, let's forget it."

Mrs. Xie was served by her son and ate the grapes. She looked at Xie Moru and asked, "Mo Ru, do you want to go?"

Xie Moru's facial expression really didn't tell what she wanted, she said, "I haven't seen it, I want to see it. If it's not right, it's okay if you don't go."

Xie Moru's words still didn't make Mrs. Xie like her, but Mrs. Xie didn't directly block Xie Moru back like last time.Xie Moru's temperament, if she refuses this time, she will never speak again.Mrs. Xie wanted to ease the relationship with Xie Moru. Thinking that Xie Moru had done a good job at Xie Moru's birthday party earlier, Mrs. Xie laughed, "That's good, you're older too. Today is no different than before. Girls go out It's not a rare thing, just go with your second uncle. Bring your wife and maid, remember to come back early."

Xie Moru answered yes, showing joy.

Mrs. Xie secretly sighed, it was really hard work, I couldn't get that comfortable and intimate feeling everywhere.

Seeing Xie Moyou pouted, Xie Bai coaxed her, "Mo Youming will go together."

"I'm not going." Xie Moyou snorted at Xie Bo, wrinkled the tip of his nose, and took Mrs. Xie's arm coquettishly, "Tomorrow, my wife and I will go to see the third old lady."

Xie Bo asked, "Why, is Third Uncle busy?"

Mrs. Xie sighed, "What's the matter with the third grandpa? It's the third old lady's natal brother, General Song of Xiningguan. I heard that it's not going well, so someone sent a letter. Your third uncle and grandmother's natal family is only one brother." , how can you not be sad, she fell ill yesterday, I invited a doctor, I went to see her."

Xie Bai said, "I remember the last time General Song came to the imperial capital to see him. He was handsome and handsome, which is beyond the reach of ordinary people. It's only been a few years, so why isn't he getting better?" Brother, who is the same age as Xie Nu, is in his prime.

"Well, your father said that General Song has been ill and told the court to choose another good general to take over his position." Mrs. Xie is old, and she is always unhappy when she hears these things, said , "There is no one in the Song family anymore. General Song has only a weak girl under his knees. I think she will be entrusted to your aunt to take care of her."

Mrs. Xie sighed again, "You are in your prime."

Xie Bo persuaded, "The number of days is doomed, and there is no way around it. When the time comes, take the child to take care of him, and General Song can feel at ease."

"Yes."

Xie Bai said, "Or tomorrow I will go with my mother."

"Your uncle and grandma are sad. They went to a group of people and quarreled with her to recuperate. I'll just take Mo You there."

"That's good. It's just that General Song sent someone to send a letter. I'd like to ask cousin Ji to get up and go to Xining Pass. It would be great if General Song can get better. Otherwise, the general is so sick." , Ms. Song is a girl, how can she support her?"

"I think so."

Xie Moru sat upright and listened to Mrs. Xie and Xie Bai talking. Today she knew that the third old lady had such a tough natal background. No wonder Mrs. Xie was always polite to the third old lady. It seemed that it was not just because of her aunt.Xie Moru doesn't know the Song family, let alone General Song, and she has a bland temper, so she doesn't feel emotional like Mrs. Xie, Xie Bai and her son.She just listened quietly, waiting until it was getting late, she got up and said, "Mother is still waiting for me to go back to have dinner together, grandma, I will go back first."

Mrs. Xie smiled, "I was just saying, your grandfather probably won't come back early today, so let's have dinner together first."

Xie Moru smiled, "Grandfather didn't send anyone back specifically to say he would come home later, but it was not too late when I thought about it. Grandma stayed for a while, and my grandfather would be home when I thought about it. My grandfather worked so hard for ten days. Xiu Mu, you should have a good rest today. If grandma likes me to come and accompany you, it will be the same if I come back tomorrow."

Mrs. Xie was touched by Xie Moru for a while, thinking that Xie Moru is really happy today, otherwise she would not be able to say such considerate words.Mrs. Xie smiled, "That's good too."

Xie Bo said, "Then I'll go back, mother has good soup, just send me a portion."

Mrs. Xie smiled and rolled her eyes, annoyed, "Nothing is possible without you."

Xie Bo and Xie Moru retired together, Xie Bo first sent Xie Moru to the Dujuan Courtyard, and reminded Xie Moru to wear simpler clothes when going out tomorrow, and the maids and mothers-in-law don't need to wear more, four are enough.Xie Moru quietly listened to Xie Bo's words, stopped outside the Dujuan courtyard, and said, "I'm afraid I can't go."

Xie Bai immediately understood that Xie Moru liked what Xie Moru said, and said with a smile, "You think too much, and the third old lady is not seriously ill, just have your grandmother go over to see her." Madam, I must have answered him just now.

The setting sun fell into Xie Moru's eyes, Xie Moru smiled, and the tails of his eyes flew upwards, which seemed to be shining brightly, she said, "We will see tomorrow."

In the morning of the second day, all the juniors went to Songbaiyuan to pay their respects.Mrs. Xie said to go to see the body of the third old lady, this is her own aunt, Xie Shangshu said, "bring more nourishing things."

Mrs. Xie smiled, "You don't need to say anything."

Xie Song said, "I served my mother there."

Mrs. Xie smiled, "It's only a few steps away, I don't need you anymore, just stay at home and rest. This is a sick visit, I just take Mo You with me."

Xie Song insisted, "There is nothing the son can do if he is not at home. Since he is at home, he should serve his mother." Then he said, "Why, do you have anything to do at home? If there is nothing to do, then go with your grandmother. You are the eldest daughter, you should serve her mother." Siblings set an example."

Xie Moru said, "Yes."

Xie Moru was fine, but Aunt Ning couldn't help looking at her husband, Xie Song saw that his concubine's eyes were full of anxiety, so he said to Xie Moru, "I heard from your aunt that you were going to Wenwan shop with your second uncle, then You can't go to the shop anytime, now only your younger sister goes with your grandmother, if someone asks you, it's not good." Thinking about how the eldest daughter has always been indifferent, it's rare to hear that she is interested, this time she must really want to The person who went to Wenwan shop said, "Then what kind of shop is it? It's the same next time I take you there, or if you want something, I'll buy it back for you."

Aunt Ning really wanted to hit the wall. She persuaded her husband in this way yesterday, "You send your mother there, so don't force it. She has already agreed with the second uncle. Besides, the third old lady is not seriously ill, and It's a visit, we suddenly went to a house, disturbing the quietness of the three old ladies. This patient must be raised in peace."

At that time, Xie Song didn't say anything, but who knows that today...

Xie Song was completely thinking about the eldest daughter, what he said was what he thought.This is indeed the case, Xie Moru is the eldest daughter, if anything happens, she will naturally take the lead.As for what kind of Wenwan shop to visit, I will go there when I have time.He never thought about Aunt Ning, what happened to Aunt Ning, she is a concubine, she always takes good care of her eldest daughter, never said anything about her eldest daughter, of course Aunt Ning also hopes for her eldest daughter's well-being.Xie Song understands that Aunt Ning can't say many things. After all, he is a real father, so let me remind my daughter.

What Xie Song said was reasonable, and Xie Bai couldn't say a word.He just glanced at Aunt Ning, Xie Moyou, mother and daughter, and then looked away for a moment.

(End of this chapter)