Lady Zhao

Chapter 75

Near the end of the year, a heavy snow covered the entire girder, and Ye's body was almost healed after dragging for half a month. He didn't want the power of the inner house to fall apart, and he needed to check and prepare for the end of the year. People came and went and things were complicated, so he focused on on top.

The old lady thought that she had just recovered from a serious illness and was punished again, so she lacked the energy to cook, so she pointed to her new daughter-in-law Leng to help, and it must be done in a lively manner.

On the contrary, Mrs. Xu didn't know what she was busy with these days. In previous years, she would go to the old lady's place to ask for a kick, but this year she stayed quietly in the third room and accompanied Zhao Hongming to study ink and paint, and her relationship was more intimate than ever.Eldest brother Xu made meritorious service years ago and was appointed by the emperor as a mighty general. Two days ago, he accompanied the emperor on a winter hunt and brought back a lot of wild game, so he sent some to Duke Dingguo's mansion for Xu's face as his younger sister. The scenery is even more proud, and I gave some to all the houses.

In Xiangzhu Garden, Zhao Wenwan received a big hare sent by Xu's servant girl. The rabbit opened a pair of big eyes that couldn't rest in peace, and was shot by an arrow in the waist. It was probably bled to death, which was quite cruel.

"Miss, this..."

Zhao Wenwan squinted her eyes, but didn't care much, and instead ordered Baochan to say, "Bring it to Bailing, and try something new today."

"..." The eldest lady really has no taboos, Baochan sent her to the small kitchen with the corner of her mouth twitching.

The wild rabbit was processed, cut into small pieces, soaked in clean water to remove the blood, cut ginger slices and put them in a small dish for later use, Bai Linger moved quickly, put the rabbit meat into the pot, and it burst into flames. Together with the garlic and ginger, the tempting aroma is released. The mushrooms are torn into several pieces and stewed together. Add water to the pot, boil it, cover it with a lid and simmer slowly.

Baochan could not help drooling as she smelled the strong meaty aroma of the rabbit meat in the pot.In another pot, sliced ​​mushrooms, shredded bamboo shoots, shredded bean sprouts and pork are used to boil a pot of delicious mushroom soup. Finally, a watercress fish is made. The fish is scratched a few times, fried in hot oil until golden, seasoned When it tastes good, it is served out of the pan. The color is reddish red, the texture is fresh and tender, and the taste is mellow and spicy. I heard that Zhao Wenwan just made it yesterday when he wanted to eat it.

Zhao Wenwan's stomach was already firmly grasped by Bai Ling, and the food he made was very appetizing. After tipping, he picked fried spring onion and rabbit meat and put it on the chopsticks. After tasting it, he squinted his eyes and smiled. That's the way it is with small thoughts, have you never heard of a rabbit biting someone when it's in a hurry?

Not long after the meal, Guanshi Li brought a few servant girls to see him, and Zhao Wenwan sat in the living room to have a rest and drink tea, and let the descendants of Xueyan come in.

The maidservants behind Guanshi Li held things in their hands and put them one by one on the sandalwood table where Zhao Wenwan was sitting. There were four pieces of new lake satin in each color and three pieces of brocade in each color. The most eye-catching thing is the antique satin at the end, with fine lines, magnificent and elegant, and the luxurious color of dark gold is the most popular in Beijing at the moment.

A box of red and round coral beads and various colored glazed rice beads, five rings of the latest designs, hairpins, more than a dozen hairpins, and all kinds of gadgets for girls are left, which are spread out in front of the eyes one by one.

Zhao Wenwan picked up the golden sparrow hairpin, which was made of silk and pearls. The hairpin was shaped like a hairpin with spread wings, trembling slightly, very graceful. "this is?"

"It's going to be a holiday. The Duke's wife ordered this old servant to buy some for the young lady. These are new items from Linlangxuan in Baoyi Pavilion. The young lady can keep whatever she likes."

After seeing so many, it was obvious that she was the first here, Zhao Wenwan smiled with her lips curled up, "Thank you for your hard work, Manager Li, these things make me picky."

"Don't be in a hurry, miss, just choose slowly." Li Guanshi had taken Zhao Wenwan's favor before, and now he was selling well, with a sullen face that could not be seen, but his tone was a bit revealing.

"What do you choose?" Zhao Wenxi's voice came from outside, and Baochan led the people in, and then stepped aside, secretly thinking that this second lady is really good at picking the time.

Zhao Wenwan raised the corner of her mouth, "It's a coincidence for my sister to come here. There is a new batch of jewelry and clothing materials here. It's the Chinese New Year to make new clothes. Come and choose together."

Zhao Wenxi's eyes then fell on the table, and he also pursed his lips and smiled slightly, "I'm afraid I'm going to be picky with so many, Sister Wan has something in mind, I think this one is the best." After finishing speaking, he took one The colorful glazed butterfly hairpin was handed over to Zhao Wenwan, and the long emerald and emerald tassels swayed and shone brightly, really beautiful.

"Sister has a good eye. I'm not very interested in this, so I'd better choose for myself." Zhao Wenwan accepted the hairpin quite generously, and said.

Zhao Wenxi's eyes lit up, but he didn't lose his sense of propriety. He chose Zhao Wenwan first and then took his turn. Of course, Zhao Wenwan chose the best ones.After the two finished picking, there was still a lot left, so Steward Li took it to another place. Zhao Hongsheng and Zhao Yuanli walked in one after another.

"Father, brother, why are you here together?"

"Second uncle, big brother."

Zhao Hongsheng responded, and shifted his gaze from Zhao Wenwan to Zhao Wenxi. He hadn't seen him for a while, and he became much more energetic. They stood together, each with their own characteristics, and couldn't help joking, "I see, after the New Year, this Dingguo The threshold of the palace must be tighter, so as not to be stepped on."

Zhao Wenwan was stunned for a moment, as if she just remembered that she was married at the age of fifteen after the new year, so she was rarely at a loss.On the other hand, Zhao Wenxi, who was next to him, coyly said that the second uncle should stop joking, with a bit of the shyness of a young daughter's family.

"Wanwan, there is a snow poetry appreciation party today, do you want to go and see it?" Zhao Yuanli caught a glimpse of the expression on Zhao Wenwan's face, and changed the topic aloud.

"Snow Appreciation Poetry Meeting..." Hearing this name, it seemed that he was a little uncomfortable with himself?

"There is a unique small garden in Yuqing Mountain outside the city. The mountain is not high, and a plum blossom forest has been planted. It has been snowing for the past few days, and it is very beautiful. Someone took the lead in enjoying the snow and composing poems there, and invited me to go there. The master said that you can bring the female family members together, is Wanwan interested?" Zhao Yuanli explained with a faint smile.

Zhao Hongsheng thought it was good when he heard it, so he took the initiative to say: "It's good to go out with your elder brother to see the world, but you will inevitably have to deal with more people in the future."

It's good to be able to go out for a walk, even if my father didn't say Zhao Wenwan wanted to go with my eldest brother, so I agreed immediately.Zhao Wenxi next to him bit his lip, his face showed hesitation, and he seemed shy when he wanted to open his mouth.

"What about Wenxi, why don't you go and have a look together?" Zhao Hongsheng asked her when he saw it.

Zhao Wenxi couldn't hide his joy, and looked at Zhao Yuanli expectantly, "Is it okay?"

Zhao Wenwan suddenly lowered his eyes and flashed his displeasure when Zhao Yuanli was involved in the attitude that he usually thought was tolerable.

"My sister can go if she wants to. If she rides with me, she can also be a companion." Zhao Wenwan said before Zhao Yuanli.

Zhao Yuanli couldn't help but laugh seeing her secretly pinching the corners of her sleeves sour and jealous. After saying hello, his eyes flicked without stopping. To him, Zhao Wenxi was a second house girl and had nothing to do with her. Naturally, she couldn't match Wanwan's mood. It's important, since Wanwan doesn't like it, it's better to communicate less.

Zhao Hongsheng felt very comforted when he saw that the three agreed and saw how Zhao Wenwan took care of Zhao Wenxi.His second brother left early, leaving Wenxi alone and helpless. It would be great for Zhao Wenwan to change his temper and get along with her in harmony. The two are of the same age, and if they can play together, they will have a care in the future.

Therefore, I feel more and more satisfied with Zhao Wenwan.

Standing side by side with Zhao Wenwan, Zhao Wenxi was holding his arm by Zhao Wenwan, and he also smiled happily, but the smile didn't reach his eyes, he saw Zhao Hongsheng's reaction in his eyes, and knew that he had won Zhao Wenwan's favor again.It's just that she must go to the Snow Poetry Appreciation Fair, it's a good opportunity to broaden her contacts, and she doesn't want to miss it.

The two of them went back to their houses to get dressed, and in a short while they were all tidied up. Zhao Yuanli was already waiting by the carriage outside the mansion. When he saw the two of them coming out together, his eyes were fixed on his younger sister, and he came up to him and said Wan Wan said be careful, because the ground outside the house was icy and very slippery.He stepped forward to protect Zhao Wenwan, and tightened the fox-fur cloak on him. He glanced at Zhao Wenxi without losing his elder brother's demeanor, and asked the maid Luyun beside him to support him thoughtfully and politely. Zhao Wenxi watched and listened secretly biting The lower lip was pressed, and the breath was obviously aggravated.

Baochan, who came out with Zhao Wenwan, was on the side and secretly confronted Luyun. The two were always at odds, helping the ladies of each family to board the carriage with wide-eyed and small-eyed eyes.

Yuqing Mountain is a gentle hill outside Daliang City. Just like its name, it looks like a jade green and graceful. Although it is the cold winter and the twelfth lunar month, it does not feel very cold. On the contrary, the beautiful scenery along the way makes people stop and explore. Look.

Unknowingly, the three of them entered the garden, and there was a young man leading the way. The young man looked different from ordinary people, just saying that the gray and white linen clothes that people often wear on his body were also made of high-quality coarse material, and he was well-mannered Zhao Wenwan couldn't help but feel that even a servant has such a character, the owner of the garden must be a good person, driven by curiosity, he opened his mouth and asked, "Brother, do you know the owner of the garden?"

Zhao Yuanli shook his head, and continued: "I heard that the owner of this garden doesn't interact with people often, and likes to be clean. I have seen very few people, so I don't know much about it."

"Oh? Then the person who will take the lead in organizing this poetry meeting must not be the owner of the garden?" How could a person who doesn't like excitement think of inviting people into the garden to appreciate plum blossoms and write poems.

Sure enough, Zhao Wenli showed a look of affirmation, and said lightly: "The person who takes the lead is Mr. Feng, Wanwan has met, because the owner of the garden has a good personal relationship with the sixth prince, I guess it is because of the favor of the sixth prince. The garden, you and I can enter such a unique place."

Zhao Wenwan heard that it was about Gu Jingxing again, and felt a little awkward. Gu Jingxing should not be bored to participate in this poetry meeting, right?

Zhao Wenxi, who was at the side, was secretly looking forward to it in his heart, his good-looking face was tinged with a bit of imperceptible coquettishness, thinking that he might meet that person...

After walking a few more steps, a plum grove jumped into my eyes, gray dry red branches, as beautiful as layers of red glow, occasionally the cold wind blows, and the petals are scattered on the ground, spreading a layer.Not far away, there is an open space with excellent lighting. At intervals, there is a red sandalwood table with snacks and candied meat. The table is covered with thick cushions. An exquisite stove, the charcoal fire is extremely hot, warming the surroundings, and dispelling the air-conditioning. If it weren't for the white snow on the plum branches, it would really give people the illusion that spring is warming the earth, and the grass is growing and the warblers are flying. .

There are already people sitting in twos and threes on the open space, but it's hard to see who it is?All I saw were long-sleeved gowns, elegant and unrestrained.

At this time, someone came out from another path, and the figure was vaguely blocked by the crimson plum grove, only a brisk voice came, "Brother Zhao really lived up to the invitation, and even brought two younger sisters with him."

"Brother Feng issued a greeting card, I'll come from now on." Zhao Yuanli replied politely.

Feng Yuxiu turned his head suddenly, looked at Zhao Wenwan with a smile and said again, "Women's side please."

Zhao Wenwan's thoughts moved slightly, and seeing that the case over there seemed to be covered by a veil, she pointed and asked, "Why is there such a setting?"

"It's specially set up for women who are willing to stay to watch the poetry meeting. Miss Zhao intends to stay?"

Rather than going to the Nuan Pavilion to fight with those female relatives, Zhao Wenwan was more willing to listen to everyone's poems, and said, "It's great to be able to appreciate masterpieces."

Zhao Wenxi also interjected, "I'll go with Sister Wan."

The corners of Feng Yuxiu's mouth curled up slightly, revealing a deep smile, "According to the rules, regardless of whether men or women stay, they must be treated equally if they stay. Those who want to write poems will inevitably come later, and it's too late to regret it now."

Zhao Wenwan showed a look of indifference when he heard the words. Zhao Yuanli walked to his side and put on a snow-white fox fur veil with his sister, which meant to go together. Zhao Wenwan never flinched. Put on the veiled hat, but the palms of the hands are slightly sweaty, and the fingers are cold.

After the two were invited to the veil, they took off the curtains and took a closer look. The layout of the female seats was even more elegant and warm, and they were all common small desks for two people at a table.The rest of the girls saw that someone came in and stopped talking, although they didn't know the identity of the person, but those who can participate in this poetry meeting must have an identity, so they slightly blessed themselves to greet him.

Zhao Wenwan and Zhao Wenxi returned the salute, and followed the pointers into the seat, Zhao Wenwan caught a glimpse of Zhao Wenxi's fluent movements, presumably he really put in a lot of effort when he was learning etiquette in the Duke's Mansion.

There were very few female seats, and there were only seven or eight people behind the veil. The women who could only hear them were whispering about the six princes who were popular in the capital. It's the drunken man who doesn't want to drink.

"Hey, do you think the sixth prince will come today?" one of the women asked in a low voice.

"According to the relationship between the Sixth Prince and Young Master Feng, the two of them are not separated from each other, and they will definitely come to support each other." The woman sitting next to her took a sip of tea, her almond eyes showed a gleam, and she seemed very confident.

"I feel the same way!"

Zhao Wenwan almost spit out a sip of tea, feeling that he couldn't look directly at the word Meng Bulijiao, and Zhao Wenxi tightened his cup unconsciously after hearing such gossip, with a look of anticipation in his eyes.

The atmosphere among the male guests outside was also in full swing, most of them were very talkative, a few people got together to talk about the philosophy of life, the reform of the imperial court's ills, and some just talked about words and poetry in an arty way.

Zhao Yuanli was elegant and elegant, and when he walked around to the male guest seats, some people admired him and paid respects.Today, most of the people who come to participate in the poetry meeting are self-proclaimed noble and elegant people, and there are only a few official sons and daughters. Instead, they have invited a lot of reclusive people from well-educated families. artistic conception.

Just as the poetry meeting was starting, a tall figure strode in, causing quite a commotion.Gu Jingxing wore a sapphire blue brocade and gold silk-trimmed robe, which was dignified and dignified, but his brows were cold, and there was an unapproachable alienation around him in his unsmiling manner. Standing with Feng Yuxiu, he was half a head taller. Well-proportioned, handsome without cast.

Everyone got up and saluted one after another, Gu Jingxing asked people to waive the ceremony, the way is to treat it as normal, but in fact, the mind is no longer here.His gaze seemed to be inadvertently swept behind the veil, and bits of light gradually rose from the depths of his thin and cold eyes.

When Feng Yuxiu saw that everyone was present, he invited Gu Jingxing to the banquet. He happened to be facing the veil, and he could vaguely see his figure.The latter glanced at him, Feng Yuxiu smiled sarcastically as if he didn't see it, thinking that he had contributed money and efforts for a certain uncle, and invited all the people here, and that uncle still didn't want to be looked at like a monkey.

Hehe, in the end, he didn't think that Zhao Wenwan was inside, so he sat down honestly.

Perhaps Gu Jingxing's posture was lazy and at ease, and the people sitting at the banquet gradually let go, creating a sense of harmony.

Seeing the lord, the women's seats started to discuss quietly, and some people looked boldly without hiding their admiration, the deep meaning in their eyes seemed to strip Gu Jingxing naked, which caused the women at the two tables next to them to cover their lips and laugh.

"Sister Tan's behavior is not afraid of being like the eldest lady of the Zhao family, and offending the sixth prince?"

The woman pursed her lips when she heard the words, and grinned straightly, "Who is like that shameless person! It's rare to see a real person on weekdays, and I'm not allowed to take a second look at this moment to feast my eyes, don't you think so? "

All the female relatives were poked until their cheeks were flushed, so they could only walk away with a smile, secretly thinking that the girl from the Tan family was too straightforward.One of them asked weakly, "Why don't you feel ashamed?"

After asking this question, the voice stopped, and someone explained to the little girl that she had just been transferred to Beijing with her father, so it's no wonder why she didn't know the reason.

"The girl's family cares about her reputation and face, and she has to clean herself up. That person can't wait to tell the world that she and the sixth prince are not innocent, but she has been slapped in the face several times and still refuses to give up. She just wants to marry. Tell me, can you not provoke others?" Disgusted?"

"Hey, it's like this..." The little girl stuck out her tongue, and she had a bad impression of the young lady of the Zhao family.

At the beginning of the conversation, I couldn't hold back, and someone continued excitedly, "I heard that she won the leader of the Qionghua Banquet this year, but I heard that she is an idiot lady who can't do everything in piano, chess, calligraphy and painting. What a way to get it!"

"And how do you know?"

"The female teacher in my family who is now teaching me is quite famous. She was once invited by the Duke's Mansion to teach Miss Zhao. The husband often sighs that Zhao Jiawenwan is outstanding in appearance, but it is a pity that he is a little clumsy in learning...he can't even memorize a poem!"

Everyone laughed for a while, and couldn't help sighing that God is really fair, so what if he is fair and beautiful, with a stupid head, big breasts and no brains, it can only be a joke.Many of these people were jealous of Zhao Wenwan's family background, and it was a pleasure to step on it in such a situation.

Someone then asked: "What about the second lady of the Zhao family?"

"It seems like a country girl who can't get on the stage."

Zhao Wenxi's face darkened silently and turned blue. On the other hand, Zhao Wenwan was said to be like that, but she only took it as a joke, and participated in the evaluation with relish, "So Miss Zhao is such a cruel and brainless person, if she hears you If you speak ill of her secretly, you will suffer, I heard that she is very good at punishing people."

All the women heard the sound and looked over, and saw that the person sitting not far away had taken off his cloak, was wearing a cross-collared multicolored silk skirt, and a large bead was strung on his ears with fine gold thread, hanging down gracefully, they couldn't help being stunned .

The woman who took the lead giggled, "It's been said that she is an illiterate idiot, how dare she sit here, she will be composing poetry in a while, she is not ashamed, and Mr. Zhao must be ashamed too!"

Zhao Wenwan didn't open his mouth to refute, but only had a profound sneer on the corner of his mouth. It's wrong to speak ill of people behind their backs. Fortunately, they are all the ladies of the scholarly family, and they have such conduct, especially the girls beside them. No wonder they looked carefully. The corners of the mouth are still a little crooked.

The poetry meeting soon started under Feng Yuxiu's announcement, using the method of "passing flowers by beating drums". The pens, inks, papers and inkstones were all prepared on the small tables. Whoever writes the poem on whose desk Moyu is passed on by others, the people on both sides of that person must also write the poem together, each song has a theme, and the best one is selected.

As the music played, the first one was Zhao Yuanli. Zhao Wenwan was not worried at all, but watched with interest.Writing a poem with the theme of winter snow scenery really won the first place, which aroused praise from everyone.

Zhao Wenwan felt that she might not be able to draw herself, so she just looked at it appreciatively. When the ink jade was passed to her hand, Zhao Wenwan paused for a moment as if in a daze. After the song was over, Zhao Wenwan held the soft jade shallowly. And laughing, the two people beside her are Zhao Wenxi and the girl who spoke ill of Zhao Wenwan.

The maid came out of the veil to report Moyu's source, Feng Yuxiu smiled and said: "Miss Zhao of Dingguo Gongfu wrote poems, and Miss Zhao Er and Miss Wen around wrote poems.

The faces of the girls in the group changed one after another. Zhao Wenwan smiled faintly, but it looked like a ghostly smile to them, "Our Zhao family has never produced an idiot!"

(End of this chapter)