Splendid glory of a girl from another world

Chapter 249 Being a Guest
This was the first time that the Li family went out to visit someone since they came to the capital.

It happened that Li Changan was taking a day off, and he said they could go to the Zheng family for a banquet together. Li Sanzhu took his eldest son Li Changshan to the outer courtyard to drink tea and wait.

As for the women, Liu had other plans in mind. She repeatedly told her two daughters, "…change into the clothes and jewelry you bought yesterday. They said they are new styles and the most fashionable…we should follow the local customs. We can't look shabby and let others look down on us…"

Mmm! They are all dressed up so beautifully!
The two sisters had never dressed like this before. It must be said that the two maids who came out of the palace had impeccable aesthetic taste.

Xia He gently touched the earring on her cheek with the back of her hand and hesitated, "Mom, is this too solemn for us?"

She wore pearl hairpins, step-shaking ornaments, flower ornaments with tassels, and even two large pearls hanging on the uppers of her shoes.

This whole outfit would cost hundreds of taels of silver.

Xia He sat there and didn't dare to move. She felt very uncomfortable. She had other worries. "Do all the girls in the capital dress like this?"

Will people say I’m a show-off or a nouveau riche?

My eldest sister-in-law, Mrs. Chu, is still pregnant and her morning sickness has just improved a little, so she is worried about me going out with her.

She didn't know the rules in the capital, so she suggested, "Forget about the clothes, how about taking away the two pieces of jewelry?"

Xia He was about to take off the jade bracelet on her wrist, but Li Qiusui stopped her, not knowing whether to laugh or cry. "We just don't wear it often, so we're not used to it. We saw a lot of people wearing it when we went out yesterday, so it's not unique at all."

But I'm not used to it! Xia He nodded, feeling like she couldn't even walk anymore, "I have to go to the fields to work, it would be a pity if I lost it."

Chu agreed, "That's right. An earring costs several taels of silver. Even if you don't work in the fields, you have to be careful."

Liu also felt that what the aunt and sister-in-law said made sense, so she followed their lead and asked, "How much crops do we need to harvest to make up for it?"

Xia He became even more nervous.

Li Qiusui, "How can it be lost so easily? We clean it up nicely, mainly to make ourselves happy."

You know what, it’s really beautiful!

"Besides, it's polite to be well-groomed when visiting someone."

After hearing what Li Qiusui said, Liu and Chu became hesitant and turned to persuade Xia He, "We are not short of money at home, so you can't be too simple when you go out."

Xia He was a girl who listened to advice, so she pulled her sleeves and gave up taking off the bracelet.

After pacifying Xia He, Liu sent someone to call Zhou Ping's wife, "... and ask her to bring the proposed gift list. The two young ladies and the eldest lady are here, and they have all taken a look..."

Speaking of the eldest daughter-in-law, Liu thought of her eldest grandson again, and told Chu, "You take good care of little Chengyan at home. He is just learning to walk, and he is curious about everything! You can't leave him to the servants, you have to keep a close eye on him..."

When Liu gets nervous, she likes to nag.

You still need to go out more often. There is a difference between being afraid of going out and socializing and being willing to stay at home.

It's a good thing to be able to come to the capital, but you can't become isolated and make yourself unhappy.

The first time is new, the second time is familiar, and taking the first step will not be difficult.

Li Qiusui didn't take it seriously, "Mom, just think of it as visiting Lijia Village."

Liu, "It's so easy for you to say that!"

This is the territory of the capital city. Can it be the same as Lijia Village?

Yesterday I went out to buy jewelry, and a random person came in. The way he looked and the way he was dressed, and I heard what the shopkeeper and the waiter called him, he must be someone special!

Not to mention Lijia Village, have you seen anything like this in Linshan County?
Seeing that Xia He and Chu were both looking at her, Li Qiusui was helpless and said, "If it really doesn't work, we can just treat it as an inspection of our orchard!"

Start talking nonsense again.

Li Qiusui smiled and came to Liu's side, "Just think of it as if those ladies are fruit trees. Even if we don't do farm work ourselves now, we have to check on them frequently. If we can see their growth clearly, we will have a better idea of ​​their condition."

That seems to be the case.

Li Qiusui, "If there are good ones, we will be happy and spend more time on them. If there are things that we don't like... just like fruit trees, we should find out the reasons, think of ways to improve them, or at worst pull them out and replace them with new ones. If it's people, we have to get in touch with them and find out their positions and attitudes first. If there are good ones, then we will naturally get along with them. If there are things that we really can't get along with, then we should never have any contact with them and have less contact with them in the future."

Liu was also confused by what he said. It seemed to make sense, and the more she thought about it, the more it made sense.

Xia He and Chu were stunned. How could this be possible?

It doesn't seem to be a big deal. As long as we change our attitude, if others treat us as a curiosity, we can also treat them as a curiosity.

Li Qiusui didn't take it seriously. It was no big deal. He just went out to visit someone and still argued about clothes and jewelry for so long.

Xia He stopped being shy and came over to pull Li Qiusui, "We're just not used to it. Just get used to it slowly."

Li Qiusui, "In short, Dad and Big Brother don't have the desire to be high-ranking officials. They don't rely on us to get promoted or make money, so they don't need to look at anyone's face."

Liu slammed the table and said, "They have become officials in the capital, and their family has a title. How can their masters still want to go to heaven? Now, this is a good life for Dingding. If you have the ability, you can rely on your own ability to get promoted and make a fortune."

Xia He nodded in agreement.

The whole family got ready and agreed to gather at the gate.

Li Changshan was waiting at the door early. He had a handsome appearance and had become more gentle and reserved since he got married and became a father.

At this time Li Changan also came back, a young man of fifteen or sixteen, with bright eyes. Although he was a little thin, he looked more bookish. Standing next to Li Changshan, he was almost the same height as the eldest brother.

Li Sanzhu smiled when he saw the three of them coming out.

He was wearing a navy blue robe, with one hand behind his back, standing in front of his sons who were a full head taller than him, looking quite imposing.

Liu glared at him and whispered to her two daughters, "We mothers need to go out more often in the future! Look at your father. He doesn't need me anymore and he's becoming more and more decent. He's a low-ranking official, and I don't know how he attends so many social events every day. He's not at home all day. Just the other day, I smelled some powder on him."

Is her mother hinting that her father is having an affair?

No way? Xia He widened her eyes.

This was the first time the two sisters heard of this.

Li Qiusui winked at her sister and told her to just listen. If this was true, with her mother's temper, she would still be here with them in a nice and gentle voice, whispering in such a low voice.

Li Sanzhu's face turned red, and he pretended to be angry for the first time. "We have already made it clear! Why are you saying that in front of the children?"

Fortunately, my daughter-in-law is not here.

If you don’t behave yourself anymore, where will you put your old face?

Liu said that she was whispering this to her two daughters, but in fact, she was just saying it to her children on purpose because her daughter-in-law was not around.

There was a ready-made carriage at home, and the distance between Bo's house and Zheng's house was not far.

Because it was daytime and there were many people walking through the streets and alleys, the carriage could not move fast.

Anyway, this is all we have to deal with today, so there is no rush.

After half an hour, the carriage stopped in front of a large house.

I don't understand how the large mansions with several entrances and exits in the capital are calculated. I heard that there is empty space around them and they can be expanded.

However, the Zheng family's house in the capital was not that big. It was smaller than the one in the provincial capital, and it felt like it was not even half the size of their uncle's mansion.

However, scholars value elegance and purity.

Without the reward from the court, it would be difficult for the Li family to buy such a house in the capital city where every inch of land is valuable even if they had plenty of money without the channels.

Not to mention the far ones, even the farm that the family bought was rarely connected. It was not because it was really poor and far away from the capital, but because the original owner had poor harvests every year, it was never their turn.

Zhou Ping, as the butler, came along. He got off the carriage first and handed over the invitation.

The servants of the Zheng family must have received instructions from the master of the family, and they hurried over to greet them. "Oh, it turns out that the Yongfeng family has arrived. Our master and mistress sent us to wait long ago."

Zhou Ping followed Li Sanzhu in and out, not afraid of the scene in front of him, "There are many people here today, and our master and mistress hurried as fast as they could, and finally they didn't miss the time for the banquet at your mansion."

"How could that be possible? How could that be possible? It's still too early to leave the banquet!" The man who greeted guests wiped his sweat.

I've heard Zheng Fu say that this family is not simple, but I didn't expect them to be unwilling to take any verbal abuse, and hurriedly tried to make up for it, "We can get the job of welcoming guests, and it will also be a great honor! I've heard of Butler Zhou from Zheng Fu a long time ago, and today I finally see him in person!"

Zhou Ping was too lazy to argue with this man, "Brother, please treat me to a drink some other day. Look, the host is still watching from the car."

"Blame me, blame me!"

He quickly opened the door and let the guest in.

At this point, male and female guests must separate.

Liu had just been watching quietly in the carriage, and saw that Zhou Ping's negotiations with the Zheng family were going very smoothly, so she nodded secretly.

Now she had come to her senses. After this trip, she had given up on the matter she had discussed with the head of the family, regardless of whether it would succeed or not.

After this delay, the mother and her two daughters were led inside by the Zheng family's maid. Madam Zheng and Zheng Yan received the message and went out to greet them. The two parties met halfway.

"It's the Li family's sister who has arrived. I've been looking forward to your coming!" Madam Zheng greeted them loudly before they came close. Liu was embarrassed about how to address Madam Zheng. Although the two of them had recognized each other as godparents many years ago, this was the first time they actually met.

Since people called her "Sister Li", she would call her "Sister Zheng, thank you for your concern" or something polite like that.

Performed etiquette with peers

Zheng Yan stood behind Madam Zheng, paid her respects to Liu as a junior, and then smiled at Li Qiusui and her sister.

Li Qiusui and her sister bowed to Madam Zheng.

Madam Zheng pulled the two sisters up and said with a smile, "They have grown so tall every year! This must be the eldest daughter of the mansion, right?"

Xia He bowed again hurriedly, "It's me, my daughter. Nice to meet Madam Zheng."

"Call me aunt. This is the first time we meet. But I know that everyone in my family calls your mother aunt." Mrs. Zheng pulled Xia He up affectionately and took off the jade bracelet on her wrist. "This is a gift from aunt." Without saying anything, she put it on Xia He's hand.

Xia He stepped back and waved her hands, saying, "No, no thanks. Thank you so much, this thing is too expensive..." She looked at Liu and her sister for help.

Madam Zheng pretended to be angry, "Why are you looking at them? This is the first time we meet, why shouldn't I, as their aunt, give them a gift? I don't think anyone can stop me."

Liu nodded, and Xia He accepted it with peace of mind, "Thank you, ma'am... aunt."

Mrs. Zheng was satisfied.

Today's banquet is mainly to invite the Li family. In order to attend the banquet, the Zheng family sent invitations to many people, most of whom are good friends of the Zheng family, or old friends and relatives of the Zheng family in the capital. They brought their unmarried girls or young wives with them to join in the fun, and also to see the Li family who are currently in the limelight.

Ninety-nine percent of the people in the Daqi court are commoners, and those who can obtain titles and become officials by growing crops are even rarer.

Isn't it worth it for them to come and see the novelty?

There were several women who were about the same age and dressed like Mrs. Zheng, sitting upright in the Zheng family's warm reception room, drinking tea and chatting.

Seeing Madam Zheng leading a group of people getting closer from afar, someone with good eyes could not help but whisper, "Is the one next to Madam Zheng Madam Li? It doesn't seem to match the rumors..."

Someone spoke first, and someone familiar with him also whispered, "We said we were going to welcome the Li family, how could that be wrong?"

"Then it can't be wrong..."

"Those clothes and jewelry are all very fashionable nowadays, and they cost a lot of money."

"I've been in the capital for so long. I heard that the palace gave me a nanny. I can act a little more like a real person now."

"Is this how much money you can make from growing crops?"

“I heard that the whole family has never left the village and has to go to the fields themselves from time to time.”

Even so, he is not even considered a small landlord.

She didn't look like someone who was digging for food in the fields. She walked beside Madam Zheng without showing any fear, and even looked quite relaxed. If you didn't know her background, you would just think she was some lady or madam if you met her outside.

The person who spoke first, although he was quick-witted, was not without calculations in his mind. He did not have the habit of offending others easily. When he saw someone approaching, he quickly stood up and made a gesture to greet them, "Mrs. Li, please come in!"

Madam Zheng introduced them to each other, "This is Madam Chen from the family of the Ministry of Revenue Doctor..."

Seeing this, the others stood up and greeted Liu, and Mrs. Zheng smiled and acted as an introducer.

Li Qiusui was a man of sharp ears and eyes, and had heard all the gossips from everyone. He saw that the ladies were quite polite to each other in person. Liu greeted them with a smile. After the initial nervousness, she was now able to move freely.

"Madam, the wife of Marquis Jian'an has brought Miss Fang and Miss Fang with her! They've arrived at our door. They said they didn't want to trouble the host family, so they came straight in. They should be halfway there by now." A maid from the Zheng family came hurriedly to deliver the message.

"Oh my!" Mrs. Zheng was stunned for a moment and stood up in surprise, "I am so neglectful, so neglectful to our distinguished guest. Help me to go and greet him!"

"Madam, wait a minute..."

Madam Zheng didn't wait for the maid to finish her words. She turned around and scolded, "Why did you come here to tell me now? You should have known the news when the carriage entered the alley."

The maid also felt wronged, and tried to speak in a low voice: "Miss Fang said that she came without permission and was afraid to disturb you, so she asked us to try not to disturb others. She also asked our Fifth Miss if she was free today and whether she could talk to her for a while."

"I have time, how can I not have time! Sister Yan? Where is Sister Yan?"

Li Qiusui and Xia He greeted all the ladies, and Zheng Yan took them to meet the young ladies of each family.

The Zheng family hosted a banquet this time. Because the weather was too cold, the little girls stayed indoors and felt awkward being around adults, so a small hall was specially set up. The two sides were not far away, so they could naturally hear the conversation between Madam Zheng and the maid.

Zheng Yan frowned, "Ms. Fang?"

"It's her! Why is she here?"

Zheng Yan was next to Li Qiusui, and Li Qiusui could hear her mumbling very clearly.

Mrs. Zheng was so emotional and anxious, it must be that a very important guest had come to the Zheng family.

Li Qiusui nudged Zheng Yan, who was still in a daze, and urged her in a low voice, "There are guests, go over and take a look."

"Sui Sui..." Zheng Yan murmured, her eyes extremely complicated, staring at her steadily.

what happened?
Li Qiusui was also puzzled, wondering if this Miss Fang was related to him?

Not to mention that she didn't know many people in the capital, even in Linshan County, she didn't know any Miss Fang at all.

Oh, Mr. Fang does know one. Could it be that these two are related?

Could it be such a coincidence? Besides, even if there was a relative, what did it have to do with her?
"Sister Yan, the wife of Marquis Jian'an and Miss Fang are here, come with me to see them." Madam Zheng came in person, and she looked very impatient with Zheng Yan's procrastination. "Hurry up, don't be slow, or they will say we are being rude."

Zheng Yan squeezed Li Qiusui's hand vigorously, "Sui Sui, wait for me for a while, I'll be back soon."

It seems like a separation of life and death. Are the wife of the Marquis and Miss Fang really monsters?
Li Qiusui smiled.

As soon as Zheng Yan left, she and Xia He were not familiar with the young ladies present, and Liu seemed to be at ease, so she felt relieved and found a secluded corner to sit down with her sister.

The Zheng family is indeed a family of scholars. Along the way, not to mention the plants, rockery, and decorative screens, everything reveals exquisiteness and elegance. Even in the corner where the two sisters are staying, there is a bamboo forest when you look up.

As soon as the two sisters sat down, a maid came over and brought them tea and snacks.

Seeing that there was no one around, Xia He leaned close to her sister and whispered in her ear, "Looking at it this way, we really are from the countryside."

Although their uncle's house was large, it had been abandoned and had not been occupied for a long time. It didn't make sense for them to help with the renovation of the house, which was awarded by the court.

Ever since the Li family moved in, their mother has been growing vegetables and planting jujube trees.

I wish I could set aside a yard to raise two pigs and feed a flock of chickens and ducks.

If someone comes to your house, you don’t have to go out, as we can prepare a table full of chicken, duck, fish and meat.

In the past when she was in Lijia Village, she didn't feel that this was inappropriate, but now when she looks at others and thinks about her own family, Xia He just wants to hold her forehead with her hand.

Li Qiusui raised his eyebrows, "Let's go to the countryside. If sister likes, we can go home and rebuild our house and plant bamboo."

In fact, there was a bamboo forest before the Bo Mansion, but it has all been cut down and dug up with the roots, and then a grape rack was built, so there will be grapes to eat next year.

Xia He pursed her lips, "If that really happened, I would feel even more uncomfortable. Forget it, I've had a good two days, and now I'm done with it! I still have to listen to my mother, and then I'll feel at ease."

Li Qiusui laughed so hard that he fell down. "Our family is down-to-earth. In less than two years, no, in another year, starting next spring, the garden will be filled with flowers and the fragrance of fruits will be everywhere."

"So, I don't envy others anymore." Xia He spread his hands.

Li Qiusui nodded, "I'll have to ask Zheng Yan about this. They say rice from another pot smells better. Maybe she likes our house more!"

"Of course, otherwise, she wouldn't come to our house every day..."

"Excuse me, Miss Li, can I sit over here?"

Zheng Yan introduced her earlier. The person in front of you is Miss Chen.

"Miss Chen, please do as you please!"

Miss Chen blushed and smiled shyly, "They are reciting poems and painting over there, I am not good at that, Zheng Yan is not here, it is boring to eat snacks alone, I saw you guys talking, so I came over. Will I disturb you?"

Li Qiusui actually knew this Miss Chen, and she was close friends with Zheng Yan. Just now, when Zheng Yan left, she asked Miss Chen to take good care of the two sisters.

Xia He said in a good-tempered manner: "Sorry for disturbing you. We sisters are not good at those things either, so we hide away to chat. If Miss Chen doesn't find it boring, then let's join in."

So, two people became three.

It was quite interesting for the girls of similar age to drink tea, enjoy the view, eat fruit and chat.

The outer room suddenly became lively. Madam Zheng and Zheng Yan brought in a lady and a little girl. What was even more surprising was that the married Zheng Yuan also came.

The three of them hurriedly stood up with the crowd and went to the outer room to pay their respects to the marquis' wife.

"Ah! It's the Ninth Princess! Meet the Ninth Princess!"

"Meet the Ninth Princess!"

Miss Fang and Mr. Fang are really a family!