Pingyang Fu of the Red Chamber

Chapter 506 What happened to Ning Mansion?

Chapter 506 What happened to Ning Mansion?
  Inside the house door,
  between compartments,

Qingwen lowered her head, wrung her fingers, looked at the Marquis and his wife, and said softly,
  "Well, it was the madam who asked me to come into the house, and my servant also wanted to come, so I told the old madam and came over."

Qingwen explained coyly, humming, and a flash of sadness flashed through her heart. Ever since she entered the Hou Mansion, life or other things have been several times better than Rongguo Mansion, but she came here just to serve the Marquis. But with so many beautiful concubines, which one of them would fall in love with me?

Qin Keqing looked at this scene with a smile, knowing what the little girl was thinking, she said softly,
  "Husband, Qingwen is the one I want to come over. It's rare to see such a smart girl. It just so happens that she and Xiangling are together. It's great to complement each other. She, the nvhong is really good at it."

Zhang Jinyu nodded, held his beloved wife's delicate hand, smiled, and said warmly,
  "It's good that Qingwen is here. She was bullied a lot in Rongguo Mansion. I dare not say that she is smart, but her personality suits me very well. Xiangling is really good with her,"

Qin Keqing also showed a gentle expression,
  "What my husband said makes sense. Qingwen is caring and eloquent at first glance. And I saw that after she finished working as a female celebrity, she helped tidy up the study room in front of the desk. She was very careful and considerate. She is not as good-looking as Xiang. Hisashi, stay here and watch and feel comfortable."

Qin Keqing had something to say. Compared with the unknown girl her husband brought from outside, or other wives and concubines, although Qingwen looked a little more stubborn, she was good-looking and could be bigger. Together with Xiangling, she would fill her husband's house. Well, I have a helper.

Then he looked at the two little girls he was marrying. They were too young, Qin Keqing thought.

Compared with Baozhu, Ruizhu, Qingwen and Xiangling, no matter in appearance or figure, they are extremely beautiful. If they dress up, they can be compared to those stunningly beautiful people.

Although she is the head of the family, there are so many beautiful wives and concubines, Qin Keqing is still under pressure. Moreover, men have a tricky appetite and are so beautiful. Even if she wants to stop her, she probably...can't stop her. It would be better to just go with the flow and get the name of jealousy for nothing.

Zhang Jinyu glanced at Qin Keqing suspiciously. She was helping his little wife, and what she just said was too virtuous.

Qin Keqing's words seemed true, and Qingwen understood what Madam meant. She raised a slightly foxy face and looked at the Marquis and his wife. There was a complicated expression on her face as white as snow. With a smile on his face, he pursed his pink lips and said softly,

"The Marquis won't be returning home these days. Madam has been waiting for a long time, so she is worried."

Obviously,

Although Qingwen was working as a needlework girl in the wing just now, she listened with open ears to the conversation between Qin Keqing's master and servant. She even went to the window of the wing to quietly look out.

Zhang Jinyu was also distressed, but she had gone too far. Although the widow was nice, she couldn't feel as comfortable as herself.

"It's night, go back to your house and rest,"

"Yes, husband, let's go together."

After saying that, the two entered the main room.

Then, the lights in the main room went out and murmuring sounded.
  Early the next morning, Ningguo Mansion.

The spring rain just passed last night, the sky is as blue as a wash, the air is fresh, the willows on the house are piled with smoke, and the rain and dew are rolling on the branches and leaves, green drops.

As for the majestic and beautiful gatehouse of Dongfu, the dust on the red eaves and green roofs has been washed away by the rain, and the pair of stone lions in front of the door have been washed exceptionally clean and white.

In the courtyard at the east end of Tianxiang Tower,
  In the wing room, Mrs. You was wearing an emerald green skirt. She was sitting in front of the dressing table. She was being served by her maid. She had a flower on her temples and her face was originally lovely and bright in the bronze mirror. But nowadays, although her appearance is still the same, But the pale and haggard snow-skinned face could not be concealed at all.

Now Dongfu,

I don’t know when it changed. Ever since the so-called Immortal Master entered the house, the entire Ningguo Mansion has become like a Taoist temple. Even the servants and servants are required to change into Taoist priest attires, and even eat vegetarian food, although there is less expense. , but that’s not the case. It stands to reason that a person who practices Taoism should be pure in heart and have few desires. But every morning, three women come out of Jia Zhen’s house. They are all bought by pure husbands. This has been going on for a long time. Wouldn't it hurt your vitality?

Then I thought about Jia Rong, who had bought a maid from nowhere all day long. She must have shared the same house and never left the house. She followed his father's example and hung out every day. The whole Ningguo Mansion seemed like the sun was setting on the west mountain.

Just thinking about trance,

Yindie'er beside her asked in a low voice,

"Madam, your complexion has been very bad these past two days, so why don't you apply more powder? This is the Wanhuajiao rouge from the Houfu Chamber of Commerce. Put some pearl powder on it first, then apply it later, and cover it up."

Yin Die'er said softly with some distress on her face.

"Just put on some powder, don't put on rouge, that's all. Besides, Feng girl is not an outsider."

A worried look flashed across Youshi's face, and she pursed her slightly dry and flaky red lips.

Nowadays, Ningguo Mansion is going downhill. How can she deal with it?
  Besides, no matter how well she tidies up, who can she show her to?
  Women are those who please themselves.

At this time, the girl serving outside shouted,

"Madam, breakfast is ready in the kitchen. Why don't you let them bring it over?"

"I have no appetite, so I won't eat. I'll just serve some pastries when Feng Yatou comes."

Youshi waved his hand and said.

"Here, madam, you haven't eaten in the past day. How can your body bear it? Besides, the house still needs my wife to take care of it. If you don't pay attention, I'm afraid the huge Duke's house will fall apart."

Yin Die'er couldn't help but make a sound, and the little girl outside the door also pushed the door open and entered.

"Madam, eat as much as you can. If you don't care about me anymore, my servants and I will have no life left."

Seeing the worried looks in the two girls' eyes, Youshi smiled sadly.
  "Okay, eat. Bring it over, Yindie, and put on the lady's makeup."

"Yes, ma'am."

The two little girls went out with happy faces and tears in their eyes.

at this time,

Wang Xifeng of Rongguo Mansion, took Ping'er, Zhao'er and other servants, and a dozen of the guards they had found before, walked majestically to Ningguo Mansion. Now Wang Xifeng has become more majestic, and the Chamber of Commerce of Hou Mansion also Somehow, Wang Xifeng was paid on time every month. Not only did he pay more on purpose, but with this money, after excluding the monthly income of each member of the Jia family, there was still a lot of balance. With money, he was naturally confident. It's enough, and I'm a lot more forceful when I speak.

The servants and servants of the two mansions had a lot of rules and did not dare to touch the second mistress's brow.

Wang Xifeng first led Ping'er, followed by the servants and guards, and walked around the Rongguo Mansion as usual. He even went to have a look at the kitchen. When he entered the yard, many cooks and servants were busy, lighting fires. , washing vegetables, looking orderly.

The person in charge in the courtyard was naturally Sister-in-law Liu. When she saw Second Mistress coming, she hurriedly wiped her hands with a rag and walked over.

"I've met Second Grandma. Why would Second Grandma come here so early? But what do you want to eat? I'll make it for you right now."

Seeing this kind-hearted Sister-in-law Liu, Wang Xifeng felt a lot better. Since the last punishment, no one who was short-sighted came to look for trouble. However, Sister-in-law Liu didn't know who she learned her skills from, and they were no better than the imperial chef. Difference,
  "I won't do it today. I have to go to Ning Mansion. The old lady has to take care of her every day. Sister-in-law Liu is personally responsible for it. By the way, there is also Miss Lin's meal. Don't neglect it. , you have an idea in mind, as for Aunt Xue, do you have any requirements?"

"Grandma, don't worry. The old lady still changed the recipes according to the previous one. This Miss Lin's recipe is also made according to the old lady's recipe. The servant never lets others interfere and cooks all the food herself. As for the concubine, except for just now I had brought meals in the past few days, but I haven't come back in recent days. I heard from others that Lixiangyuan also has a kitchen, which seems to be open. After all, I am used to living in the south, so my taste is different, and I am not used to the dishes in the capital. It’s also natural.”

Sister-in-law Liu quickly told what happened. After all, she was a relative from grandma's side. If she didn't keep it well, she would be punished again. Wang Xifeng didn't think so. The concubine didn't lack these. The taste of southern dishes is indeed different. , but it saves my worries,

"I know about this, so don't ask about it. Now that the fire has started, you can worry less. The food in each room will remain the same as before. You have an idea in your mind. When it comes to reimbursing the accounts, you still have to settle the matter. You should do what you should say. You don't need me to teach you any more." "Look at what you said, grandma, I will repay the account according to what Miss Ping Er writes. Don't worry, grandma, I'll keep my mouth shut."

"That's good!"

Seeing that Sister-in-law Liu was interested, Wang Xifeng still gave a warning. The second wife was in charge of the purchasing of Rongguo Mansion. What was the cost? Now Wang Xifeng was involved in it. Although it was not much, there were hundreds of people in the house, so there was a lot of money left. , so I brought it over and solved a lot of things.

"Okay, there's nothing to do. Go and do your work. If you need anything, come to Liyuan and let me know."

"It's grandma, I understand."

Sister-in-law Liu responded and returned to the stove, and continued to direct the workers to work.

Ping'er asked from behind,
  "Grandma, I didn't expect that you took down the kitchen last time. Didn't the steward ask for Butler Zhou?"

"Hmph, I still can't tell who is the master and who is the slave. If it wasn't for the sake of the second wife's face, I would have sold him long ago and allowed him to be so arrogant here."

Before Ping could finish speaking, Wang Xifeng sneered. There really wasn't any servant who dared to yell at him and still be safe in the house. He had already put the steward in the village as a servant.

Ping'er didn't expect that grandma would still care about her so much. After the affairs at home were settled,

"Grandma, since I have nothing to do today, Grandma You from Dongfu asked you to come over yesterday because she had something to do. Didn't you agree to go?"

Hearing Ping'er's reminder, Wang Xifeng remembered this matter. Sister-in-law You specially sent someone to invite her. Something must have happened, but she had forgotten it.

"Oops, I almost forgot, stop inking, let's go, hurry up."

Ping'er curled her lips secretly. Grandma had even forgotten about it and was talking about other people's ink marks.

A group of people left the backyard of the kitchen and went to the East Mansion.

I wanted to go directly through the courtyard wall, but for some reason, Wang Xifeng led people to go around the front yard of Rongguo Mansion again, and then looked around. After nothing happened, he led people out of the gate. The concierge was early I watched the second grandma wandering there, leading the concierge's boy, standing there on two sides, waiting for the second grandma to come over, and shouted in unison,
  "Congratulations to my second grandma."

"Second Grandma, walk slowly!"

The steward said it in advance, and then the servants on both sides shouted in unison, "It's very impressive."

Wang Xifeng waved her hand and went to the street. The servants of the Duke's Mansion became more and more behaved.

In the early morning, it was a busy time. On Ningrong Street, the Jia family members who were coming and going. When they saw the second grandmother leaving the house, they all stood aside respectfully. The women said long blessings, while the men held their hands. Goodbye, all to say hello to the Second Mistress.

Along the way, there were sounds of greetings.

These people were busy on weekdays, so naturally Ping'er said something to dismiss them. Now when they saw the real master, they all wanted to show their face in front of the master's family. After Wang Xifeng left, these people left. Although it seemed like nothing, people with intentions It was discovered that the power of the head of the Jia family was in the hands of the Wang family women.

Not only was Wang Xifeng in a much better mood, but the guard boy behind him also straightened his waist a little. Ping'er naturally felt the same way, and grandma became more and more dignified.

After walking a few steps, I arrived in front of the Ningguo Mansion. There were still fallen leaves on the ground, and there was dust on the door frame. The door looked even more dirty. There were only a few boys dressed as "Taoist priests" at the concierge. Standing there and watching, what is going on? Where have all the people from Ningguo Mansion gone? He looked at the plaque in confusion and saw that it was indeed Dong Mansion.
  "Ping'er, is this Ningguo Mansion?"

Ping'er looked at a group of people dressed as Taoist priests standing there. He hesitated for a moment, looked left and right, and replied,

"Back to grandma, it should be so. Isn't it written on the door?"

"This is strange. If you don't know, you might think you've entered a Taoist temple. What do these Taoist priests mean by the door? Come on, go in and see what's going on."

Wang Xifeng sneered, knowing that something was going on in the Ningguo Mansion, no wonder Sister-in-law You invited her, she must not be able to take care of it, so she walked in with the people, the concierge and the steward, who dared to say anything, knowing that it was When the second mistress came, they all bowed their heads quickly. They wanted to salute, but when they saw the Taoist priest's uniform and didn't know how to salute, they were at a loss.

Wang Xifeng ignored them and went directly into the house, running towards Dongyuan to find Sister-in-law You.

east wing,
  Mrs. You, who had had breakfast, was drinking tea, thinking about the difficulties of these days, with a tired look on her face. She didn't know when it would end. Is it possible that there are other ways to cultivate Taoism? Then why do you still respect the master? I have been cultivating in Taoist temples for so many years, but I still have no explanation.

Just thinking about troublesome things,
  Suddenly I heard the maid coming from outside to report,

"Madam, madam, the second grandmother of Rongguo Mansion is here."

"Sister Feng is here,"

Mrs. You looked happy and wanted to get up to greet her. However, she was worried these days and was weak. When she walked to the door, she stumbled and fell to the ground. Wang Xifeng happened to be in front of the door. Seeing her sister-in-law like this, she hurriedly stretched out her hand to support her. , Ping'er also rushed to the other side to help, and the two of them worked together to help Mrs. You into the house. However, after taking action, it was obvious that Mrs. You was weak and her bones were much clearer.
  "Sister-in-law, what's wrong with you? Quick, Ping'er, go get Mrs. You a cup of hot tea."

"Yes, grandma."

The two of them didn't let Mrs. You speak. They helped her into the room and sat down. After the two of them sat down, Ping'er poured hot tea and placed it in front of the two of them.

Looking at Sister-in-law You who looked pale, Wang Xifeng could no longer bear it and asked angrily,

"Sister-in-law Zhen, what happened? Why did we end up like this after not seeing her for a few days?"

Youshi smiled bitterly, then pointed to a maid next to her, a woman dressed like a Taoist nun, and said,

"Girl Feng, do you think this is still the Duke's Mansion? Not to mention that it has become a Taoist temple, and there is not even a steward in the whole manor. I am in charge of it all by myself. However, the cost of cultivating Taoism is huge, and money is flowing out like water. Xuan Master Zhen Guan Jing’s expenses are not low either. This year’s offerings have not yet been received, and the house’s treasury is already empty. What can I, a Taoist woman, do?”

"This, how could this be?"

Wang Xifeng couldn't believe it. The Duke's Mansion in Nuo Da had become a Taoist temple, and the treasury was also empty. There was still a lot left before. But he saw that there was a lot of money in it. Could it be possible that he had achieved such a success these days? , it’s all used up.

But thinking about it, it costs a lot to practice Taoism. Now Jia Zhen is also following Taoism. How can it be spent? Besides, besides the old lady, there is no one in Rongguo Mansion who can control this matter. I am afraid that others will not be able to persuade him. But if he does this again, he will be Outsiders saw it and got it out. I'm afraid those officials must be involved. Although I'm not afraid, it's different from the past. According to what my uncle Wang Ziteng said, the situation in the capital is a bit strange. Be careful and don't leave any clues. , but if Dongfu is like this, isn’t this giving a knife to others?
  "Sister-in-law, I still need the old lady to take care of this matter. As for cultivating Taoism, I have to ask Master Jing for instructions. Sister-in-law, don't worry, I will take care of this matter."

After hearing what Wang Xifeng said, Mrs. You couldn't bear the grievances she had suffered for many days, so she burst into tears, as if she had cried out all the grievances.

Wang Xifeng took out her handkerchief and kept wiping Mrs. You's tears.

"Sister-in-law, please be relieved. This matter must not be made public. I'm afraid it will be bad if it gets out."

Mrs. You nodded, held a handkerchief to wipe her tears,

"Don't worry, little girl Feng, my sister-in-law knows this well. Except for those who go out to buy things, I will keep everyone else under lock and key. But you know, the fifty thousand taels of silver from Mr. Jing is the last treasury silver in the house." ”

"how so!"

(End of this chapter)

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