Pingyang Fu of the Red Chamber

Chapter 707 Li Wan is sentimental
East City,

Under the shed at the entrance, there seemed to be many people, but in fact, the only people who could talk were Marquis Luo Yun and the eldest princess. Wei Shuyun was just a foil.
The princess turned around and walked away, the fragrance of orchids wafted away, only the jade pendant in her hand remained as warm as ever.

I felt a little melancholy in my heart and was really reluctant to let her go. What happened? This fairy princess was so attractive to me.

"My Lord, my Lord, I'm sorry for the long wait. I bought a lot of things, and they are still hot."

Not far to the east,
Ning Bian brought his personal soldiers and several of them, carrying large and small bags, and walked over here.
Zhang Jinyu came back to his senses, flipped his hand, and put the jade pendant given by the princess into the pocket in his arms. In an instant, the mutton-fat jade disappeared.
As soon as the people came to the table, Ning Bian put the food wrapped in oil paper on the table and opened them one by one. There were a lot of naan bread, braised beef, roasted meat, and cakes. He smelled the fragrance and felt hungry.

There are not so many details to follow. Just roll up the meat and eat it with naan bread. It is crispy and fragrant, leaving a long aftertaste.
"By the way, there are so many people over there, how did you buy naan bread, and bought a lot of it?"

The pancake in his hand was quite big. He looked at the seat he had just sat in and saw that there were no fewer people surrounding it. He asked with some confusion.

"My Lord, you brought two people with you. I had to squeeze in. I was told to buy a small amount and leave after I bought it. Now I only paid one or two taels of silver and bought ten cakes. I lost money."

Ning Bian was panting with a look of pain on his face. He only spent one tael of silver to buy ten cakes. Zhang Jinyu was speechless. There was no one to blame for this operation. He had just been talking to His Highness and forgot about all this.

"Okay, it's good enough that we can buy it. Look at those people, I don't think they will be able to sleep tonight."

He took another big bite of the pancake in his hand and swallowed it in a few mouthfuls!
East side street,

The figure of Jin Tingzhang also came over, followed by a small caravan and several servants, who were driving yellow sheep with whips in their hands, walking towards this side.

Chief Jin Ting led the crowd over, wiped the sweat off his face, and looked at the Marquis who was sitting at the gate of the yamen. He didn't dare to breathe and hurried over.

"My Lord, my Lord, I have done everything you asked me to do. Five carts of fine rice, two carts of vegetables, one cart of pickles, ten yellow sheep, one cart of cakes, and one cart of naan, about three hundred in total. It's not enough, but these are all I can buy now.

Oh, by the way, Lord, just now there was another store owner who said that Lord, you have ordered five carts of sake and have paid for them, so I brought them along as well."

As he said this, he pointed to the back of the convoy. Coincidentally, when he was bringing people back, he was stopped by a shopkeeper who said that he was bringing wine for the Marquis. When Jin Tingzhang heard that it was for the Marquis, he thought of bringing it over as well.
Looking back, there were indeed five carriages loaded with jars of sake, but wasn't that too much?

Zhang Jinyu looked at the dozen full carriages and the ten fat sheep and was quite satisfied. As the saying goes, professional things should be done by professionals, and it will get twice the result with half the effort. He praised the pavilion chief.
"Master Jin is indeed a good official, a capable minister, and he gets things done quickly. I have only heard about him from others before, but I didn't believe him. Today, I have witnessed it for myself."

Even the words of a good official came out of his mouth. He said to Luo Yunhou that those who can do things are good officials, and those who can't do things are not good officials.
Ning Bian, who was listening nearby, hesitated for a moment, thinking that his own marquis was used to being domineering.

But the Jin Tingzhang standing there didn't know what it meant. He thought he was praised by the Marquis and was overjoyed. He replied flatteringly:

"Thank you for your praise, my Lord. I am very happy to receive your praise. If you need my help in the future, just send someone to pass on the message, and I will definitely do it properly."

Suddenly thinking of something, Chief Jin quickly took out the remaining banknotes and loose silver in his arms.
"My Lord, although there are many of these things, they are not worth that much silver. I still have a lot left. Please take them back, my Lord."

Before he could finish his words, he put the silver and banknotes on the table and returned them.
This man, not only is he polite in speaking and doing things, but he is also very experienced in the ways of the world. Zhang Jinyu really looks at him differently. As the head of the East City Pavilion, he deserves to be able to sit firmly in the position. Some old-fashioned officials should be kicked out in just one month, let alone a year.

"Master Jin, you are too polite. You don't have to return the silver. I appreciate your hard work and your service to me. I will not treat my own people unfairly. We have a long way to go and it's getting late. I will go back now."

"this,"

After hesitating for a while, Chief Jin Ting looked up at Marquis Luo Yun who had just stood up. He didn't seem to be lying, but the money in his hand was more than 200 taels of silver. The Marquis was really as generous as the rumors outside.
Thinking of this,
He took the silver back immediately, expressing his gratitude;
"My Lord is indeed generous. I would like to thank you on behalf of my brothers."

"Well, Ning Bian, have someone take over and deliver the things directly to Hanyuan Palace, go through the gate of the Marquis' Mansion, and take those people with you."

Zhang Jinyu stood up, brushed the dust off his robe, and finished the naan in his hand. He ate in a hurry and choked a little. He swallowed his saliva and then climbed onto the horse. He let his personal soldiers drive the carriages behind him. He also picked up the food on the table and took it with him. The pavilion chief and his entourage stood there to see him off.

Zhang Jinyu was riding on his horse and looked around. The eldest princess was no longer in the crowd. Feeling a little regretful, he waved to Chief Jin and his party, then led them out of the East Market, passed Ningrong Street, and headed straight for the Marquis' Mansion.

But what Luo Yunhou didn't notice was that in the attic of a restaurant at the corner of the street, the figure of the eldest princess Zhou Xiangxue stood in front of the window, staring at the gate of the East Market.
"Your Highness, Marquis Luo Yun has left with his men. It seems that he is going back to the Marquis' Mansion!"

Liu Yue, who was beside him, also looked outside with curiosity and said casually, "For some reason, His Highness is always absent-minded after coming back.
"Yes, it's time for him to go back. After all, he has been busy these days. Without Luo Yunhou, some things will be easier to handle. He should run these shops and restaurants well and make up for Luo Yunhou's losses. We still have so many people to support. We can't be like that girl Yongcheng, spending all her money on retainers. By the way, I heard that Yongcheng has found many martial arts masters. Do you know what she wants to do?"

The princess certainly has some ideas, but her layout cannot go wrong. Yongcheng's approach is really a bit confusing. What are so many chivalrous men for?
"Your Highness, my men have already gone to investigate. They say that Princess Yongcheng has organized a caravan to smuggle goods to the Western Regions. They want to find a way out. I don't know if it's true or not."

Hearing the word "Western Region", Zhou Xiangxue frowned. At this moment, the entire Western Region was still controlled by the Xianbei people. If there was a smuggling channel, it would also fall into the hands of the Western Palace family. How could she snatch food from the tiger's mouth? Unless there was someone else behind it, which vassal king was it?
In Rongguo Mansion,

The small courtyard on the west side,
Li Wan was anxiously asking Su Yun to search through the boxes and cabinets in the room, as if she was looking for something.
"Suyun, have you found it?"

"Grandma, no, I remember I kept it in this room. How come it's gone?"

Suyun wiped the sweat from her forehead and opened several cabinets. She hadn't seen the fox fur coat that Grandpa Zhu was wearing at that time, so she remembered to wash it and put it away.

Li Wan behind him frowned slightly with an anxious look in her beautiful eyes. The day after tomorrow would be the day of the special examination. She had prepared her writing brush, ink, paper and inkstone, but she could not find the fox fur coat that she could use for the night. That was given to Jia Zhu by the old lady when he took the imperial examination. She was reminded of him by the sight of the fur coat, so she had to wash it and put it away. She had wanted to give it to Lan'er, but it was gone. How could it be?

"Do you remember clearly that it was in this room?"

"I remember clearly, it is in this room."

Su Yun thought about it and realized that it was true. There was no other place to put them at that time. After Master Zhu passed away, all his belongings were stored in the west wing, even the quilts and other things used at that time were placed here. Looking to the southeast corner of the west, sure enough, the quilts, mattresses, and some thick clothes were all there, but the top layer of brocade seemed to have been moved by someone.

"Grandma, maybe someone took it? Look over there, it looks like someone has rummaged through it. The door to the west wing has never been locked."

Li Wan followed Su Yun's direction and turned to look at the bed in the southeast corner. It was indeed like that. There was a layer of white brocade on it, which was covered with dust. However, there were handprints on it, and there were also signs of being turned over at the corners. Who could it be?

He walked over and lifted the brocade cloth. Sure enough, the bedding inside was moved. It looked like it had been moved not long ago, so he asked;

"Who else has been to our yard?"

"Grandma, there are too many people here,"

Suyun had a bitter face. The Marquis, the Second Mistress, Madam You, and others had all been here. Caifeng and others from the Second Mistress's room had also been here. Oh, Second Mistress,
"Miss, a few days ago, Caifeng and others from the Second Madam's room came over and said they were sending cakes for Grandma. Could it be them? After all, Second Master Bao is also going to take the imperial examination, so maybe he wants to take advantage of the literary talent of the son-in-law."

Suyun's voice became quieter and quieter, but Li Wan's face became more and more gloomy. She thought of the mean Second Wife, who might do such a thing. If it was really the Second Wife who took it, she would never let it go.
"Then don't look for it. Let Biyue start a fire now and ask Nanny Wang to help make dry food and naan bread. Then let Biyue go outside, no, go to Miss Lin's courtyard and ask for some salt. Add some salt to the naan bread when baking. Also, you accompany me to Lixiang Garden to find Xue Baochai and ask her to borrow the fox fur."

"Yes, grandma."

Suyun nodded. Even if she went out to buy it now, she would not be able to buy it. She could only borrow it. In the whole Rongguo Mansion, only Wang Xifeng and Xue Baochai could ask for it. There was also Lin Daiyu who could help. However, there were no men in Miss Lin's courtyard, so it was not convenient to borrow it. Wang Xifeng's courtyard was too conspicuous. She could only ask Xue Baochai if she had any, after all, she had a brother.
Thinking of this,
I am still a little anxious, time waits for no one.
"Suyun, don't wait any longer, and don't let Biyue go. Let's go to Miss Lin's courtyard first and borrow some salt, then go to Lixiang Garden. Close the door and don't pack up these things."

"I got it, grandma,"

Suyun simply piled up the things, then covered them with the brocade cloth, got off the bed, and followed her grandmother out of the room. After closing the door, she asked again, "Grandma, it's not too cold today, how about wearing an extra cotton robe?"

Suyun was afraid that her grandmother would worry about her, so she thought that the weather was not very cold, so she could just wear an extra cotton jacket when the exam started.
Li Wan took a few quick steps and shook her head.

"You little girl, what do you know? That cotton jacket can only be worn at night. It's hot during the day, but it may not be warm when you sleep at night. If you change it into a fox fur coat, it's like a quilt. You don't need to wear it during the day. At night, you can just spread it out, turn over, and cover yourself. The night will pass. Hou Jiazhu specifically explained it to me at that time. Unfortunately, I didn't understand these things during the provincial examination. I got sick and left a root cause of the disease, which never recovered. That's why there was trouble later."

Li Wan was a little sad, but it was a pity that this was God's will and there was nothing she could do about it. So, Lang'er, you must not go down the old path. Thinking of this, she walked more anxiously.

Suyun followed behind.

Be careful and shout,

"I understand, grandma. Please go slower. If it really doesn't work, I will go to the Marquis's mansion to ask for help from the Marquis."

The master and his servant left the courtyard.

It is not far from Lin Daiyu's West Courtyard. Following the path, you will arrive in a short while.

Suyun covered her chest, took a breath, and went up to knock on the door.
inside the hospital,

Under the bamboo forest,
Lin Daiyu was still lying on the Xiangfei recliner, covered with a thin blanket, taking a short nap. Qingwen was still by her side, massaging her shoulders. The breeze was blowing gently, and the bamboo forest was swaying, which was quite charming.
Suddenly there was a knock on the door.
Qingwen raised her head, looked towards the courtyard gate, and whispered;

"Miss Lin, someone is coming."

"Well, who's here?"

Lin Daiyu's eyes were blurry, and she felt sleepy after lying down for a while.

"I don't know. No one is here yet. It's my great grandmother who has come."

Just as he was speaking, he changed his words.
Li Wan led Su Yun into the yard.

"Sister-in-law, how come she has time to come here?"

Lin Daiyu opened her eyes, supported herself on both sides of the chair with her jade hands, sat up, and looked towards the gate. Sure enough, it was her eldest sister-in-law, who gave the order;
"Qingwen, prepare some refreshments,"

"Yes,"

Qingwen quickly got up and went back to the house.
at this time,

Li Wan, who had just entered the yard, also saw Lin Daiyu sitting on the chair. She was still as beautiful as ever in her plain clothes. That girl liked these things. She smiled and walked over.
"Sister Lin is feeling better now. Please don't blame me for coming to your house so hastily."

"What are you talking about, sister-in-law? We are all sisters. Why do you need to say these things? Sit down and take a rest."

Lin Daiyu was about to get up when she felt cold feet. She realized she hadn't put on her shoes or socks yet, so she quickly put her feet back under the quilt, her face slightly red.
"Don't be offended, sister-in-law. I just soaked my feet and haven't put on shoes and socks yet. It's impolite."

Li Wan saw everything that happened just now. Even women would like that pair of jade feet, not to mention men.

"Look at you, you just said we are sisters, how can you be so formal? Just take care of your health."

At this moment,
Qingwen came out of the main hall, carrying a tray with tea and cakes on it. She walked over and placed it on the small square table, pouring tea for Miss Lin and the eldest lady. Taking this opportunity, Lin Daiyu raised her red lips and asked:
"Sister-in-law, tell me what happened and you need my help."

Li Wan's face was somewhat bitter. There were some things she couldn't say. The preparation for the imperial examination could not be done by others.
"Miss Lin, it's nothing. I just want to ask if there is any salt or seasoning in your courtyard. I want to borrow some from you."

When Lin Daiyu and Qingwen heard that their eldest sister-in-law wanted to borrow these, they were a little surprised. Why would she want these?
suddenly,

Lin Daiyu seemed to have sensed something. That day, it seemed that the Second Mistress and the others were preparing dry food for the imperial examination.
“Sister-in-law, is it Enko’s business? Prepare some dry food for Lang’er.”

"Um,"

Unable to hold back any longer, Li Wan nodded, her eyes instantly reddened. Who knew the hardships she had endured over the years?

Lin Daiyu quickly spoke out to comfort her.
"Don't be sad, sister-in-law. You've made it through all these years. Prepare what you need. It's not enough to just prepare dry food. Qingwen, we have the Marquis's Eight Treasure Pickles. Take a jar and send it to sister-in-law's courtyard. Bring seasonings as well."

"Yes, Miss Lin."

Qingwen nodded and looked at the eldest grandmother with some worry. After all, health is important. Is there a Marquis's child in her belly?

Lin Daiyu thought about it and asked what else she needed to prepare for the imperial examination.
"Sister-in-law, do you have the four treasures of the study?"

"Yes, I have all of them, but I am missing a fox fur coat. I had one, but I don't know how I could find it. I thought I could go to Aunt Xue and see if I could borrow one for now."

Li Wan quietly wiped the tears from her eyes. She didn't know why, but she felt sentimental these days. Qingwen knew this and felt anxious.
"Don't worry, Madam. It's just a fox fur coat. If it doesn't work, I can go to the Marquis's Mansion and borrow one for you."

Lin Daiyu originally wanted to lend the fox fur coat that her husband had given her to her elder sister-in-law, but when she thought that Lang'er was a man after all, she couldn't say it out loud. However, how could Xue Baochai have it? If she had it, it should belong to her brother.

Seeing Qingwen talking, she did not stop her. It was just this little thing.
Li Wan was now hiding in the Marquis's mansion, so she couldn't go there to borrow anything. She shook her head.

"That's not necessary. I'll go to Aunt Xue's place and talk to Baochai to think of a solution. If it doesn't work, I'll come back."

Nothing is said for sure. After all, it is a big deal for Brother Lang. If he fails to borrow the money, he will really have to go to the Marquis' Mansion.

Seeing that the things had been borrowed, he did not waste any more time, nor did he drink his tea, but stood up and said goodbye.

"Sister, take a rest. I won't say thank you to you, sister-in-law. You should take good care of yourself."

"Sister-in-law, take your time. Don't be in a hurry. If you have anything to say, just send someone to tell me."

The two of them exchanged polite words again.
Qingwen sent Li Wan out of the courtyard, then ran back quickly, entered the house, packed salt and seasonings, and went out with a jar of pickles.
"Miss, I sent it."

"I know, please slow down."

Without replying, she ran away, which made Lin Daiyu feel a little puzzled. Today, Qingwen was too enthusiastic. Also, the eldest sister-in-law seemed to have become more plump and more beautiful.
(End of this chapter)