The Concubine Wushuang of Red Mansion

Chapter 195 Xiangyun: I know you only care about Sister Lin

Jia Zheng had already changed out of his official uniform at Aunt Zhao's place and was wearing a blue gauze shirt. He walked in under the eyes of everyone. The women in the room all stood up and saluted. Li Wan had already announced the news to the maid outside the door. I went to the Bisha cupboard to avoid suspicion.

"Hurry up and sit down!" Mother Jia smiled after waiting for Jia Zheng to greet her, "Girl Feng is talking about Brother Cong's return. You are going to the palace for a banquet today. Tell us about the palace banquet."

Today the emperor held a banquet to celebrate Jia Cong's achievements. Logically speaking, a low-level civil servant like him was not qualified to attend. Perhaps because he and Jia Cong came from the same house, he wanted to look good for Jia Cong, but Jia Zheng unexpectedly I also received a notice to go to the banquet, but I was envied by my colleagues in the Ministry of Industry.

At this time, Jia Zheng's cheeks were red because he had drank two glasses of wine at the palace banquet. Hearing Jia Mu talk about it, he became very interested. Even Baoyu standing aside felt that he looked more pleasing to the eye, "My son is doing this right now." I have to tell my mother that Brother Cong is really promising. Not only did he succeed in suppressing the rebellion this time, I heard that the day after the rebellion, the Tatars besieged Ningxia Town. Brother Cong planned to kill the enemy and the Tatars were defeated. Among the prisoners sacrificed this time were those sinful chiefs."

Jia Mu's heart was filled with joy when she heard this. Brother Cong was a young man who sacrificed prisoners at the Meridian Gate. If this continues, he will be able to become the Duke of the country in the future. It's a pity that he wants to build the Ningguo Duke's mansion, and here, Jia Mu She also had her own calculations in her heart. This grandson was her biological grandson. Even if he adopted her, he would be connected by blood to this side, breaking the connection between the bones and tendons. It was the right thing to do, so it was natural for him to take the deed to this side.

Let's discuss this matter with Brother Cong later. He is now in a high position in the government, and these are his real brothers and relatives. If he doesn't help, who will?

Xifeng said, "I heard that brother Cong brought several gifts from Ningxia Town to the emperor. I'm all guessing. I wonder what kind of gifts they are? Did you see the master enter the palace?"

Speaking of this, Jia Zheng's face turned red with excitement. He said, "These three gifts are all used by Cong'er to settle the people of Ningxia. They are also the foundation for the people of Ningxia to live and work in peace and contentment. I can't figure it out. Where did this kid come up with these methods? The emperor said that his contribution is no less than that of suppressing the rebellion. Brother Cong has made a great contribution this time!"

After saying this, Jia Mu also became curious, "What kind of gift is it that makes the Holy One like it so much?"

"Related to clothing, food, housing and transportation, the first is coal. I wonder if we in Shenjing will no longer burn firewood in the future. In the future, we will burn coal for cooking. I heard that the people from the Shenbing camp under Cong'er came up with a way to make a kind of briquettes. There is a coal stove that is extremely cheap to use for cooking."

Aunt Xue smiled and said, "This... we can't think of it, and we don't know what kind of rare thing it is?"

"There are several rare items, and there is also a kind of woolen clothes and trousers, which are said to be made from threads spun from wool. The sweaters and woolen trousers are very warm and lightweight. They are considered a blessing for the common people."

Xue Baochai frowned. She couldn't figure out how the wool could be spun into thread. That man originally thought he was just a man who knew how to fight. But later I found out that he was extremely talented and now he was also good at economics. His age He was younger than herself, but he was the smartest person she had ever seen.

No wonder it can achieve such great achievements!
Jia Mu nodded and said, "If it benefits the people, it will be a great merit!"

Aunt Xue said, "No, no wonder the emperor said that this is comparable to the achievement of suppressing the rebellion."

"Master, are these just these? Didn't you say there were three gifts in total?"

"Also, Brother Cong didn't know what he was thinking. He actually made canned beef and mutton. He transported it from Ningxia in six months. It was a long journey. After more than ten days of hard work on the road, it didn't spoil. This dish was specially added to the palace banquet today. I tasted it and it tasted very good. In the future, people in Shenjing City may also be able to eat beef and mutton."

After hearing this, Mrs. Wang laughed in her heart. This Jia Cong was really from a lowly background. He only thought about these unattractive things all day long. What kind of prince would wear wool on his body?It’s not embarrassing either!

But Xifeng's eyes lit up. Listening to this, how come it is possible to make money?
After the previous blows, life in the Rongguo Mansion became increasingly difficult. Although it was not as difficult as in the original work to make ends meet after the Yuanchun wedding, they had to tighten their belts to live a better life. Xifeng was also caught in the eye of money. Inevitably, there are loan sharks out there, how can we let go of such an opportunity?

She was also thinking about how to talk to Jia Cong and start a partnership in this business.

Aunt Xue smiled and said, "Old lady, after hearing this, I really don't know how Brother Cong's brain is so long that he came up with such a method. I heard that Ningxia specializes in raising cattle and sheep. In the end, those woolen clothes and pants, beef and mutton can be sold to Shenjing, and the people will have an extra way to survive!"

"Isn't that what you are saying? This child is not very old. He has been studying since he was a child. Now he is serving in front of the emperor. He can pretend to be a country for the people in his heart, so his mother's teaching to him is not in vain!" Jia Mu said.

Mrs. Wang was startled and couldn't help but look at Jia Mu coldly. What did she mean by these words?Is it possible that you still want to bring back the memorial tablet of Jia Cong’s mother and put it in the ancestral hall?
If so, there’s another great show to watch!
Aunt Xue was a merchant and lived in Rongguo Mansion. She naturally followed Jia Mu's direction in her words and deeds. She hurriedly tried to please her and said, "It's the old lady who taught me well. I always say that I don't know how the old lady is doing." Man, all the brothers and sisters in the family are so good, it’s really enviable.”

Jia Mu smiled proudly and said, "Auntie, are you kidding me, everything will be fine? But among these grandchildren, my Baoyu is the first, and the eldest girl in the palace is also a good one, let alone brother Cong next door. Okay, among the remaining girls, which one is as good as Bao Yatou?"

Mrs. Wang breathed a sigh of relief. For better or worse, Baoyu was still ranked first. Speaking of Yuanchun, it was another worry for her. It had been many years since she entered the palace, and there was still no news. If Yuanchun could be granted the title of concubine, , Baoyu has become the uncle of the country. Are you still afraid that he will not have a good future in the future?
In the original work, this is also the reason why Jia Mu and Mrs. Wang do not value Baoyu's studies.

"What the old lady said, how can Bao Yatou be a sensible person?" Aunt Xue was modest, and Mrs. Wang said from the side, "I think Bao Yatou is a good person, steady and generous, not like those frivolous ones. "

As for who the "frivolous" person Mrs. Wang mentioned was, she did not say, and no one asked.

At this time, Ping'er came in quietly. Xifeng saw it and asked quickly, "What did the neighbor say? Is Brother Cong back?"

"I heard from the people who were rushing back over there that Mr. Cong came out of the palace just now and is on his way back."

Xifeng said hurriedly, "Old lady, should we go over there now, or should we let the couple come over later and take care of brother Cong in Rongqing Hall?"

In her heart, Jia Mu wanted to let outsiders see that when Jia Cong came back, he usually came to Rongqing Hall first. He still respected her as a grandmother, so that he could tie Ningrong and Ningrong together tightly, but she felt a little unhappy. After confirming it, he said, "Let's take a look and wait until he comes back."

As if to explain, Jia Mu said to Aunt Xue, "The last time I came back, I stayed at home for three days and then left. This time, the palace should give him two days off, so he has plenty of time to catch the wind." The banquet has to be held, so there is no rush for a day or two."

Aunt Xue said, "What the old lady said is that it is not easy for children to be outside, and military merit is not that easy to earn."

"That's not the case. I wonder how thin you have become in the past two months?" Jia Mu said to Xifeng, "Girl Feng, go over there and have a look. If he comes back, will it be me who went there or someone else?" When he comes over, he always asks me to see what he looks like."

Xifeng was obedient and complained in her heart. The old lady clearly wanted Jia Cong to come and pay her respects in person. However, with Jia Cong's temper, it was not easy for him to come and pay her respects to the old lady. thing.

But she couldn't put it off yet, and said hurriedly, "I was just saying that I wanted to go over and have a look, so I'm going right away."

The two red-lacquered and gold-nailed doors of the Ningguo Mansion were wide open. Daiyu led the female relatives of the Ningguo Mansion and waited at the ceremonial gate. Her golden hairpins and pink eyes were eagerly cast towards the door. Everyone was looking forward to it, waiting eagerly. Waiting for that person's arrival.

Not long after, before Jia Cong arrived, Xifeng came and said with a smile, "Oh, look at you guys, stop looking at us like that. Carefully stretch your neck. You can't turn your head back."

The joke made everyone laugh, and they were no longer so anxious. Tanchun smiled and said, "Second sister-in-law is so witty, I don't know where she got her quick wit."

Daiyu only smiled. At this time, she had no intention of joking, but Xifeng looked at her, his red phoenix eyes glanced at the flying phoenix hairpin on Daiyu's head, his eyes flashed, and the phoenix hairpin's phoenix mouth The seven strings of beaded curtain tassels were picked out, which deeply confirmed Daiyu's identity as Madam Chaopin, second only to the Queen in the palace.

"The Marquis is back!" A woman trotted over at the gate and shouted.

Daiyu couldn't care less about Xifeng at this time. She stood on tiptoe and looked out. At the gate, a young man in a python robe got off his horse, threw the reins to the attendant behind him, and strode in. Daiyu quickly Step off the platform and run forward.

In the eyes of Xifeng and others, Jia Cong was wearing a beam crown on his head, a red python robe on his body, and a jade belt around his waist. He was walking like a dragon and walking like a tiger. He was majestic and eye-catching.

"Yu'er!"

Jia Cong saw Daiyu at a glance, walked two steps quickly, hugged Daiyu in his arms, and lowered his eyes to look at her face, which was as pretty as a spring flower. Her bright eyes were like water under her smokey eyebrows, and he was reflected in her eyes. On her face, the longing hidden in her heart turned into love at this time, and she couldn't help but lowered her head and kissed her on the forehead, "Are you okay?"

Because it was in front of everyone, Jia Cong couldn't say the words "Have you missed me? I've missed you." A hug and a kiss on the forehead already made Daiyu extremely embarrassed and her heart was full of shame. She felt happy and a little emotional, her bright eyes were already sparkling with tears, she bit her lip lightly and just looked at Jia Cong without speaking.

Jia Cong knows very well that Daiyu is a very affectionate person, and her feelings are never mixed with any worldly things. When she has you in her heart, everything about you is the best. He will miss her even if he doesn't see her, and he will miss her even if he sees her. This kind of Daiyu will only make him want to cherish and treat her a hundred times a thousand times more.

Jia Cong gently traced Daiyu's cheek with his fingertips and said with a smile, "I'm back, isn't it? My second sister-in-law and sisters are watching, and they are laughing at me!"

Youshi didn't dare to look and looked away; Xifeng was still in shock, and Yingchun also looked at Jia Cong with expectant eyes. Maybe it was because he raised a cat and had someone to take care of it that he turned naughty. At this moment, he looked at his brother and sister-in-law curiously.Tan Chun hurriedly came down to support Daiyu, "Brother Cong, you haven't come back. Sister-in-law Cong has been worried about you!"

This was trying to make up for Daiyu's behavior just now, but Jia Cong liked Daiyu's direct and passionate expression of emotion very much, and said with a smile, "I know, I am a military commander, and there is nothing I can do about it. As long as she goes out, she will inevitably worry a lot. Some. You should enlighten her more on weekdays."

The words "I know" moved Daiyu deeply. She took a step back and looked at her husband's generous shoulders, feeling a sense of joy and peace in her heart. He always understood her best!

"Eldest sister-in-law, second sister-in-law Lian, second sister, and fourth sister!" Jia Cong greeted them one by one, his eyes falling on the young girl with a young face and bright teeth.

I saw that she was about younger than Daiyu, with black hair combed into a double bun, her eyebrows were sparse, her skin was pure and beautiful, she was wearing a lotus-colored gauze shirt and a pomegranate skirt, and she was looking at her with a pair of big bright eyes. .

"Is this sister Xiangyun?" Jia Cong asked with a smile.

"Brother Cong, how good or bad you are, don't you even remember me? Humph, I knew that you only cared about Sister Lin and forgot about us all!" Xiangyun tilted her little head and said coquettishly.

Daiyu was so embarrassed that she couldn't even raise her head. Jia Cong raised his hand and gently stroked her back. He said in a cold voice with a hint of displeasure, "It turns out that she is really the Shi family's sister. I really don't remember that we had any relationship before." I’ve never seen it before, so please forgive me for any slightness!”

Xiangyun was puzzled by what she said. She didn't know which of her words had offended the young prince, so she looked at Tanchun with an aggrieved look.

Xifeng saw it and knew that Jia Cong was unhappy because Xiangyun was outspoken and compared her with Daiyu, which violated Jia Cong's taboo. She couldn't help but smile and said, "Sister Yun, in our Ningguo Mansion, you I would rather offend your brother Cong than offend your sister Lin."

Xiangyun thought, that's it. He took two steps forward and took Daiyu's hand from the other side, "Sister Lin, if I just said that, I didn't mean it."

Tomorrow I wanted to apologize to Daiyu, but in reality I wanted to apologize to Jia Cong.

Jia Cong ignored it. He was really not interested in the affairs of his daughter's family. He had just subconsciously defended Daiyu. Firstly, Daiyu was his wife and could not be offended. Secondly, it was also the sequelae left after reading the original work. , in the original work, Xiangyun bullied Daiyu a lot.

"Sister Yun said these things to the outside world. You have never been familiar with each other. If there is a misunderstanding, just talk it over. When we get along for a long time in the future, these things will not happen." Daiyu said with a smile.

At this time, Xiangyun wanted to say a few words to Jia Cong, who was familiar with him, but seeing Jia Cong's stern eyebrows and serious smile, he was afraid that the two words were wrong and offended him again, so he had to keep his mouth shut.

After Jia Cong sent Daiyu to Ningxi Hall, he returned to the front yard to take a bath. The one who served him was Qingwen. The hot soup was ready and all the clothes were ready. The steam in the huge bathtub filled the ear room with steam. It has to be a little hot.

Qingwen wore a thin jacket, and her body was soaked with sweat. The clothes were wrapped around her slim body, showing off her round waist and perky buttocks.

Just as Qingwen was about to step forward to undress Jia Cong, Jia Cong ordered, "You go and wait outside. You don't have to be here."

Qingwen was stunned for a moment, pouted, and glared at Jia Cong with a pair of pretty eyes. She lightly stamped her foot, but she saw that Jia Cong was completely ignoring her, and she couldn't help but feel even more aggrieved.

When the Marquis was young, she and She Yue served the Marquis together. She was originally his personal maid. She hadn't even become an aunt yet, but Zi Juan got there first.

It’s just relying on my wife!

It turns out that after Zijuan served Jia Cong the last time, Daiyu increased Zijuan's monthly payment to five taels of silver, which was more than the maidservant. I heard that Zijuan served the Marquis that day. After bathing, the two of them stayed in the small penthouse for a long time before coming out.

What does this mean? Who in the house doesn’t know?
No wonder Qingwen was unhappy. She was staying here today because she had thought that the Marquis would need someone to serve him when he came back after being away for so long. She must not miss this opportunity.

Who would have thought that he would be kicked out by the Marquis? How could he not feel aggrieved?

Qingwen was annoyed at the door, her eyes that were originally fascinated were red with grievance, and her ears were raised, listening to what was going on inside.

Not long after, I heard the sound of Jia Cong walking inside, and I had the urge to open the door and go in, but I still didn't dare.

She held the handkerchief, and there was a war between heaven and man in her heart. Jia Cong had already opened the door, and Qingwen stepped back in panic.

What Qingwen prepared for Jia Cong today was a sky-blue plain-patterned round-neck gown. It was a little too short for him. Seeing Jia Cong going back, Qingwen felt happy and hurriedly chased after him, "Master Hou, what are you going to do?" No, let me help you change your clothes!"

Jia Cong glanced at the clothes on his body, then raised his eyes to look at Qingwen. He did not miss the joy in her eyes and asked, "This clothes doesn't look like you made it."

Qingwen became more and more happy, "I made some clothes for Mr. Hou. He just came back today. Madam said she took these clothes for Mr. Hou to change into. I just saw that the clothes worn by Mr. Hou were a bit too short. Wear it out without making anyone laugh."

Jia Cong took two steps forward. Qingwen felt uneasy for some reason but still mustered up the courage to stand still. She twisted the handkerchief with her hands, her elegant and dexterous eyes were filled with water, and her hibiscus-like face was filled with bright spring. .

"Qingwen, when we went to Jiangning together, do you still remember what I said to you on the boat?" Jia Cong asked.

Qingwen was stunned for a moment, raised her shy face, and looked at Jia Cong with aggrievedness. She bit her lip heavily with her teeth, and her words echoed in her ears, "Sister Lin is not only a relative to me, but also a relative. "Cousin is still the master" "There cannot be distinctions between superiority and inferiority in the family", but how could she not regard the wife as her master?She was originally the Marquis's personal maid. When his wife was alive, she served in front of the Marquis.

If Madam hadn't always been in the way, she would have been an aunt long ago. Madam herself couldn't serve the Marquis and let Zijuan take the lead. Should she have endured it?
"Master Hou is bullying! How could I be disrespectful to Madam? Master Hou's clothes are obviously too small. I also think about Master Hou!" Qingwen burst into tears with grievance.

Jia Cong nodded, "It's best if you respect her. Qingwen, you have always been smart. You should know that even when I enter this house, I have to listen to her. Don't say she only gives me I have to wear a piece of clothing that is too small, even if it is torn, do you understand this?"

Qingwen didn't understand, her glassy eyes were covered with a layer of ignorance, and she shook her head.

"She is the wife. Since ancient times, men have taken charge outside and women have taken charge at home. She is the wife of Ning Guohou Mansion. She has the final say in everything in the house. Even I have to obey her arrangements, let alone you!"

After Jia Cong finished speaking, he went to the backyard in his slightly short clothes, leaving Qingwen standing there, her little face turned pale instantly, while Yinglian stood not far away, holding on to the door frame, looking slightly different. think.

In Ningxi Hall, Daiyu sat on the Arhat bed, Youshi and Xifeng sat on the chairs on both sides. The girls sat down and were talking about washing away the dust and catching the wind.

"The old lady said she was thinking about Brother Cong very much. If Brother Cong doesn't have time to go over, the old lady will come over and take a look in person in a while so that she can rest assured. I just saw it too. Brother Cong has been away for the past two months. He must be eating. I have suffered a lot. Although I have grown taller, I have lost a lot of weight." Xifeng did not dare to tell Jia Cong this, so she put pressure on Daiyu.

Dai Yu was at a loss for how to answer when Jia Cong came in and hurriedly greeted him. She looked at Jia Cong up and down and saw that his clothes were shorter. Her face suddenly turned red and she said, "Brother Cong, these clothes are mine." How did I know that you have grown so much?"

"Aren't you happy that I've grown taller?" Jia Cong resisted the urge to pinch her tender cheeks and tugged on his sleeves, "It's okay to wear this today!"

The couple couldn't keep talking about themselves, so Daiyu said, "Brother Cong, I have prepared a banquet. My sister-in-law and sisters have said that they will take care of you first..."

"Oh, it's no coincidence. I also followed the old lady's orders and prepared a banquet early. Brother Cong, why don't you go to Rongqing Hall first? I'm just talking. The old lady is waiting. I want to see Brother Cong. I was asking before I came. I wonder if he has lost weight or grown taller. Brother Cong can go over and let the old lady take a look?" Xifeng also stood up and said.

"Let's go another day. I'm tired today. There was a banquet in the palace, and I quarreled with all the officials. I didn't even eat a few bites. I'm so hungry!" Jia Cong said a few words and declined Xifeng's invitation. A pair of peach blossoms Looking at Daiyu, she had a pitiful expression begging to be fed.

Daiyu felt very distressed. While ordering the food to be served, she asked Xifeng, "Second sister-in-law Lian, why don't we eat together and then go over?"

(End of this chapter)