Red Mansion Beijingwang

This is an auspicious day for moving.

The Xue family's new residence was decorated with lanterns and colorful decorations, and the people who came to celebrate were like carps crossing the river. There was a long row of cars, mules and horses in front of the black oil gate, which was very lively.

A stage was set up in front of the main hall early. Xue Pan, Xue Ke and Xue Xiao, who came to Beijing to congratulate, were all dressed in brocade clothes to accompany them outside. About ten tables of wine were set up for the relatives who came to congratulate.

A banquet was also held in the inner courtyard of the back house. Aunt Xue greeted the guests in the courtyard with a festive look. The smile on her face never diminished. For a moment, she seemed to be several years younger.

At this time, Baochai led Ying'er over, wearing an apricot yellow satin round-necked jacket embroidered with peony folding branches, a white round-necked jacket, and a pink pleated skirt embroidered with peonies. Her face was like a silver basin, and her eyes were like water. Apricot, the eyebrows are not painted but green, the lips are not painted but red, the bones and flesh are even, and the graceful and elegant demeanor is everywhere. It is worthy of the saying "the flowers are more beautiful when they are very pale".

"My dear, why are you here when you are not watching the show with the concubine?" Aunt Xue asked with a smile.

The Xue family's new residence was right next to the Prince's Palace in Beijing, so Beijing's concubine and other female relatives came early to join in the fun, which added to the Xue family's dignity.

With a slight smile on her plump face, Baochai said softly: "The concubine said that my daughter is still a member of the Xue family, and she was afraid that my mother would not be able to entertain her here, so she asked me to come over and help her."

When Aunt Xue heard this, the smile on her lips became even bigger. She looked at Baochai with a little feeling in her eyes and said softly: "The concubine is reasonable. Mom won't have to worry about you in the future."

Logically speaking, since Baochai has entered the palace, he is no longer a member of the Xue family. Therefore, Aunt Xue did not intend to let Baochai attend the Xue family's housewarming party today, so as not to worry the concubine.

However, she did not expect that the concubine would be so reasonable, which made Aunt Xue completely relieved. Even if her daughter was a concubine, she would not be wronged. She sighed in her heart that sending Baochai to the palace was the right choice.

Baochai responded with a smile, but didn't say anything.

In fact, Baochai knew in her heart that most of the concubine's kindness came from Shui Rong. Because Shui Rong valued the Xue family, he "loved the house and the bird", so he naturally became reasonable in his treatment of the Xue family.

After a while, a middle-aged woman in brocade clothes walked over with a smile and said warmly: "Sister Xue, congratulations on your move."

When Aunt Xue saw the person coming, she went up to him with a smile and said, "It's Sister Xia who's here."

Baochai raised her eyes and looked at the so-called "Xia Meizi". She also knew in her heart that the person coming was the grandmother of the Xia family. Like the Xue family, they were all merchants listed in the Ministry of Household Affairs. They were also one of the largest sects in Chang'an City, ranging from princes to princes. Businessmen all call him the Osmanthus Xia family.

The Xue and Xia families were in the same family back then, and their sons and daughters had been living together since childhood. When it came to being related, they were still uncle, brother and sister.

Grandma Xia exchanged pleasantries with Aunt Xue, then her eyes fell on the bright Baochai, a strange color flashed in her eyes, and she said enthusiastically: "Hey, this is Baochai, she looks like a flower."

Baochai raised her eyes and glanced at Aunt Xia. She saw that she was warm and generous, exuding a capable temperament in her movements. An inexplicable color flashed in her almond-shaped eyes. She saluted and said, "Aunt Xia."

Baochai admired this "Aunt Xia" in her heart. The Xia family and the Xue family were both royal merchants, and they were from the same family. The mistresses of the two families were both widows, so Baochai knew the hardships involved.

Not only that, Grandma Xia only has one daughter. In this era, it is common for people to have no sons and the family business to be plotted. However, Grandma Xia is unusual. She runs the Xia family's business independently. Not only does she not suffer a loss, she also makes Osmanthus Xia family's With his name, he monopolized the Osmanthus fragrans bureau in the palace.

This style of behavior really has the feeling of being a woman who doesn't give in to men.

"Hey"

Grandma Xia responded with a smile, then looked at the young girl beside her, raised her eyebrows and said, "Look at how well-educated this little girl is. She sticks her head around like a piece of wood, but she still doesn't say hello."

When the girl heard the words, her two thin eyebrows were raised slightly, and then she bowed and said, "Goodbye, Aunt Xue."

Aunt Xue looked at the flower-like girl in front of her, with a face like a peach blossom and a body like a weak willow facing the wind. Her eyes lit up slightly and she said, "This is Jin Gui. It's really a woman's eighteenth transformation. She has become more and more handsome." I don’t know which son I will buy cheaper in the future.”

Upon hearing this, Grandma Xia raised the corners of her mouth, a flash of light flashed in her eyes, and sighed: "Oh, sister, please stop talking. My sister gets a headache when I talk about this."

Aunt Xue vaguely heard some clues and said, "With the wealth of the Xia family and Jin Gua's temperament, you still can't find a good family?"

Could it be that you have high standards and look down on ordinary people?
Grandma Xia sighed when she heard this and said: "My sister doesn't lie in front of my sister. The Xia family seems respectable, but in fact they are just businessmen. Some families don't look down on us, and my sister doesn't have any requirements. I just want to find a good family who knows my roots, and I can even entrust the family business to it, so that my sister can have an easy life. "

When Aunt Xue heard this, she felt the same way in her heart. Although the Xue family was glamorous, in fact, in this part of the capital, they were indeed a little out of place and not valued by the powerful.

If it weren't for the legacy of their ancestors, the Xue family wouldn't even be able to reach the threshold of the Prince's Palace in Beijing, so there would be no chance that Baochai would be able to enter the Palace.

Just listening to Grandma Xia's words, Aunt Xue's heart suddenly became lively. She also knew the situation of the Xia family. There was only one daughter, Xia Jingui. It was reasonable for this large family fortune to be used as Xia Jingui's dowry. Most likely it's true.

Darling, such a big family fortune is really
"Bao girl, you take Jin Gui inside to watch the show, and Sister Xia and I will talk together."

Aunt Xue groaned and then said to Baochai with a smile.

Baochai glanced at Aunt Xue, turned her eyes slightly, but didn't say anything. After responding, she politely led Xia Jingui towards the inner room.

In a wing somewhere.

Shui Rong sat at the front seat, his warm eyes as calm as water. He looked down at the middle-aged man sitting on the yellow flower chair below and asked, "What's wrong with Mr. Bowling?"

The person in the hall is none other than Baolinghou Shi Nai, the uncle of Xiangyun.

As an "outsider", he could not overshadow the guests, so he was the guest at the Xue family's housewarming banquet, and he was enjoying himself peacefully in the hall, eating wine and listening to music.

When the interest was high, Jia Zheng, the cheap father-in-law, and Shi Nai came hand in hand, saying that they had something to discuss, which is why the current scene happened. Shui Rong didn't waste any words and asked directly.

Shi Nai's expression was a little unnatural, with a look of expectation in his eyes, and he said respectfully: "Your Majesty, I have been greatly favored by the emperor to inherit the title of Baoling Marquis, and I am filled with gratitude. However, enjoying wealth and honor in peace in the capital is really not what I want."

When Shui Rong heard this, he felt a sudden change in his heart. He was here to seek help from an official!

Emperor Yongkang's early attitude towards the meritorious lineage was to be defensive, so most of them were idle, leaving only an income from the title.

Shui Rong was generally aware of the situation of the historians. Originally, the title of Marquis Baoling was that of the father of Xiangyun. However, he died of illness and had no children, so his younger brother Shi Nai succeeded him as Marquis of Baoling.

In the original work, the Shi family was so poor that they could not afford to hire an embroiderer, so the female family members did their own needlework. Xiangyun even wiped away tears for this. This shows how bad the current situation of the Shi family is.

After groaning, Shui Rong said softly: "If Marquis Baoling is willing to serve in the Governor's Mansion, I can recommend him."

Shui Rong himself also understood that the Shi family and the second prince were not much worse than the Jia family. If Shi Nai had the intention, getting an official position would be just a casual matter.

Now that Shi Nai is seeking help from him, he is no longer an insignificant official.

The Shi family is different from the Beijing Palace and the Jia family. Their ancestor Shi Gong was a minister, and he was a civil servant. In all likelihood, he would not serve in the governor's house.

As for Jia Zheng, he is different from Shi Nai. Jia Zheng is just the second eldest son of the Duke of Guo and has no title to inherit. However, Shi Nai inherited a super-grade marquis and let a marquis serve as the judge. This is not a slap in the face of the historian. .

When Shi Nai heard this, his expression became even more unnatural, and his face was full of bitterness. He said: "My lord, I don't know much about military affairs. I'm afraid it will be difficult for me to serve in the Governor's Mansion."

He understood the polite rejection contained in the water, but there was nothing he could do about it now. The Holy Emperor treated their achievements so coldly that he had been idle for many years, accomplishing nothing.

At present, the emperor's attitude is gentle and he has entrusted the prince of Beijing County with important tasks. If Shui Rong can speak a few words, he can probably lift his shackles and use this as a springboard to enter the court.

Shui Rong looked at Shi Nai with slightly condensed eyes. If it were an ordinary person, he would have left angrily after hearing Shui Rong's polite words. But he didn't expect that he would be so persistent.

After groaning, Shui Rong suddenly said: "If Marquis Baoling is willing, I can show you the way. It depends on whether Marquis Baoling has the courage to go up."

When Shi Nai heard this, he felt happy and said hurriedly: "I hope the prince will show me."

Shui Rong chuckled lightly when he saw this, but he was not in a hurry to say anything. Instead, he asked: "Does Marquis Baoling know about the new policy?" Shi Nai was startled, his slender brows furrowed, and he replied: "I heard that I Some, cabinet officials are arguing endlessly, and they have yet to reach a conclusion.”

The New Deal was to "divide a small family into an acre". Earlier, the governor of Shandong reported this, which caused controversy in the court. Emperor Yongkang then sent it to the cabinet for discussion. After several months of discussion, there was no result. Coupled with the floods in Shandong and Henan, Then put it aside.

Shui Rong smiled and said, "If you are serious, study the pros and cons of the "New Deal" and report it to His Majesty."

Shi Nai raised his eyes and glanced at Shui Rong, with a confused look on his face: "My lord, it's not that I don't want to, it's just that since your majesty has put it aside, I don't think I have any intention of doing so. If I take the liberty to report it, I'm afraid it will be counterproductive."

In fact, not only that, although Shi Nai didn't know much about the "New Deal", he did know something about it. The opposition to this matter in the court was very huge. If he reported it himself, he would become a target of public criticism.

Shui Rong picked up the tea cup, took a sip, and said without comment, "Not necessarily. Since His Majesty has handed over the "New Deal" matter to the cabinet for discussion, it means that His Majesty intends to try it out, but he just has some concerns."

This is what a qualified official should do to figure out the holy will. Emperor Yongkang was an accomplished emperor. It was impossible not to see clearly that the "New Deal" was a good medicine for the currently ailing Qian Dynasty. The current hesitation is nothing more than Scruples caused shock in the court.

But Shui Rong knew that the "New Deal" would be implemented sooner or later, it was just a matter of time.

When Shi Nai heard this, his eyes lit up slightly. Since Shui Rong said this, it was true. After all, given the other party's identity, there was absolutely no need to deceive him.

Although we are worried about becoming a target of public criticism, as long as the gains are equivalent, these worries will not be a concern. To put it bluntly, the greater the risk, the greater the benefit.

In conclusion, the road pointed by the prince is indeed a clear path.

Thinking of this, Shi Nai responded respectfully: "Yes, I understand. I will definitely study the "New Deal" after I go back."

Upon seeing this, Shui Rong said nothing. The decision-making power rested with Shi Nai. Whether he could be reused would depend on his views on the "New Deal".

After all, you need to be strong enough to make iron. If you don't have this ability, then you can't blame him.

In fact, Shui Rong doesn't need to pay attention to this matter. It's just about the "New Deal". Shui Rong also has wishes in his heart. After all, although the "dividing a small family into an acre" policy has its drawbacks, it is undoubtedly the most appropriate policy for the current Qian Dynasty. If implemented, it can benefit thousands of people.

After a few moments of silence, Shui Rong suddenly said: "By the way, I haven't seen Girl Yun for a while. It would be nice to let Girl Yun stay in the palace for a while."

Hearing this, Shi Nai responded with a smile: "Yun'er is the prince's god-sister, so it should be like this."

Shui Rong smiled and said nothing. Xiangyun had been staying in the Shi family for a long time, and it was time to return to the big family of the palace.

In the flower hall in the backyard, the hall was already decorated with lights and colorful decorations. Concubine Beijing, Jia Mu, Mrs. Wang, Yuan Chun, Chai Dai, Bao Yu, San Chun, etc. were all present.

The place is crowded with people and the hall is full of pearls and greenery.

It's just that there is no bright and flamboyant figure among them. She must be staying in the house to recuperate.

In the hall, Concubine Beijing was chatting softly with Mrs. Jia and Mrs. Wang, while Yuan Chun accompanied them, looking relaxed and happy.

On the tables on one side, Daiyu and the others naturally gathered together, looking at the "Yay Ya Ya" opera in Taichung, and whispering softly from time to time.

Baoyu sat on one side, his face like a silver moon full of excitement, his whole person seemed to be glowing with the new year, and he couldn't rest.

Since the sisters came to the palace to have fun again, Baoyu once again lived in the company of the "Four Books and Five Classics" that smelled like stench, and no one knew the pain in his heart.

Fortunately, while attending the Xue family's housewarming party, Baoyu was finally able to open his heart.

"Sister Bao, who is this sister? She was born like this. I can't describe it."

Baoyu looked at the "sister" Baochai had brought and saw that it was like a flower. He couldn't help but ask.

Hearing this, Daiyu glanced sideways, and after saying "Idiot", she talked softly with Xiangyun. The other sisters all smiled knowingly, knowing that Baoyu's old habit had happened again, so they didn't respond. .

On the other hand, the newcomer Xia Jingui was angry when he saw that Baoyu was so rude. His pretty face was as cold as frost, and he secretly spat: "Where did you come from? A dog can't spit out ivory from its mouth. How can you, my aunt?" Offended."

He was just worried about his identity and didn't say anything, but he felt disgusted in his heart.

Baochai glanced at Baoyu, feeling helpless. Baoyu's move was tantamount to teasing other girls. It's strange that he got a good look on her. It was just the temperament of a child.

Pursing her pink lips, Baochai introduced them one by one. In order to take care of Baochai's face, Daiyu and others naturally treated each other with kindness and politeness.

After some pleasantries, Xia Jingui sat down next to Baochai and watched the opera sung quietly in the audience, acting like a lady.

Tan Chunying looked at Xiangyun with shining eyes and said loudly: "Sister Yun, Sister Lin, and Second Sister have all come to the palace. When will you come over, we sisters can get together."

Xiangyun was originally at the Shi family, but this time he came with Shi Nai to congratulate the Xue family on their housewarming banquet.

When Baoyu heard this, his face immediately fell down, and he felt his heart was so cold that he couldn't think of anything to do with this disappointing thing.

Xiangyun's mood wasn't much better either. He pursed his pink lips and said with a stern expression, "I don't know either!"

In the final analysis, Xiangyun is just a little daughter. Although she is pampered, she cannot make the decision on her own. If she wants to come to the palace, her elders have to make the decision.

Hearing this, Daiyu cast a sidelong glance at Xiangyun. With her slender hands, she held a strand of blue silk on her shoulder and said in a charming voice: "My brother doesn't love you the most. If you go and beg me for once, it won't disappoint you." "

We are both god-sisters, so I think my brother likes Xiangyun more. After all, Xiangyun is lively and cute, which is infinitely better than her boring sister.

If not, why would you only see your brother pinching Xiangyun and not see him pinching yourself? This is not partiality.

Xiangyun curled his lips and hummed softly: "If my brother-in-law had meant it, he would have picked me up a long time ago. Why should I wait eagerly, fearing that I might have forgotten my sister a long time ago."

There is a greasy smell, which is obviously a sign of a small temper.

At this time, Baoyu came up with a smile and said, "Sister Yun, why don't I go and talk to my ancestor later and we can be companions together."

Daiyu and others have already wanted to live in the palace for a while, which seems to be hopeless, but since Xiangyun has fallen, it would be better for the two of them to be companions than to study together all day long.

Tanchun couldn't help but feel funny when he heard this, and said softly: "Second brother, your calculations are all in vain. My brother-in-law has been thinking about Sister Yun. The former one also said that when Sister Yun comes today, he will take him to the palace. It’s easy to clean up.”

As soon as he heard this, Xiangyun perked up, and with a smile on his slightly baby-fat face, he said, "That's pretty much it."

With that said, Xiangyun said to Baoyu, who had an earthy face: "Brother Ai, you are studying now. This is also a good thing. It will also help you to deal with worldly affairs in the future."

When Baoyu heard this, his complexion completely fell down, and he went to study, study, and study in a useless school.

Suddenly, Baoyu's pain of being forced to study during this period suddenly came to his heart. He felt in a daze, as if something was blocked, and his eyes gradually became dementia.

Xiangyun was stunned when he saw that Baoyu had been silent for a long time. When he was about to say something, he saw Baoyu's mouth had a crack in his mouth. His little eyes suddenly widened and he shouted: "Brother Ai, Brother Ai, what's wrong with you."

The attacker standing behind him noticed something strange about Baoyu, and his heart trembled. He hurriedly stepped forward, shook Baoyu's body, and shouted: "Second Master, Second Master.

This is incredible, the second master was stunned. "

Following the attacker's shout, the hall suddenly became chaotic. (End of chapter)