Red Mansion Huacai

Chapter 58
March [-]rd, Tanchun gave birth to a baby on this day.

When she got up early in the morning, the little girl got up happily, washed herself and put on new clothes under the service of several maids.Then they went to the courtyard in succession, burning incense, offering tea, and burning paper.

First I went to pay homage to the old lady, and then I went to pay homage to Mrs. Xing, Mrs. Wang, and Aunt Xue. Although Aunt Zhao was the birth mother of Tan Chun, she was left last.

It has long been a tradition for girls in the mansion to celebrate their birthdays. It is a little worse than Baoyu and Daiyu, but the congratulatory gifts from the elders of each house are indispensable.

Coming out of Lixiangyuan, the hands of several maids accompanying Tanchun were already full of congratulatory gifts.But the little girl walked quickly, holding her skirt as if running along the aisle.

The accompanying servant said: "Girl, please slow down, be careful of falling. Besides, we are still carrying objects, so I'm afraid we won't be able to catch the girl."

Tan Chun only let out a string of laughter like silver bells: "You can just follow behind. I heard that Fourth Brother Jian has to practice every morning, so I want to go and take a look. Geez..."

The maids had no choice but to step up their pace.

Not long after, when I arrived in front of the gate of the small courtyard in the northeast, I could hear shivering sounds coming from inside through the courtyard wall, sometimes accompanied by the shouts of a man and a woman.

Tanchun stopped in front of the door. He was her son today, and he was a bit more unrestrained compared to usual. So the little girl raised her feet and shouted: "Brother Jian, here I come!"

It was quiet inside, and soon the courtyard door creaked open, revealing a maid with bangs stuck to her forehead and her face covered with sweat.

Xiu Ying took a closer look and then said: "Ah, it's the third girl." She turned around and said happily: "Sir, the third girl is here to find you."

The courtyard door opened, and Tanchun saw Li Weijian, who was wearing a bun and holding a wooden knife in his hand, waving to the side of the room from a distance: "Third sister, come in quickly. Why are you here now?"

Tan Chun walked into the courtyard with her skirt in hand and smiled brightly. As she walked, she said, "I went to meet the elders of each house early in the morning. I just came out of Lixiang Courtyard and wanted to come and see Fourth Brother Jian." After a pause, Xiao The girl stared at the wooden knife in Li Weijian's hand and said, "Fourth brother Jian also uses a knife of this style every day?"

"Well, it's almost the same," Li Weijian turned the wooden knife over and handed it to Tanchun in front of him, and said, "The weight is a little lighter than this wooden knife."

Tanchun took it and estimated that the wooden sword weighed about three pounds, but she thought that Li Weijian was good at literature and martial arts, and it seemed that a sword would be more suitable.Tanchun was good at words, but he couldn't say it right now. He handed the wooden sword back, looked around and said, "Did Fourth Brother Jian still practice bow and arrow this morning?"

"Not much practice."

Tan Chun said in surprise: "They say that if you don't practice martial arts for a day, it will be so wasted. It's a pity that Fourth Brother Jian's arrows are in rapid succession."

"Huh?" Li Weijian felt that Tanchun was so cute, and he suddenly became playful and said with a smile: "Third sister, please wait a moment. Today I will let you see what a string of arrows is."

He returned to the main room, and soon he picked up a bow and a long box came out.Tanchun was surprised when he saw Li Weijian combining the iron box and the bow, aiming at the wooden target hanging on the wall with his open hand, pulling the bow string repeatedly, and the arrows flew out one after another.

Then there was a banging, banging, buzzing, and in a moment, seven feather arrows were stuck on the target.

Tan Chun's eyes widened, he turned to look at the iron box and said, "That's amazing! Fourth Brother Jian, what is this?"

Li Weijian took it off and handed it to Tan Chun, and explained with a smile: "It should be called a rapid-fire arrow box release device."

The so-called ability is not enough, technology can make up for it.Li Weijian is stronger than ordinary people. He can pull seven bows in a short time. He also has some talent in archery, but it is nonsense to practice the art of continuous arrows in three or two years.Fortunately, he used to watch various videos while sitting in the office fishing, so after leaving Maoshan and returning to Jinling, he tried several times to build such an object.

I originally wanted to defend myself along the way, but when I got the chance to go to the capital, I would offer this thing as a step forward.Unexpectedly, when the boat arrived in Dezhou, it happened to encounter water bandits robbing the boat. It was dark and windy, and there was only a lantern in front of Li Weijian.

After arriving in the capital, Li Weijian only saw Dashun's footsteps, and most of them were equipped with firecrackers, so the rapid-fire arrow box release device could only be shelved on the shelf.

"Throw the rapid-fire arrow box...throw--" Tan Chun was a little confused, and suddenly realized that the Li Weijian in front of him seemed a little different from what he had in mind.She secretly thought, this...can be regarded as a man of literary and military skills, right?
Well, sure!
Tanchun made up his mind, handed the object back to Li Weijian, and then said: "Fourth Brother Jian, I gave birth to a son today. I told my ancestors yesterday that I would also invite Fourth Brother Jian to come over and join in the fun."

Li Weijian responded with a smile: "I was about to ask Third Sister for a drink. I'll be there when I get back in the afternoon."

Tan Chun had grass growing in his heart, thinking about what kind of gift Li Weijian would give, but it was hard to ask at this moment, so he smiled and said, "Then I'll go first and pay my respects to my aunt."

"Third sister, walk slowly."

After Tanchun and the maids left, Li Weijian smiled and thought deeply. He went to Shuiyue Temple yesterday to offer incense, but he delayed looking for gifts for Tanchun.On a little girl's birthday, the gift should not be too expensive and should show the sincerity, which is difficult... He then suddenly remembered that he had heard Yan Fengzhen say earlier that the inner-city manufacturing office sold items with clearly marked prices.

Why don't you go to the manufacturing office today to have a look.

After making up his mind, Li Weijian waited for breakfast before heading off with Wu Haiping.At this time, the spring is just right, and the swallows are coming from the north.The two of them rode around the imperial city and found the manufacturing office near the Neifu Yamen.

After showing the waist badge presented by King Zhongyong, he was immediately received attentively by the servants.There are many exquisite objects in this office, including imitation Western clocks and watches, as well as various exquisite traditional objects, and more importantly, various kinds of hairpins with unique shapes.

Li Weijian wandered around for a long time, thinking about Tanchun's temperament, and finally chose something he liked. When he was about to leave, he suddenly saw a lot of gold and jade placed aside.He leaned over and picked up a pendant, then thought about the jade hanging on Baoyu's chest.

The clerk didn't know what he was thinking, so he came to the side and said, "Young master, you have good eyesight. This is the authentic Hetian jade. This one is more plain. There are also Guanyin and inscriptions on the side."

Li Weijian frowned at first, then relaxed, and said tentatively: "Excuse me, I would like to ask if there is a way to write on jade? It looks like it is natural." The clerk blinked and said with a smile: "This What's the difficulty? Sprinkle the handwriting with chicken blood, dry it and bury it in the soil. It will be ready in a month or two?" After a pause, the clerk reminded: "Young master, you must be careful, it's out there. Many of the blood jade for sale are made in this way. It is obviously worthless to soak it in blood and sell it for dozens of taels. You are really evil!"

Li Weijian burst into laughter: "Can you really write?" He held the jade pendant in his hand and shook it: "Then I paid the deposit and asked the manufacturing office to help me write a few words?"

"Of course it's done. Please leave the calligraphy treasure."

The clerk called over a servant. Li Weijian took the pen and ink, thought about it, and left a line of writing on the paper.After paying the deposit again, Wu Haiping was led out of the manufacturing office.

Riding on the horse, Li Weijian's hesitation disappeared.He had tried cultivating immortality, but it was pure nonsense.There is also a Kun Dao named Jing Huan who always runs to Ningguo Mansion when he has nothing to do. It is impossible to say that he is the so-called Jing Huan fairy in Baoyu's dream.

Based on this speculation, there are no gods here, so how could Jia Baoyu's piece of jade be real?It can't be said that it was a drama directed and performed by Mrs. Wang, that stupid woman!
He won the favor of Jia Mu by virtue of being born with a jade in his mouth, and then relied on Jia Mu's love for Baoyu to plot the title of the Rongguo Mansion... Tsk tsk, he seems smart, but in fact he is extremely stupid!
Because the Jia family's soldiers participated in the military rebellion that year, and because the Jia family's disciples and old officials were all over the army, the saint had long been afraid of the Jia family.Now we have found another precious jade with a jade in its mouth. What do the Jia family want to do?Is it necessary to replace it?
It is said that the men of the Jia family are incompetent, but in fact the women in charge of the house are no less generous.Not to mention that Ningguo Mansion is in ruins, Mrs. Xing of Rongguo Mansion is greedy, Mrs. Wang is vicious, and even the old lady is confused. It is no wonder that trouble will come to her in the future.

After thinking about it, Li Weijian had already made up his mind.The Jia family's downfall has long been doomed, so he should not get too involved with it.When you gain power in the future, you can plan to rescue your eldest sister, Lange'er, and even the innocent women in the mansion.

The master and servant passed by a street and saw Liu Dazheng directing the men to dig a well.The facade facing the street has been demolished, and scaffolding has been erected in the rear courtyard. Many carpenters and bricklayers are busy around, looking like they are building a water tower.

Li Weijian stepped forward to observe. Liu Da caught a glimpse and hurriedly came over with a smile and bowed: "Master Li, thank you very much for your support, Master Li."

Liu Da smiled with mixed feelings in his heart.Previously detained in Yan's Mansion, the father and son were unable to eat anything and were frightened, fearing that the method of digging a sweet water well would ruin the whole family's lives.

Fortunately, Mr. Li was kind. After only a few days, not only did he not die, but he was registered as a great craftsman by the imperial government, and he received royal food from then on!

Because of Taizong Li Guo, Dashun attached great importance to practical learning when the country was founded. Although it changed later, the status of this craftsman has never been low.He became a master craftsman in the inner palace. Although he didn't have much money per year, he earned a lot from extra work. The most important thing was that no one dared to bully him at will.Such a turn of events made the Liu family and his son burst into tears of gratitude to Li Weijian.

Li Weijian got off his horse and said with a smile, "Just don't blame me."

"Young Master said this, and the little old man is only grateful."

Li Weijian nodded and asked about the project here.Liu Daqing knew that Li Weijian was involved, so he poured the beans into a bamboo tube and told them all.Needless to say, digging wells at the same time in more than 20 places will take [-] days. The water tower needs to be built eight feet high, which will take at least two months. The remaining water pipes, reservoirs, etc. must be looked at inside. The construction of the mansion is progressing, and it will probably be completed before the water tower is completed.

After wandering around for a while, Li Weijian and Wu Haiping rode back to Rongguo Mansion before noon.

After arriving at the small courtyard of his house, after lunch and a short rest, Hongyu reported that it was Jia Lian and Wang Xifeng who were visiting.

Li Weijian did not dare to neglect and hurriedly went out to greet him.When I got out of the main room, I saw a pair of beautiful ladies coming together.

Li Weijian smiled and greeted Jia Lian, and Wang Xifeng smiled at the side and said: "When we first built two courtyards, we asked our ancestors, and our ancestors gave this place to Brother Jian. Now it seems that this place is very quiet, which is just the right time." For Brother Jian to study in peace."

Li Weijian smiled and said: "Second sister-in-law's words are reasonable. After living here for these days, I am very proud of this place. Second brother Lian and second sister-in-law, please come in."

Surrounded by a group of maids and women, the three of them entered.After sitting down, serving tea, and chatting briefly, before Jia Lian could get to the main topic, Li Weijian said, "I'm going to look for my second sister-in-law in the past two days, but I happen to have something to worry about."

Wang Xifeng was slightly surprised, and said with a pair of phoenix eyes full of smiles: "It's no trouble to be bothered, our ancestors said, brother Jian is his relative. Not counting Shangzhu's sister-in-law, Li Jijiu and the master are also from the same family. Very good.

Brother Jian, speak directly if you have anything to say, I will do my best to do whatever I can. "

Li Weijian smiled on his face, knowing in his heart why the two of them were here, it was just the shares of the water company in his hands.The conversation I had with Jia She and Jia Zhen when I said goodbye yesterday had already reached Wang Xifeng's ears, so she and Jia Lian came to visit.If we don't finalize the physical contract at this time, we still don't know when we will have another chance.

So he said: "Second sister-in-law also knows that my family background is poor and I am short of useful manpower around me. Qingwen and Hongyu have been serving Yue Yuguangjing here, and I am used to it. I don't know if I can survive this contract." Give it to me, brother? Second sister-in-law, don’t worry, no matter how much money it is, I will pay it.”

Wang Xifeng smiled and said angrily: "Brother Jian is a heretic when he says this. They are just two girls. I will send you the body deed when I get back." Then he looked at Jia Lian and said: "Look, Brother Jian is a heretic with us. , you, keep in touch with brother Jian more often, so as not to lose the relationship between relatives."

Jia Lian said: "I went to Ping'an Prefecture some time ago. Didn't I just come back?" He looked at Li Weijian with his peach blossom eyes and said: "I have no time these days, and we brothers are walking around a lot. I don't have the ability to be an elder brother. At least I know the tricks of the capital..."

Wang Xifeng quickly interrupted: "The more you talk, the more nonsense you get. Brother Jian has to take the imperial examination, so how can he follow you everywhere?"

While speaking, Wang Xifeng rolled her eyes angrily.Jia Lian was not angry, and said with a smile: "I didn't think it through well. Let's wait until brother Jian is over Qiu Wei."

Li Weijian smiled and thanked him, thinking to himself that one and two people were stunned. At this moment, Jia Lian and Wang Xifeng, a young couple, were having a good time, and they didn't know when they started to quarrel.

After a pause, he added: "Well, there is another person who wants to trouble the second sister-in-law. I heard that she was kicked out from the house, and her name is Qianxue——"

Wang Xifeng suppressed her smile and said in surprise: "Qian Xue? How did brother Jian know about it?"

"It's a long story." He concealed what he saw that day and only said that Wu Haiping met by chance one after another and finally developed a friendship with Na Qianxue.After saying that, he said: "Hai Ping has been following me for a long time, and it is rare for me to speak once, so I can't refute my face. That's why I have the audacity to beg my second sister-in-law."

Wang Xifeng's eyes turned and she said with a smile: "What do I think she is? She's just a maid who was kicked out. If it's done, I'll bring her back with her."

(End of this chapter)