Value peace

Chapter 25
In the middle of the twelfth lunar month, the young wife of the Lian family in Hainan and the fourteenth lady of the Lian family suddenly came to visit Mrs. Gu.

Mrs. Gu's sallow face couldn't stop being shocked, she looked at Gu Xiyan, and hurriedly said: "Please! Please!"

Gu Xiyan also felt a little surprised: "Why is it here at this time!"

Xia Guo's Spring Festival is more particular, even businessmen who are thousands of miles away will rush back to their hometown for the festival.In addition to sweeping the dust on the 24th, posting Spring Festival couplets on New Year's Eve, setting off firecrackers in the early morning of the first lunar month, and paying attention to the rules of not visiting relatives at will from the 24th Xiaonian to the 24th of the twelfth lunar month. Arriving in Shengjing and visiting the Gu family before [-] Xiaonian, how can we not surprise the two of them.

Mrs. Gu hurriedly called someone in to help her comb her hair, and changed into a silver-red half-arm to receive guests. She got up and walked a few steps, but felt that something was wrong, and turned around to take a small pastel with a big palm from a small compartment next to the bed. Sitting by the mirror table, the porcelain box was wiped clean by itself.

When Gu Xiyan saw her standing up again, although her face was still waxy yellow, it was obviously more shiny than before, and she looked more energetic, it was not the white powder she imagined that could fall off a layer of powder in the blink of an eye , I couldn't help but glance at the small porcelain box on the mirror stand.

Mrs. Gu explained with a smile: "This is the 'Yanyan' produced in Tongxinfang. It is said that it is a tribute, specially made for the Empress Dowager. My sister-in-law came to see me a few days ago and said that my face is too dark. Just gave me a box. Today is also the first time I use it.”

Gu Xiyan looked at her dignifiedly, and nodded in praise: "Mother's complexion really improved a lot after using it."

Mrs. Gu hesitated to speak, and sighed.

Gu Xiyan said sincerely: "My mother's illness has been lying down for too long. When spring comes and the weather will be warmer, why don't I accompany my mother to go to Qixia Temple to relax."

In Qixia Temple, there are medical aunts who treat diseases, and Taoist aunts who practice deeds. No matter Mrs. Gu is really sick or has gone away from a heart disease, it is suitable.Mrs. Gu glanced at Gu Xiyan, smiled, patted the back of Gu Xiyan's hand affectionately, turned and walked out the door.

Although the young lady of the Lian family is called the young lady, she is actually ten years older than Mrs. Gu, with a plump figure and fair and delicate skin. Although there are fine fish lines around the corners of her eyes, her beauty is still intact. Yan.Beside her was a girl about fourteen or five years old, wearing a dark green gown skirt embroidered with gold patterns on the inside, and a black fur cape on the outside, her eyebrows and eyes were very similar to Gu Xiyan's, both It is the skin with icy muscles, beautiful facial features, and tall figure, but Gu Xiyan's eyes are soft and her smile is sweet, which makes people feel as friendly as the sister next door, and this girl's eyes are clear and her smile is reserved. , giving people a dignified and bright feeling, standing with Gu Xiyan, spring peaches and autumn chrysanthemums have their own styles.

The two greeted Mrs. Gu.The young lady of the Lian family immediately stepped forward and took Gu Xiyan's hand affectionately: "This is cousin Xiyan, right? I am your third sister-in-law."

Gu Xiyan politely called her "the third sister-in-law".

Mrs. Lian hurriedly pulled the girl beside Gu Xiyan: "This is your seventh uncle's third daughter, Lian Fanghua, who is the fourteenth in the family. We all call her the fourteenth aunt."

Gu Xiyan hurriedly greeted Lian Fanghua.

Lian Fanghua graciously called Gu Xiyan "little aunt".

Several people greeted each other, and then Mrs. Lian Shao led Lian Fanghua to sit down.The servant brought out the tea, and the people around Mrs. Lian piled up half of the house gifts, and Mrs. Lian explained her intentions: "Fanghua can be regarded as a small talent in Hainan County, but after all, it is not as good as it is." Shangshengjing is at the foot of the emperor, the root of the imperial city. Master heard that Aunt Cui Cui Baoyi borrowed from your house to open a private school, so I would like to introduce my wife to let my niece learn skills from Aunt Cui..."

Mrs. Gu was taken aback, and said mildly: "The two families are relatives, so it's too outlandish to say these words. Although Aunt Cui borrowed the place of Gu's house to run a private school, I have been living in the inner courtyard for many years, and I haven't seen her for a year. Once. But please rest assured, young lady, I will report to the master as soon as the master comes to me, and let him personally come forward to do this matter for Miss Lian."

Mrs. Lian got the letter of approval, sat for a while, and took Lian Fanghua to leave.

Mrs. Gu asked someone to accept the gift, and her face was full of doubts: "Tianxiang College in Hainan County is one of the three major girls' schools in Xizhao. How did the Lian family let Miss Lian go to Shengjing to worship Aunt Cui as a teacher?"

Gu Xiyan lowered her head in thought.

Two days later, Gu Xiyan went to give Cui Baoyi a Spring Festival gift, and Cui Baoyi personally met her this time: "The class starts on the [-]th day of the first lunar month, and the girl should read the "Four Books" at home."

Gu Xiyan breathed a sigh of relief, knowing that the words written by herself were finally approved by Aunt Cui.

After listening to Aunt Cui's admonition, she left.

The Spring Festival is coming soon, and there are many affairs at home. Thanks to Madam Gu's help from Gu Xiyan, and Deacon Ding who has been managing foreign affairs for the past few years, with these two people, the fifteenth day of the first lunar month was finally passed without any danger.On the sixteenth day of the first lunar month, Gu Xiyan resumed her classes and met Lian Fanghua at Aunt Cui's place.

Seeing Gu Xiyan being very affectionate, Lian Fanghua pulled her aside and told her: "My class is ahead of yours. If little aunt is not busy, you can see her during the break."

Gu Xiyan responded with a smile, then turned around and asked Madam Zhao to find out who was lined up for Lian Fanghua's class ahead.

Mother Zhao wrote back and said, "Ms. Lian is in front of Ms. Fang."

Gu Xiyan smiled coldly.

The family has been beaming these days.Master Gu was promoted to Qing of Honglu Temple, from the third rank.The family hired running water seats for several days.

Gu Xiyan and Gui Guan met again: "You helped me find out that there is a church in Fuchun County, where is it?"

Gui Guan was greatly surprised: "Second Miss, why do you ask this?"

Gu Xiyan showed a mysterious smile.

Guan Gui suddenly realized: "So the girl believes in Christianity!"

Gu Xiyan ordered: "Just help me find out."

Gui Guan nodded hastily and left.

Soon, the wind was no longer cold on people's faces, and the weeping willows by the Yuanxiang Lake began to sprout.

Gu's mansion started to get busy again.Busy making jewelry for Gu Xiyan, busy cutting new clothes for Gu Xiyan, Gu Xiyan discovered that the spring breeze blows not only buds, but also flower buds, her chest is bulging , has begun to have a woman's soft curves.

Mrs. Gu's health seemed to be getting weaker. She wrote to her brother who was far away in Jiangnan, asking him to send back his only son Gu Panxi who had been staying at his natal family in Jiangnan.

The family affairs were gradually transferred to Gu Xiyan's hands. When Gu Xiyan and Guiguan met again, they gave Guiguan 500 taels of silver: "You take it and go to the government to buy a household registration. If it is not enough, ask me for it again." .”

Gui Guan didn't say anything, but put the silver in his arms.

Gu Xiyan asked him to inquire about the exact date of the concubine selection: "It must be accurate, very accurate, when and what to do, inquire clearly, and make no mistakes."

Gui Guan nodded thoughtfully, and told Gu Xiyan a piece of news: "I don't know what happened, the girl from the Xu family who was engaged to Fang Shaoqing was suddenly sent to Puzhao Temple, the two families The marriage must have blown."

Gu Xiyan was puzzled: "What do you mean?"

Guiguan said in a low voice: "Puzhao Temple is a Taoist temple. Ever since Empress Yirong became a monk there in 152 Xizhao, Puzhao Temple has always been a retreat place for royal dignitaries..."

Gu Xiyan pondered: "You mean, something happened to the girl from the Xu family?"

Guiguan nodded.

The two stood facing each other, relatively speechless.

After a long time, Gu Xiyan said: "If you have a chance, please find out what happened to the girl from the Xu family!"

Guiguan's eyes flickered.

After a few days, the news of Guan Gui came.The date of choosing a concubine was set on April [-], which was the Empress Dowager's birthday.But before that, all women who are eligible to participate in the selection of concubines must complete the preliminary review before March [-], that is, the experience.Women who pass the preliminary examination will enter the palace on March [-]th to participate in the "residence selection", that is, to live in the palace for a short period of time, to see if you snore when you sleep, talk in your sleep, bite your teeth, etc. The most important thing is , It is for the ladies in the palace to examine whether you are generous, gentle, knowledgeable and so on.Before April [-]th, those female officials will send the list of outstanding women to the queen for reading. When the main election is held on the [-]th, the queen will be able to use these lists to make a final decision against the candidates.

After the Empress Dowager Fang became the empress, the late emperor favored her alone and did not accept any more concubines.Now that the emperor ascended the throne, the empress dowager personally sent envoys to Fengtai to propose marriage. In order to respect the empress, the emperor did not accept concubines in the harem by selecting concubines.Several concubines who had given birth to princes and daughters all entered the palace earlier than the queen. Even the imperial concubine Gu, who is now the favorite of the sixth palace, also entered the palace as a female official.The emperor's princes had already arranged their marriage, so of course there was no need to choose a concubine.Calculated in this way, the Xizhao Dynasty has not held a concubine election for 38 years.

For a time, the concubine selection on April [-]th became the focus of Xizhao's national attention.

The Gu family is not idle either, the first trial is about to begin, in addition to taking care of the female officials from the palace who came for the first trial, they also need to take care of Gu Xiyan's body.

Mrs. Gu was lying on the bed crookedly ill, and ordered Nanny Tian to invite the master of Tifangzhai to give Gu Xiyan a soup bath.Gu Xiyan said: "Although the master of Tifangzhai is famous for being in charge of the women's baths, it is not a special skill after all. Everyone can hire it, and everyone can afford it. In my opinion, Why don't you ask Aunt Qin next door, she's from the troupe."

Mrs. Gu was startled when she heard it, but then she realized it, her sallow face immediately blushed, and she cursed: "Which demon moth is talking nonsense in front of the girl, he must be beaten to death with a stick!"

Nanny Tian smiled from the sidelines and said, "I think Second Miss's words are reasonable, Madam just lacks Second Miss' courage!"

Mrs. Gu's face turned red and white after hearing this.

It was Gu Xiyan who chuckled on the sidelines.

(End of this chapter)