Reborn in the last years of Kangxi

Chapter 120 Buddha's Birthday
Besides, when Cao Yong returned to the inner room, he changed into his homely clothes, and Cao Yi rushed over.

Cao Yi sat down firmly and said, "Brother, there is something I need to tell you today."

Seeing that she was serious and her face was still a little nervous, Cao Yong couldn't help wondering: "What's the matter?"

"In the afternoon, Jiang's family who opened Liuhe Bank in the north of the city will bring a gift. It's about giving me and my brother a gift." Cao Yi glanced at his brother cautiously, "I only met the second miss of the Jiang family at the Jizhu Club a few times, but I don't know her well, and I haven't had any contact with her since she got married, so I really don't know what kind of gift she gave me. And the gift for my brother is said to be a thank you gift."

Cao Yong frowned, Jiang's hands and feet were really fast, and his meaning was clear: "You took it?"

"Naturally not." Cao Yi said: "Although the two families live in Jiangning, they are usually ruthless. The gift she gave was strange. I don't know how she dared to accept it? So I just sent someone back. I'm afraid they have something to ask for... Since both father and mother happened to be taking a nap, I didn't want to disturb and ask them in detail, so I sent them back directly."

Cao Yong nodded: "You are right. You don't know, something happened today. His family wanted to show favor to Cao's family and show it to others, but they just wanted to use Cao's family as a protective umbrella."

Cao Yi showed his face and said: "Since my brother said that, I feel relieved. I was afraid that it was really something for my brother, so I would reject it!"

Cao Yong smiled and said: "That's nothing." After thinking about it, he still briefly told Cao Yi what happened in Jiang's family today, so that she would know well, if Jiang's family came to the door again, she would be able to deal with it.

Cao Yi knew that the Second Miss of the Jiang family was a widow, but this was the first time he had heard of her family's family property dispute.After Cao Yong finished speaking, she was silent for a long time, and wanted to say something, but seeing that her brother was drunk and sleepy, she got up and went back with a smile.

*
Early the next morning, Wei Xin came over to "servant", and continued to discuss with Cao Yong about the Pearl Club in the study, when the young man outside came to report, Jiang Jinbao, the housekeeper of Jiang's family, asked to see him, saying that he had something related to Pearl.

Cao Yong and Wei Xin looked at each other, and Wei Xin laughed uncontrollably, "Second Miss Jiang has sharp ears and quick hands and feet. It's just that it seems disingenuous not to give a gift..."

Cao Yong shook his head: "It was delivered yesterday, so tell my third sister to send it away!"

Wei Xin was speaking in jest, but when he heard that the Jiang family really came over with a gift, he couldn't help being taken aback, thought for a while, and said, "Second Miss Jiang is indeed a smart person. Presumably he wanted to use the Cao family's prestige to scare the people of the Jiang family yesterday." Seeing that her gift was confiscated, she turned to Pearl's idea. She also had the desire to make a profit. I'm afraid the main thing is to show favor to the Cao family and ask for protection! But it's not necessary, the Jiang family is not a big family, just The in-laws on the other side of her mother's family are old, and anyone who comes out will be able to get on the stage. I guess they were scared by those two yellow belts yesterday, and they have no idea!" He paused, and said: " Why don't you wait a little while, my little one, to take a look? My little one, don't let that housekeeper enter the mansion, who knows if it's a scoundrel, if you let him in today, they will dare to call themselves Cao's family tomorrow!"

Cao Yong saw that there was a playful expression on his original serious face, and he couldn't help laughing: "Without the consent of the Cao family, you want to use the cover of the Cao family? You dare not measure them."

Wei Xin chuckled, "That's right. But I'd better go check on him first."

Cao Yong nodded.

After a cup of tea, Wei Xin came back with a gift slip on gilt paper in his hand.

Seeing Cao Yong frowning, Wei Xin said with a smile: "Don't be upset, my lord. Is it the one with shallow eyelids? Even if they are worth a few silver coins, they may not be able to catch Wei Wu's eyes! This time they It's a good idea, first apologized and said that yesterday's gift giving was reckless, and then handed out the gift list, and said a lot of oblique words, the implication was that if the young master wanted to see it, they would quietly carry it according to the list. "

Cao Yong didn't even look at the gift list, but said: "We are busy here and can't take care of ourselves. How can we have time to take care of other houses? I think Miss Jiang is quite clever, and as you said, we don't show up. She also has relatives who are superior, not the weak woman who can be bullied by anyone, she must have handled it properly by herself. Return the gift list and don't need to mention it again."

Hearing Cao Yong's voice, Wei Xin knew that he was a little annoyed by the Jiang family's schemes, so he put aside this and talked about pearls.It is said that the Jiang family also wanted to get involved in the pearl business, because his family had no other conditions for raising pearls except silver, so they didn't get an invitation at the beginning.Now that Jiang's family visits the door, in addition to hoping to get invitations and looking forward to cooperation in the future, they also offer to guarantee the money of all the big pearl divers at this Pearl Fair.

Cao Yong thought to himself that pearls are very profitable, and it is the instinct of merchants to flock to Jiang's family. It also pushed the reputation and reputation of Liuhe Bank to the peak.The second miss of the Jiang family is really shrewd, she has a good plan!
Wei Xin was also talking about these three things, but he also said: "People say that Liuhe Qianzhuang's wealth is rich, at least it must have millions of taels. The old man and the old lady have been gone for a few years, and now Miss Jiang's uncle does not take care of her as much as the old man used to. Seeing that she is so anxious to find her now, she may also want to find another big backer outside her uncle's house. In fact, if we form an alliance with the Jiang family and trade them with their money, it will be a good way."

Cao Yong nodded: "This needs a long-term plan. You go and return the gift list to Jiang's family, and the invitation and money guarantee don't need to be mentioned for the time being. Let them delay it."

*
In a blink of an eye, it was the eighth day of April, the Buddha's birthday, and it was the day when the female relatives of the two prefectures went to Qingliang Temple to offer incense.

Cao Yong's second uncle, Cao Quan, didn't want to go to another place to be an official after Ding You's term expired last year, so he waited until the end of the year for a fifth-rank queer in the governor's yamen.Because of guarding the boundary of Jiangning, although the current governor of Jiangsu, Zhang Boxing, has a very polite relationship with Cao Yin, although he is not close, he naturally favors Cao Yin's younger brother.

Besides, on Zhaojia's side, because Mrs. Li has been busy taking care of her husband these past few months, some of the women's family members of the Cao family have been entrusted to Zhaojia for entertainment.Zhao Jia's family has always liked the limelight, and these days are quite smug, only because they found out that they were happy in March, this is considered to be a little calmer.

This time, Zhao Jia said he would not go because of his heavy body, but now he wants to go again.Here in the mansion, Cao Yi was dressed neatly early on, thinking of offering incense to his mother, Mrs. Li, and praying for his father's health.Unexpectedly, when it was time to set off, Zhao Jia's business came out again.

In the past few months after returning from Beijing, Cao Yi and Zhao Jiashi met each other, and they felt a little uncomfortable with each other, and avoided the days when they could be avoided.Today it is unavoidable, the carriage and servants here are all ready, if she said that she would not go temporarily, she would be suspected.She was really depressed, so she went to sit by Cao Yong's side.

Because Cao Yong wanted to escort his mother to incense, he also changed his clothes when he went out. Seeing the girl sitting there sullenly, he shook his head: "It's not that you have done something wrong and felt guilty. Why do you want to avoid her? Even if there is The thorn is because she has talent in her heart. From my point of view, there is no need for you to avoid it, and you have to walk around in front of her twice more, so it is good to let her get in the way!"

Cao Yi looked at his brother curiously: "My brother is not respectful, after all, she is also an elder."

"As you said, she is an elder, and she's nothing more than an elder. When you don't see her, you can't remember her; when you see her, she will worship her like a clay Buddha statue, which is not lacking in etiquette. Yes. It's better to think about how to be filial to your father and mother for the idle time spent thinking about it!" Cao Yong said indifferently.This is what he said in his heart. He really doesn't like that second aunt. He always thinks that she is too utilitarian, and she is fake to her family and relatives.
The two brothers and sisters were talking when they heard Cai Er, the little girl at the door, say: "Master, third girl, the third master brought the fourth and fifth masters here!"

Cao Yong and Cao Yi looked at each other, and saw that it was Zhao Jia who had arrived, and these three should have come with their mother.

"Well, please come in!" Cao Yong raised his voice.

While speaking, Cao Shuo came in with his two younger brothers: "Please greet the elder brother, and please greet the third sister!" Now they have been in school for several years, and they salute in a decent manner.Cao Yong nodded and asked the three cousins ​​to sit down.

These three people, Cao Shuo is 11 years old, Cao Xiang is [-] years old, and Cao Fu is [-] years old. Because they are brothers from the same father, their eyebrows and eyes are somewhat similar.However, in terms of appearance, Cao Fu is the most outstanding, and he is also very cute when speaking.

If history had not changed and he could not avoid the fate of dying of illness, then Cao Fu, the fifth young master of the Cao family and the fourth son of the second house, would be adopted under the name of the big house, and take care of his mother Li's retirement.Thinking of these, Cao Yong inevitably felt a little strange, and his feelings towards Cao Fu were really complicated.Wanting to get closer, teaching him filial piety, and making a safe plan for the future; but also repelling him from the bottom of his heart, unable to calmly face this little cousin who took his place.

Cao Yi also looked at the three younger brothers, and then his eyes fell on Cao Xiang who was sitting there with his head bowed.He is the only concubine of the second room, and his biological mother is also a concubine brought up by a maid, so it is similar to Cao Yi's background.He was a year older than the youngest Cao Fu, but he was very thin, and he seemed very uncomfortable sitting there with his hands tied.Looking at his body again, although the light green robe was probably new, it was a little old in style and obviously didn't fit well. There were obvious needlework marks on the cuffs and neckline. It seemed that it was modified with a large dress.Needless to say, it is naturally old clothes that my brothers can't wear.

Cao Yi sighed secretly, and at the same time felt indescribably grateful. He turned to look at his brother, full of gratitude.

The three brothers were ordered by their aunt Li to invite Cao Yong and Cao Yi to get up.

Cao Yong listened and looked at Cao Yi.Cao Yi smiled and stood up, with an indescribably relaxed expression on his face: "Since it was mother who called, brother, let's go there quickly!"

Cao Yong relieved, smiled and nodded.

Qingliang Temple is considered an ancient temple, and on such a day, there are many female relatives who come to offer incense.Fortunately, Cao's family had already gone to the people and said hello to the temple. There was a special yard prepared there to stay, so they didn't worry about outsiders colliding.

When the arrangements were made, Cao Yi accompanied his mother to offer incense, and Cao Yong went to find Zhiran.However, there are many Buddhist rituals today, and Zhiran is busy chanting scriptures, so he has no time at all.Cao Yong was really bored, so he went to talk to the brothers of the Wei family. They and the coachman of the Cao family were waiting outside the temple.

Although it was only the beginning of April, the weather in the south was hot early, and the sun was shining brightly.The Wei family brothers were enjoying the shade under a big tree diagonally across from the temple. Wei Bai also took Wu Mao and Wu Sheng brothers, pointing to the female family members of the common people in the distance, talking about the beauties in the south and the beauty in the north. Beauty is different.

None of the Wu family brothers were married, and they were supposed to be honest and responsible, but after staying with the Wei family brothers for half a year, they also developed a bit of flirtatiousness, and they didn't know where to put their eyes.

When Cao Yong arrived, he was listening to Wei Bai's experience in seeing beauties, and couldn't help but smile a little on his face.

The brothers of the Wu family kept their eyes on each other for fear that he would feel that the two of them were not good at learning because he was a master.Wei Bai saw Cao Yong coming, but he was hesitant to speak, laughed several times, and then pulled Cao Yong aside as if he had made up his mind: "Young master, Lao Bai is cheeky now, I beg you Woolen cloth!"

Wei Bai had always been used to a playful smile, but now he was rarely serious.Cao Yong also stopped laughing: "Second Brother Wei, why are you being polite? If you have anything to say, it's okay. Can I refuse if I can accept it?"

Wei Bai rubbed his hands in embarrassment, "My lord, Lao Bai would like to borrow a sum of money to make an envoy."

Regarding the mention of money, Wei Bai was somewhat embarrassed to speak up.This year with Cao Yong, Cao Yong has never treated the Wei family brothers badly in terms of money. Their monthly money and silver are more than Cao Song's. savings.

Cao Yong smiled and nodded: "I'm still talking about something important. I think it's embarrassing for Second Brother Wei. Right now, I don't have much on my body. How much do I need? I'll bring it to you when I get back to the mansion!" The place of residence was concerned: "Second brother Wei, the place with flowers and willows is not a clean place after all, you have to take care of your body. It's really interesting. It's not better than going every time you pick a house and buy a house." They are all poor people, and being able to follow you is also a blessing for these prostitutes!"

Wei Bai's face was flushed, and he said after a while, "My lord, this money is not for whoring, but for the Fang Cha family's employment!"

"Fangcha?" Cao Yong was a little surprised: "I heard that she was released to be a relative a few years ago, why is she still at home?" After finishing speaking, he nodded again: "I remembered, her grandmother, Nanny Zhao, is the most Those who love money, it seems that the dowry must be better."

Seeing that Wei Bai was smiling, Cao Yong said congratulations, if this is done, it will fulfill Wei Bai's infatuation.

Everyone chatted and laughed for a while, and the boy inside came back and said that the wife, the second wife and the girl had all finished incense and asked to prepare the car to go back.This way, like when he came, Cao Yong took the long guards and guarded the carriage and returned to the weaving house.

Although Wei Bai intends to marry Fang Cha as his wife, he doesn't know how much gift money he should give to make Fang Cha's family let go.After all, it is unfamiliar to their brothers to talk about kissing and giving gifts.Cao Yong didn't know the way to do it. Although he gave Wei Bai several thousand taels of silver, not all of them were prepared for Zhao's family.He entrusted Cao Fang to help Zhang Luo, and acted according to Jiangning local dowry, making sure that the gift money was enough to satisfy Mother Zhao, but not too much.After all, if this marriage is successful, there will still be a lot of expenses in the future.

Cao Fang knew that his uncle treated the Wei family brothers differently, and after hearing from Xiaoman that their brothers had saved the second master's life in the capital, he did not dare to be negligent and agreed wholeheartedly.

*
On the morning of the ninth day of the ninth day, Cao Yong went to Kaiyang Courtyard to pay his respects to his parents, and it happened that Cao Yi also came over.Cao Yin had breakfast and was in good spirits. Because he was really impatient to lie down on the bed, he got up with the help of Mrs. Li, and sat by the bed with some clothes on, chatting with his children.

Seeing that their father was in a good mood, Cao Yong and Cao Yi were also happy, and sat on the stool on the ground to talk with him.

Mrs. Lee mentioned yesterday's offering of incense, but happened to meet the Mrs. Tai of the Governor's Mansion. The old man was kind-hearted and devout to the Buddha. He was over 70 years old and kowtowed to each Buddha statue.

Cao Yin and Cao Yong's father and son had no good impression of Governor Gali, and they became interested when they heard that his family members were also interested.It was Mrs. Li's next sentence that attracted the attention of both of them. Yesterday's Gali's niece was also there, the lady hired by the Li family to Li Ding a few days ago.She looks good, and she is very filial to serve her grandmother, but she is a little young, only thirteen, eight years behind Li Ding.

If Cao Yin and Cao Yong and his son were not interested just now, they have to sigh now.

Nagali is also worthy of being an old man in the officialdom, with a very keen political sense.Ever since Cao Yin was seriously ill and Li Xu traveled frequently from Suzhou to Jiangning, he had faintly noticed something.And the two met once in early April, and they made a marriage agreement for their children and got married.After all, it was the Li family who was at the top of the list, after all Li Ding was a concubine.However, right now Li Ding is already working beside his father, and he is handsome, and the Li family's wedding ceremony is also very decent, the Governor's Mansion is very satisfied.

Seeing that her husband and son looked a little strange, Mrs. Li remembered that her husband had mentioned to her last year that the Governor's Mansion wanted to marry her family.The governor did not have a biological daughter. It seems that the lady from yesterday who wanted to promise to his family at the beginning should be the young lady from yesterday. The little brothers are growing up, but the yard is not enough to live in, I want to build two more yards in the open space behind the mansion, let me ask your idea."

Cao Yin nodded: "If they want to fix it, they can fix it, but as she is doing now, the second brother has a lot of errands in the yamen, who will manage this mess?"

Mrs. Li replied: "When I first heard her talk, I was also worried. However, Song'er's mother is very warm-hearted, and she said that there is no shortage of manpower there, so I don't want to persuade her much."

Cao Yin waved his hand and said, "That's all, let her do it!" Although he didn't like Zhaojia's family, he still wanted his brother's affection, so he told Cao Yong to go and help more when he was free these days.

Cao Yong got up and agreed, seeing his father sitting for a while, a little tired, he followed Cao Yi and retreated.

Cao Yi didn't wear much jewelry in the past, but today he has a string of emerald beads on his wrist, the green ones are very pretty.Cao Yong accidentally saw it, and felt a little familiar, but he had never seen his sister wearing it.

Seeing his brother looking at the string of beads, Cao Yi blushed a little, and explained: "Because the color looks cool, so I put it on! This is, this is..." The more he said, the lower his voice became, and finally it was almost unbearable. Wen: "This is a gift from his family."

Before Cao Yong could react, Cao Yi blushed and ran away quickly.

Only then did Cao Yong realize that the "his family" his sister just mentioned was Jue Luo's family, but it was rare to see her look so shy, looking at her shadow and smiling.

Thinking of Jue Luo's family, Cao Yong couldn't help thinking of his sister's marriage. At the beginning, he made up his mind that Jue Luo's family had revealed the idea of ​​wanting to get married years ago.After all, Seshtu is an only child, and he is not too young. It is understandable that Mrs. Jueluo wants to have a grandson early.Cao Yong is not willing to let Cao Yi get married so young.At this time, the medical conditions were backward, and many young women could not survive the test of childbirth.Not even the emperor's daughter died of dystocia after marriage.Therefore, Cao Yong was a little scared when he thought of these, and he didn't dare to let his sister take this risk.

However, judging from Li Shi's intentions, he agreed to marry a daughter this year, presumably because of the consideration of her husband's body.I'm afraid that if something happens to Cao Yin, his children need to be filial.It's okay for the son, after all, Da Gege is also young; for the daughter, if it takes three years, I'm afraid she will grow old and cause complaints from her in-laws.
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(End of this chapter)