Reborn in the last years of Kangxi

Chapter 1202 Desired, Desired, Desired
As soon as you enter Dongnuan Pavilion, you will be greeted with the familiar scent of sandalwood.

This is the sandalwood from Qingliang Temple in Jiangning. Now it has become a tribute exclusively for the inner court and does not need to be transferred through Cao Yong.

After Cao Yong knelt down to see him, Yongzheng waved his hand and said, "Get up and answer."

Cao Yong stood up in response to the sound, bowed his head and stood aside, looking at the nose with his eyes, the mouth with his nose, and his heart with his mouth.

Yongzheng couldn't help but look at Cao Yong, and then took a look at Elder Brother Thirteen. In contrast, he could see something else.

When Cao Yong restrained himself in front of the mirror, he felt that he had put too much effort into it, and he was getting old.

A few years ago, when he didn't grow a beard, he could still pretend to be a teenager, but now he is in a high position. For the sake of official prestige, he grew a beard and looked more stable.

In addition, in the past two years in Zhili, I often ran down with Tang Zhiyu, and my originally fair face was tanned a lot, and the aura of wealth and nobility faded, leaving a bit of vicissitudes of time.

But how can it compare with Brother Thirteen?
The thirteenth elder brother was worried about the emperor, saying that he could not sleep for two hours every day; how could the thirteenth elder brother, the prime minister who was relied on by the emperor as his right-hand man, be able to hide at leisure?

Cao Yong just became more and more stable, but the thirteenth elder brother showed his old age.

Yongzheng was a little pantothenic in his heart, a little envious of Cao Yong's youth.

His face was cloudy and cloudy, Brother Thirteen was faintly anxious.He also didn't know why the emperor's face changed just now, obviously he still wanted to appreciate Cao Yong.

Cao Yong also felt his scalp numb, the feeling of being scrutinized and scrutinized by the Ninth Five Lord was really uncomfortable.

Fortunately, Yongzheng finally averted his eyes, held up the maritime trade statement, snorted, and said: "I thought you were cautious earlier, why are you talking about it now? If it is true, as you stated in the statement, it is necessary to collect money from the people. Even if we can suspend the annexation of the land, how long can we suspend the affairs of the rich country, and when the gold and silver increase, won’t the annexation intensify?”

In fact, there is no need for Cao Yong to consider this issue at all, because in less than two years, the policy of "gentleman and gentry pay food in one package" will come out.

Cao Yong knew it in his heart, but he still showed a look of enlightenment, and said sincerely and fearfully: "I can't complain that I always feel that I have neglected something. It turned out to be here. I also ask the emperor to forgive me. It is really because I didn't think carefully. The humble official just thought that the treasury is not rich in money and the people have a lot of floating money, so he came up with this superficial idea."

Yongzheng's expression was a little relieved, Cao Yong's age and experience are here, it is not easy to be able to stare at his own one-acre three-point land and think about problems, and it is also possible to not be able to look forward.

Yongzheng put Tiaochen down and said: "Treating the symptoms but not the root cause is of no benefit to the local people."

Cao Yong listened honestly, the so-called "for the locality" is just a big banner, but it is just the first step to fuel the flames and promote maritime trade.

When Yongzheng and the dignitaries taste the sweetness of sea trade, they don't need to worry about Cao Yong, and naturally someone will be willing to be a pusher.

Next, Yongzheng raised several questions about maritime trade.

Although Cao Yong was prepared, he was still sweating when asked.

Listening to Yongzheng's meaning, he wanted the imperial court to take the lead and handle this matter.

If that's the case, shouldn't we start with shipbuilding?There are too many yamen involved, and I don't know what will happen in the end.

According to Cao Yong's idea, it is best to be supervised by the imperial court, just like bidding for the Ministry of Internal Affairs, to recruit powerful merchants to jointly carry out this matter, just like the East India Company, to go abroad in the form of economics and trade, and to defend against the enemy.

It can be seen that Yongzheng was very interested, so Cao Yong listened honestly.

There is really no need to argue with Yongzheng at this time. He has watched it for more than ten years, and he knows something about Yongzheng's temperament. He is most pragmatic and not a fan of fame.

If the power of the country is poured out, it may be possible to form a large fleet and go to the Western Seas of the Qing Dynasty, but that is not Yongzheng's style of doing things.

He is just getting up now, and when he calms down, he will calculate the cost and gain, and finally slow down.

When Cao Yong was asked to kneel down, Yongzheng and Cao Yong were both satisfied.

"Cao Yong is still hardworking, but he is still young and needs a lot of experience." Yongzheng said to the thirteenth elder brother warmly.

The thirteenth elder brother echoed: "Yes, the emperor still needs to teach, so that he can see more clearly."

Even so, he knew that the emperor was satisfied with Cao Yong.

His Majesty is a person with the utmost affection and nature. If he sees who is pleasing to the eye, he will be happy with his heart; if he dislikes it, no matter how good he is, it will not be good.

Now Zhang Tingyu's family members are in his hands, and there are some rumors from the household department in front of the emperor.Of course, some said that Zhang Tingyu suppressed Cao Yong by relying on his status, and some said that Cao Yong was dissatisfied with his sabotage.

For this matter, the emperor also asked him specifically whether Cao Yong had complained.

Now that this matter of maritime trade is involved, it shows that Cao Yong is still diligent, and the answer before the emperor did not mean any complaints or grievances, which is exactly in line with the emperor's mind...

*
After leaving the palace, the sky had already darkened, Cao Man brought a few long-term attendants, carrying a lantern, and waited not far away.

The corner of Cao Yong's mouth was slightly raised, and Yongzheng asked him to make supplements on the matter of maritime trade, draw up a detailed statement, and discuss it with the Ministry first.

Needless to say, in that case, the person who takes the lead will not be Cao Yong, but Zhang Tingyu.

This is very good. After all, it is the first time for the Qing Dynasty to trade across the country, and it is unknown how many mistakes and mistakes will be made in it.

Cao Yong didn't feel depressed when he had no grades and was won. Instead, he felt a little relaxed under the big tree to enjoy the shade.

After returning to Cao's mansion, he entered the second gate, and after a few steps, he saw Chuyu coming out of the second gate.

Cao Yong glanced at the upper room of Lanyuan, through the glass window, the figure inside flickered.

Cao Yong was a little surprised: "The children are still in the old lady's room?"

"The children are waiting for the master to come back to have the reunion dinner." Chu Yu said with a smile: "I can't persuade you, it's up to them."

When Cao Yong heard the words, he couldn't help shaking his head and said: "Why do you let them mess around? There are old people and young people here. How about being hungry?"

"I just ate the pastry. Since the children are all in it, the master should accept it." Chu Yu said.

After Cao Yong heard this, he still couldn't help speeding up his pace, and went back to Wutongyuan to change his supplementary clothes, and then the husband and wife returned to Lanyuan.

Up to Taijun Gao, down to Tianbao, four generations live under the same roof, and there are about ten mouths up and down, plus Zuo Zhu and Zuo Cheng brothers, and everyone sits at the freshman table.

The hot pot of sauerkraut, Hang Seng's favorite barbecue steak, and Zuozhu brothers' favorite fried meatballs filled the table.

Except for Tianbao who was snuggling beside Li Shi and eating a few balls with a spoon, everyone poured the "Wufu wine" brewed by Cao's house in front of them.

Although young people are not old enough to drink alcohol, but this "Wufu wine" is fruit wine, not easy to get drunk, Cao Yong does not stop it.

This is Hang Seng's reception wine, the younger brothers had to raise their glasses to toast him.

Hang Seng never refuses anyone who comes, he is really happy, for the success of his elder brothers, for Zuo Zhu and Zuo Cheng's marriage, for his father's safety, for his uncle's survival from robbery, for the health of the old lady and old lady Aetna.

After this round, he ate a lot of wine.

Tianyou was at the side, a little worried, he lifted the flagon one step ahead, and said, "Second brother ate a lot, it's almost done."

Hang Seng looked slightly drunk, and said with a smile: "Brother, this wine is like sugar water, it's really nothing. My younger brother is happy when he comes home, so elder brother will let me have two more cups."

Tianyou wanted to say more, Cao Yong said: "Pour it up for him, hurry on the road, and feel tired if you think about it. It's good to have some wine so that you can sleep well."

When the father spoke, Tianyou naturally had nothing to say, poured for Hang Seng, and then filled his own wine cup.

Although Hang Seng enjoyed his meal, he knew that he was very restrained in front of his elders, so Tianyou and Zuozhu put down the wine cup after eating the wine in the jug.

Changsheng is a few years younger than everyone, but he is the same as Niuniu and Tianhui, and it's just a cup of tea.

Seeing that his nephews had eaten a small jar of "Wufu Wine", Chang Sheng couldn't help being speechless, and said: "When I saw you in the Chinese New Year, I didn't have such a capacity for alcohol. How did I increase my capacity for alcohol?"

A small jar of "Wufu wine" weighs two catties, even if the wine is not intoxicating, it is still a lot.

In a word, Li Shi and Cao Yong also looked at Si Xiao.

Although the Cao family has several good wines, they are strict with the children. Even if it is fruit wine, they can only eat two cups during the festivals and festivals.

Hang Seng was fine, but Tianyou and Zuozhu brothers felt uncomfortable.

Tianyou laughed twice, and said: "Last month, there were a lot of drinking parties. But the nephews never forgot their father's teachings, and they didn't dare to drink too much. They really couldn't refuse, so they only had two cups."

Zuo Zhu echoed: "That's right, that's right, not to mention anything else, it's seven or eight times that you eat in the same year, and there are also brothers in the same room, fellow townspeople, and classmates, and it's hard to miss any of them. Fortunately, this month has subsided. Otherwise, I really can't stand it."

Zuo Cheng also nodded and said: "It's mostly the first time we're dealing with each other, and it's mostly just enough. There are very few people who don't know the fun and force them to drink. Uncle Qi doesn't have to worry."

After finishing talking with the brothers, Hang Seng said: "The meal in Khalkha is different from that in Beijing. In addition to milk food, it is meat food, which is mostly eaten with wine. In addition, it is cold in the grassland early in the morning, and some wine in the morning and evening is also good. It's good against the cold."

Changsheng nodded and said: "So that's the case, then it's not surprising."

Cao Yong glanced at the crowd and said: "I'm not forcing you to stop drinking, but you are now grown up and go out to socialize. When you have seen others drunk and ugly, you still need to remember to reflect on yourself."

"Yes." Si Xiao got up and answered, feeling very lucky in his heart.

If you really become a drunk outside, even if the elders don't say it, they will be ashamed to death.

One meal, eat until Xuzheng (eight o'clock in the evening) Fangsan.

Because the children had all had wine and it was getting late, Chu Yu stayed with Zuo and Zuo Cheng, and sent a servant to inform Tian about Ning's house.

As soon as he came out of the Orchid Courtyard, Hang Seng became drunk, and was helped by Tianyou and Zuozhu down to resettle him.

Niuniu and Tianhui went back to their respective courtyards, and Cao Yong and his wife also went back to Wutong Garden.

"Hang Seng is sincere, this time the injury is serious." Chu Yu said with distress while helping her husband take off his clothes.

Cao Yong said with a bit of self-blame: "I was too hasty. I should have asked someone to go to Khalkha first to have a look, because it is far away, but it was negligent."

No matter how sensible Hang Seng is, he is still a 15-year-old child.

As for those wives and concubines fighting for power and brothers fighting for property, although he had heard about it in the capital, it was only heard, and he had never personally experienced it.

"How do you know it's not a blessing? Don't blame yourself too much. After all, this time Hang Seng is only a guest, and he can come back. If we are now glazed, hang our Hang Seng in the past, and then use these methods, we will And if you can't take care of it, that's what harmed Hang Seng." Chu Yu said.

Cao Yong nodded. He didn't stop the son from admitting his son earlier because he couldn't give up his favor.Looking at it now, it remains to be considered whether the Shizi's love for his son is just a lip service or really has weight.

At this moment, Cao Yong remembered what Cao Yi had mentioned and told Chu Yu.

When Chu Yu heard this, she couldn't help frowning, and asked, "Is the second priest a bit older?"

Cao Yong knew that after his wife returned to Beijing, she asked someone to inquire about Xiqiu outside the mansion, and asked, "Is there anyone else out there?"

"A few days ago, I asked people to inquire, but there are two candidates. One is Cheng, the shopkeeper of the Drum Tower shop in Daoxiang Village. He is 35. He lost his wife and has a daughter who is about the same age as Tianhui. It's time to talk about others. There is also Zhong Juren, who is Sister Zhong's uncle, who lives in Beijing and has a reputation for raising people, is now sitting in the Shilang's mansion. He is a few years older than the shopkeeper, his wife died of illness, and his two sons are working in farming in their hometown, and they are already married." Chu Yu said .

Cao Yong heard of the former for the first time, but Cao Yong had seen the latter.

When Zhong Juren went to Beijing to test Enke, he sent his niece Zhong Shi to Beijing along the way. Cao Yong met Jiang Jian face to face at Jiang Jian's wedding.

He did not return to his hometown, but stayed in Beijing. It seems that he is waiting for the test next spring.

"Since Zhong Juren is staying in Beijing, he is waiting for the test. Since he wants to pursue an official career, he should be picky about his wife. This marriage is very inappropriate." Cao Yong said.

Chu Yu nodded and said: "I also said the same. I just heard from Sister Zhong that although their family is a scholarly heirloom, their children are not too picky about their marriage status. Worshiping the family temple. She has a clan brother, so she married a maidservant released by a big family in the same town."

There is an old saying that goes, "It is better to marry a maidservant than a maidservant from a small family".

What's more, Xiqiu, who is currently negotiating marriage, is not the maidservant of the Cao family, but Cao Yong's young mistress.

If a scholar without support can take advantage of this relationship with the Cao family, he might wish to marry Xiqiu.

Cao Yong does not want to maliciously speculate on people's hearts, and now he is not too worried that this Zhong Juren really has any bad intentions, because there is too much disparity between the two sides.

It doesn't matter whether the other party is sincere or wants to build a bridge, as long as he treats Xiqiu kindly, everything can be said; otherwise, Cao Yong has the ability to make everything come to nothing.

"Tomorrow, you can mention Xiqiu to see what she thinks. If she wants to be decent, even if she doesn't have Zhong Juren, Mr. Song can think of a way to find another suitable person. If she wants to live a stable life , Master Cheng and the second priest are both good." Cao Yong said.

Although Mr. Song has been at home for the elderly, his disciples and grandchildren are all over the officialdom.

Not to mention juren who have not yet been awarded an official, it is not difficult to find a worthy candidate directly.

Chu Yu laughed when she heard the words: "With the support of the master, it is natural to find someone who suits Second Auntie's wishes. It's just that I usually see her as a quiet and honest person, and she may not have any thoughts of wealth..."

*
There was nothing to say all night, the next day Cao Yong went to the yamen as usual, Chu Yu first went to the Orchid Court to invite Ann, and then took care of the housework in the Wutong Court. It was almost noon, and I had some free time, so I took a little maid and strolled to the Banyan Court. hospital.

Tianhui is also here, and Niuniu and her aunt and nephew are busy in the small kitchen of the banyan courtyard. When they heard that Chuyu was coming, they hurriedly brought out the prepared food.

"Is this milk pastry?" Looking at the white with red dots of milk, Chu Yu smiled and pinched a piece, looked at it twice, and said, "Is this mixed with wolfberry powder?"

Niu Niu smiled and said, "It's not medlar, it's ephedra grains. Hang Seng said that the milk and food in Kharkha should be mixed with this. Ephedra sweats and dispels cold, relieves lungs and relieves asthma. This is a tonic in winter." With this, I can eat two pieces each time, just as a treat."

Ephedra is a common traditional Chinese medicine, and the mansion also makes some ephedra honey pills every year, which are prepared in winter.

Chu Yu put the pastry into her mouth, her mouth was filled with the fragrance of milk, the smell of medicine was covered, but it didn't show at all: "It's very soft and sweet, I think it will suit the appetite of the old lady and the old lady."

Tianhui said: "Mother, this has milk and honey added. If you want something chewy, you don't need to add those two things."

Chu Yu nodded with a smile, looked at the plate full of milk pastry, and said: "No matter how good the food is, it has medicinal ingredients added, so it's better to eat less. If you want to eat more milk, you can add more to it." Dried fruit and preserves."

Niuniu and Tianhui agreed, and seeing that their aunt and nephew were still interested, Chuyu sent them off to talk to Lianqiu and Xiqiu.

A few gossips lead to Xiqiu's marriage.

Although Xiqiu was blushing, she was not a big girl after all, so there was nothing to avoid. Chuyu had mentioned three candidates.

Lianqiu took a fancy to shopkeeper Cheng, and said: "This old man is about the same age, and his wife has used it for many years. He knows everything. Even if he has a daughter, he still has to go out. It doesn't bother people much."

After hearing this, Xiqiu hesitated.

Seeing this, Lianqiu couldn't help frowning, and said: "Could it be that my sister still doesn't change her original intention and thinks that scholars are good? You didn't hear from my wife that the master Juren will end next year. If you don't win it, let it go; if you win a Jinshi, how can you return?" Will you be willing to marry us? Even if it happens, it is probably for the purpose of clinging to the mansion, how can you rely on your character?"

Although Chu Yu is still there, we have been together for more than ten years, and there is nothing to hide.

Xi Qiu quickly shook her head, blushing and said: "My sister misunderstood, my sister didn't think that Mr. Juren was good..."

Lian Qiu breathed a sigh of relief, and said: "It's good that you understand in your heart. The big guy is eager to find someone for you, and I still hope that you can live in peace and stability for the rest of your life. You are still young, find a man of your age, and have two children , and save a deserted life.”

Xi Qiu pursed her lips, but neither nodded nor shook her head.

Lian Qiu couldn't help being puzzled, but Chu Yu saw something, and said bluntly, "Could it be that the second aunt also didn't like being the shopkeeper?"

Xiqiu blushed even more, she lowered her head, her chin was on the front of her clothes.

However, Lian Qiu's face changed: "I didn't like Zhong Juren, nor did I like the shopkeeper... Could it be that you can't choose two to worship?"

Xiqiu lowered her head and whispered: "I followed my sister into the mansion when I was 15 years old, and I have stayed in the mansion for 17 years... Outside, I am a little scared... I really don't want to leave the mansion..."

Lianqiu shook her head and said: "Even so, there is no need to choose two to worship. If you have the heart, tell your wife to me earlier, just find someone in the mansion, why bother your wife to find someone outside for you?"

Xiqiu didn't say anything, but her eyes were red.

Chu Yu has always been understanding, so she knows Xi Qiu's concerns.

With Xiqiu's status, she is considered Cao Yong's half elder, how could she marry a servant of Cao's family, that would lose her dignity, and everyone would look bad in the future.

Although Cao Yi is a member of the Cao family, he is a priest, a good citizen, not a servant.

He has a high prestige, and most of the guards in the mansion were taught by him, and everyone in the Cao family respects him.

The important matter of marriage is related to Xiqiu's happiness for the rest of her life.

The two sisters disagreed, and Chu Yu couldn't say anything, so she excused her housework and let the sisters discuss it on their own, and she was not in a hurry for a day or two.

She is not in a hurry, but someone is in a hurry.

Following Hang Seng to Khalkha, Cao Yong thanked everyone for their hard work. In addition to rewarding everyone with money, he also gave half a month off.

Cao Yi didn't know how to work hard. After only a day's rest, he appeared in front of Cao Yong again, leading people to guard Cao Yong in and out.

Cao Yong advised him to have a rest, and he also patted his chest, saying that he had recovered and was not tired at all.

Then, he looked at Cao Yong with expectant and eager eyes.

Cao Yong was uncomfortable being stared at by him, so he had to ask Chuyu to urge him again, no matter whether it was successful or not, he still gave a letter of approval, otherwise Cao Yi would turn into a resentful husband.

This time, I finally got the letter.

"Auntie nodded... The second priest has a reputation outside, she had scruples in her heart, so it was Niuniu who came forward to persuade... Niuniu said that although the second priest is a bit uninhibited, she has a good heart and likes to play with children, maybe It's a good match with Second Aunt..." Chu Yu said to Cao Yong with a smile.

Ever since he heard from his wife that the three people had chosen Xiqiu's favorite second priest, Cao Yong knew that there was probably something to be said for this marriage.

Even if Lianqiu is picky, in the end it still depends on Xiqiu's mind.

"Whether it's the second offering or not, if you really marry outside, it's okay if you live well, but if you don't live well, it's still terrible." For this result, Cao Yong is very satisfied.

Although among the three, the second priest may not be the best husband candidate, unfortunately Qiu's choice made her marriage easier and saved a lot of unpredictable troubles.

"Although I have the letter of approval, I'm afraid the second priest will have to wait for a while. The second aunt said that no matter what, I have to wait for Niuniu to come out of the cabinet before going to her." Chu Yu said.

It's just waiting for half a year, since what you want will come true, presumably Cao Yi is also willing to wait.

Sure enough, Cao Yi was not dissatisfied at all when he heard that Xiqiu would remarry after Niuniu came out of the court, instead he was a little bit happy, and said, "Don't worry, don't worry, as long as the marriage is settled first."

Although Xiqiu remarried, Cao Yi proposed marriage for the first time.

Although he didn't know this, he asked Zhang Yi and Cao Man for advice, took out 300 taels of silver, prepared a decent betrothal gift, and asked someone to send it to the Banyan Courtyard.

Xiqiu personally sewed a suit of clothes and a pair of shoes and socks in return, and their marriage was settled.

Although Cao Yi didn't save any money in Cao's house, he did save a few good things before entering Cao's house.

Now that we are going to get married, naturally we can't wait for 20 taels of silver per month to prepare for the marriage.

In addition to the two pieces of jewelry and the dowry gift, there is also a pair of swords handed down from the previous dynasty, and a jade belt.

He handed the sword and jade belt to Zhang Yi and asked him to do it for him.

Zhang Yi did not take things out of the house directly, but sent them to Cao Yong.

Cao Yong saw that the sword was new, but the handle was smooth and oily; the jade belt was wrapped in flannelette and hidden in a brocade box. Knowing that these two things were Cao Yi's favorite things, he ordered Zhang Yi to keep the things and let him go to the accountant to pay 2000 taels of silver to Cao Yi...

*
Complete the task, sprinkle flowers.Start tomorrow to gain time earlier.

In the last two days, he was still seventh in history, and the bonus was about to be missed. Xiao Jiu begged for support from the monthly ticket. .

(End of this chapter)