Reborn in the last years of Kangxi

Chapter 168

Cao Mansion, Banyan Courtyard, Shangfang.

After listening to Cao Yong's question, Zhuang Xi didn't show any panic and surprise, but casually pointed to the chair on the ground: "Yong'er, sit down!"

Seeing Zhuang Xi's slightly lonely expression, Cao Yong sat down silently.

Zhuang Xi wiped his beard, and said seriously: "I know you have wanted to ask for a long time, and I have been waiting for you to ask for the past two years, but you seem to be indifferent; today is like this, but what happened? "

Cao Yong nodded, as a response, and then asked: "What is the identity of Mr.? Since you are waiting for me to speak, there should be no taboo, please tell me the truth!"

It was rare for Zhuang Xi to see Cao Yong so serious, staring at his face with piercing eyes, and asked: "After knowing the identity of the old man, how will Yonger treat him?"

Cao Yong squinted his eyes: "Knowing the identity of the gentleman and confirming the position of the gentleman, Cao Yong may be a little decisive!"

Zhuang Xi couldn't help laughing and said: "Could it be that Yong'er is still worried that the old man will harm you?"

Cao Yong shook his head: "Although we have only been together for two years, I can feel the sincere care of my husband. It must be the boy's luck. Thanks to the shadow of my father and grandfather, I can get such love from my husband. However, I can trust my husband, but I can't trust him. The person behind Mr.!"

Zhuang Xi did not turn into anger when someone revealed his true colors, but looked relieved: "I wish you would have spoken earlier!" Having said this, his eyes gradually became deeper: "I have received a lot of favor from your father and grandfather in this life, your grandfather You have nurturing feelings for me, your father has saved my life, but now he comes to your side,... it is not the original intention."

Cao Yong was a little confused, but he didn't question it. Not only did Jiangning's Zhuang Chang roughly say that Zhuang Xi had received the kindness of his "father and grandfather"; Nor will he be entrusted to look after Cao Yong in the north.

However, that "really unintentional" made Cao Yong's heart sink.Apart from the one above, who else could be so aggressively planting his eyes and ears, able to remotely control Jiangnan, and understand Cao Yin's thoughts?
For a moment, I just felt extremely cold. Is this the so-called emperor's mind?Cao Yong thinks back to the past two years in Beijing, cute guards, raising flags, rewarding land, giving marriages, one after another, is he lucky, or is he a fool whose eyes are covered and ears are blocked?

Cao Yong sighed: "My father is not a vassal king, but a loyal and prudent minister. Although I am his son, whether to inherit his position is not a matter of the above sentence. Why is it so important?" Fei Zhouzhang? It's really ridiculous!"

Zhuang Xi nodded: "Heaven's power is unpredictable, maybe it's just to protect the Cao family! The old man has watched it for the past two years, and the favor shown to the Cao family does not seem to be fake!"

Cao Yong sneered, wondering if he should be grateful for his low-key life.If Cao Yin hadn't been so loyal, if he hadn't had no ambitions for power, what would have ushered in would be another "favor".

Seeing Cao Yong's demeanor, Zhuang Xi couldn't help frowning and said: "Young Master, you just need to understand it in your heart, and don't feel resentful in your heart, so as not to be observed by others and cause disaster!"

This is indeed a sincere teaching, but although Cao Yong knew that he had good intentions, he was so tired that he didn't even have the energy to say thank you.

Mr. Zhuang asked: "You came here to look for the old man, don't you just want to know this? Is there any trouble outside, and you want to use my strength to investigate something?"

Cao Yong looked at Mr. Zhuang, and said: "I remember that when Mr. Wang first came here last year, my father mentioned in his letter to me that Mr. Mr. was here in the capital in the early years. If you encounter any difficulties in the past two years, do you know?" Most of the things that I solved were solved by Mr.! Seeing Mr.’s words, he knows all the government and officials in the capital like the palm of his hand. Mr. has never been an official, so he must have worked as an aide in the mansion of the princes and dignitaries in the early years ?”

Mr. Zhuang smiled and nodded.

Cao Yong thought for a while, and said: "There are a lot of dignitaries in the capital. Cao Yong didn't bother to think about these things because he didn't want to explore Mr.'s past. Now it seems that since Mr. is a person from above, then this will not be the case if he is ordered to vote. Ordinary family. In this Kangxi Dynasty, apart from the four major ministers in the early years, who else could be more prominent than Mingzhu and Suo'etu? Mingzhu died of illness a year before I entered Beijing. Although the family is not as prominent as in the early years, it is still a lord Aristocratic family; Is this Suo'etu? He died for seven or eight years..." At this point, he suddenly remembered a slightly story-like deed he had heard, and couldn't help being shocked. He took a serious look at Zhuang Xi, and said Muttering: "Zhuang...Mr. Xi,...Mr. Xi?"

As for the famous "Ming Xiang" and "Suo Xiang", although the two have lost power and passed away, after all, in the past few years, various related deeds and stories have been circulated among the people, and even widely known.Among them, there is such a story, which is related to a strange staff member.

Na Suo'etu was first convicted of "discussing state affairs and forming a party to act recklessly", and was handed over to the clan's government to be imprisoned and imprisoned.After entering the prison, the warmth and coldness of human feelings suddenly appeared.Although he has been prominent for decades and his disciples are all over the government and the public, the only person who went to visit this former power minister was his guest secretary surnamed "Xi".

In the rumors, this staff member had the meaning of "come without a trace, go without a trace". He sneaked into the prison silently and delivered food and wine to Suo'etu.Later, Suo'etu died in prison, and it was this guest surname "Xi" who took care of the funeral. After the incident, he "went away crying bitterly, without knowing where he ended up."

When he first heard this anecdote, Cao Yong also praised the staff's strength of character.This doesn't look like something from the Qing Dynasty, it sounds like a "scholar" in the Spring and Autumn Period, and it really deserves the word "loyalty".Unexpectedly, a few years later, the "scholar" he admired appeared beside him in such a posture.

Zhuang Xi said with a wry smile: "It's been many years, I didn't expect you to hear about it!"

Cao Yong still has a bit of admiration, but he also sighs in his heart. Since he is doing "room", he should make a choice. If he does so rashly, he is afraid that he has violated the taboo above.Probably what he said about Cao Yin's "life-saving grace" is about this matter.

Knowing Zhuang Xi's identity, Cao Yong didn't suddenly feel enlightened, but became more confused.Since he knew that Zhuang Xi was greatly favored by two generations of the Cao family and he was a man of great loyalty, why did he send him to his side?

Zhuang Xi had been carefully observing Cao Yong's expression, and he had expected his confusion, so he couldn't help but shook his head and smiled slightly: "It seems that the young master is also puzzled. So and so, I feel more at ease. After pondering for two years, I still haven't figured out the purpose of ordering the old man to be with the young master! Now, I still hope that the young master is smart and can clear up the old man's confusion as soon as possible!"

Cao Yong came to Zhuang Xi at the first time, knowing that he had a door in his hand, and wanted to use it to investigate the dynamics of the various palaces today.Now, this place is far more complicated than I imagined, so how dare I use him casually?
Cao Yong immediately got up and hugged his wrists and said: "I am reckless in the end. I disturbed the gentleman. There are still some things that need to be dealt with, so don't disturb the gentleman for now!" Then he said goodbye and left.

"Sir, please stay!" Mr. Zhuang called out, "Since you are looking for this old man, it can be seen that there is something useful about this old man. I want this old man to find out some information! The above only ordered this old man to be by your side to help you, so this is also part of the old man's job. Things! If the young master insists on taking the old man out, he will be exhausted and dereliction of duty!"

Cao Yong didn't know whether to laugh or cry when he heard that, he was afraid that Mr. Zhuang would be No. 1 if he made "Jian" like this.But the bottom of my heart is still very useful, firstly because of his frankness, sincerity, old-fashioned heart, and secondly because of his ability, Mr. Zhuang is really a rare and good helper.Cao Yong didn't politely refuse, so he said everything about today.

After hearing Cao Yong talk about the accident in Fuchengmen, Zhuang Xi's expression became dignified.No matter who is scheming behind the scenes, it is unforgivable to take the lives of ordinary people as a joke.

"Sir, after today's incident, I feel that I can no longer be so muddled! Even if I am just a spectator, I must see clearly and hear clearly! Only in this way can we prevent problems before they happen, and let our parents and relatives truly understand each other. Peace!" Cao Yong's voice was not loud, but his tone was firm.

After a long time, Mr. Zhuang nodded: "I understand!"

*
Cao Mansion, Front Yard, West Cross Yard.

This side of Qianyuan West Road was originally used to accommodate some people from the family, so there are several independent small cross-courtyards.Originally Wei Hei and Wei Bai lived here, but later Wei Bai got married and went north with fragrant tea, Wei Hei moved to another place and left this place for their young couple.

The yard is not big, with three main rooms, two bright and one dark.There are two wing rooms in the east and west, which are used as kitchen warehouses.

On the kang in the main room, there are some fabrics and needlework. Sitting on the kang, Fang Cha and Vanilla pick out a few good pieces to determine the embroidery pattern.Seeing Fang Cha supporting her waist a little tiredly, Xiang Cao hurriedly said: "Aren't you tired, take a break! The past few months are not just a joke. Raise it!"

Seeing Xiangcao's appearance, Fangcha couldn't help laughing and jokingly said: "A girl's family is full of promises to raise or not. People have heard it, and don't think you are... ah..."

Xiang Cao's face was flushed with embarrassment, and she wanted to beat Fang Cha a couple of times, but she had scruples, so she rolled her eyes and said, "Look at you, you are all about to be mothers, and you have a sharp mouth that is so mean, but you can change it." Change it, so as not to bring up a bad child in the future! I am the same age as you, and I am two months older when it comes to months, so what is so strange about knowing these things!"

Seeing Vanilla staring at her stomach with envy, Fangcha twisted uncomfortably, waved her hands and said, "Okay, my aunt, sister Vanilla, stop looking at me! Your eyes are better than my family's." That one is still hot!"

Vanilla withdrew her gaze, picked up the embroidery frame by the side, picked up the needle thread and squeezed it on her head, and said while doing embroidery, "I just envy you, but I am really blessed!"

Fangcha thought that Xiangcao had been soliciting matchmakers years ago, and her marriage was still undecided in the past six months, so she couldn't help but wondered: "Look at Aunt Zhang, you don't love money like my grandmother, and you are outstanding, why is it still undecided?" come down?"

Xiang Cao bowed her head and said: "The people outside the house don't know the basics after all, and my temper is not as straightforward as yours. Mom is very worried!"

Fang Cha had been married in her natal family before, so she also knew some things.Vanilla is now twenty, considered older in her daughter's family.What's more, the outsiders are decent people, how can they marry a maidservant?Even if there is a promise of marriage, I am afraid that it is mostly the intention of filling the house and taking concubines.With a soft temper like Vanilla, if she gets married in a daze, let alone Zhang Gen's family, even Fang Cha won't be at ease.

When the two were serving by Cao Yi's side, they were not considered close, and occasionally had some quarrels.Now that they are older, and after going through those things before, they are much closer now than they were when they were young.And after all, they have lived together for more than ten years, and they have no sisters in their family, so they both cherish each other.

"My family has a lot of close friends and friends. I asked him to help me find out if there is anyone with a suitable appearance and personality! Maybe, your big matchmaker is me!" Fang Cha said with a smile.

Xiang Cao shook her head quickly: "Grandma, I don't dare to bother you, please don't tell Mr. Wei these things! If that happens, I won't have the face to come to your yard in the future!"

Seeing that Xiangcao spoke seriously, Fangcha knew that she was shy, so she said: "Okay, okay, okay, don't say anything if you don't say it, don't come, you are the only one who can talk, if you don't come, From now on, I will have to be dumb!"

The two were chatting and laughing when the little girl outside the door said: "Grandma, Second Master is back!"

Xiang Cao hurriedly got up from the kang, smiled and said to Fang Cha: "Look at me, I forgot the time while talking, I'm going home first!"

Fang Cha also went to the ground: "It's time to eat, why don't you go back after eating?"

Xiang Cao said: "Mom is still waiting for me, besides, Second Master Wei is also here!"

Fang Cha pursed her lips and said with a smile: "We are a small family, where are those taboos, and it's not like he hasn't seen you before! If that's the case, then I'll give it to you!

Vanilla waved her hand: "What are you giving? The people in the front yard and the backyard meet each other all day, let's take a break!"

When Xiangcao came out of the house, Wei Bai was about to enter the door. When he saw her, he said some polite words. After she left, Fang lifted the curtain and entered the door.

"Why is it so early today?" Fang Cha asked while packing up the kang.

Wei Bai walked to the table, picked up the teapot, and took a few sips: "Maybe it's hot, and I'm feeling 'chug' in my heart, I just feel something is wrong!"

"Could it be illness? Why don't we invite the doctor to have a look!" Fang Cha put down the sewing box and said.

Wei Bai shook his head and said, "It's okay, Lao Bai's body doesn't look like he's sick? But he's a little hungry, let's ask for a meal!"

Fang Cha called the little girl and gave her orders.Because he didn't want Fangcha to work hard, Wei Bai picked a cook among the relatives of Cao's servants to take care of the meals in the yard here.That little girl, Xiao Hong, was brought here by Fang Cha's natal family.

Seeing Xiangcao, Wei Bai asked, "Is the girl's marriage settled? Seeing her old lady a few days ago, she seemed a little anxious!"

"Not yet! Can you not be anxious? Of the three sons of Zhang Gen's family, only the youngest is a daughter. Naturally, he wants to have a good family soon, but it is difficult!" Fang Cha sighed.

Wei Bai smiled and said: "Why don't you mention it to our eldest brother, since we got married, I can't bear to see my eldest brother alone!"

Fang Cha couldn't help frowning. Even though they were relatives, she still couldn't forget Wei Hei's cold face.She was still hesitating whether to keep silent or to talk about something, when Wei Bai suddenly let out a "huh".

"What's wrong?" Fang Cha asked.

Wei Bai recalled what had happened just now when he mentioned Eldest Brother, and said, "Young Master Cai just came back to the mansion once and went to Mr. Zhuang's side, and then left the mansion with Mr. Zhuang, I don't know where he went!"

When Fang Cha heard Cao Yong, her heart stopped, and then she touched her stomach, which was not yet pregnant, and said with a smile: "Master is doing big things, why should I report to you about this? You are too worried !"

Wei Bai shook his head: "I'm not talking about that, I just thought that I didn't see the elder brother come back just now! With the temper of the elder brother, he treats the young master like a child. Since he followed him out, even if he left for a while, he didn't feel at ease. What's the matter today? It’s a bit weird not to follow back and forth!”

Fang Cha said with a smile: "Look, I just finished worrying about my uncle, and I'm worried about my uncle again! Is my uncle a child? He won't be abducted! It's not about going out on business, I think it's an appointment somewhere, waiting for my uncle past!"

Xiaohong set out the meal, Wei Baikang sat cross-legged on the table, held up his chopsticks and said, "Yes, in the past, elder brother missed me, if it's my turn to worry about it, I'm afraid the sun will come out from the west!"

*
It was already dusk when Prince Yong and Thirteenth Brother returned to Shisan Mansion.

Bao Zhu of the House of Internal Affairs is very outrageous. He made things difficult for the eunuch Wei Zhu who delivered the decree.Only when Prince Yong goes in person will he be more peaceful.

Prince Yong and the thirteenth elder brother are full of anger. Isn't this epidemic prevention for everyone?It's really outrageous to choose this time to make a scene. If you really endure it, you don't know what will happen to the other party.

Prince Yong didn't go into the Thirteenth Mansion, but just patted Thirteenth Brother on the shoulder and said: "This time, elder brother is really difficult, I can't trust others, so I asked Thirteenth Brother once!"

The thirteenth brother looked hesitant: "Fourth brother, where is Huang Ama?"

Prince Yong frowned and said: "Could it be that you will make mistakes if you work hard? If Huang Ama is really like this, don't count on it in the future!"

Thirteenth elder brother nodded: "Well, fourth brother, I'll listen to you! If you have any orders, don't be polite to Thirteenth!"

Prince Yong's expression softened: "This is my good brother!"

Because it was getting late, Prince Yong didn't stay long and went back to the palace directly.As soon as he entered the palace, a long follower hurriedly approached him to report the matter.

Prince Yong was taken aback when he heard this: "What? Cao Yong surrounded the palace over there with the soldiers from the barracks?"

(End of this chapter)