Reborn in the last years of Kangxi

Chapter 89

Cao Mansion, East Nuan Pavilion of Bamboo Courtyard.

Yongjia half leaned on the rug, and talked about Jiangning's past with Cao Yi and Zijing.After two days in Cao's mansion, seeing Zijing dress differently from others, even Cao Yi and Cao Song called "sister", and arranged everything inside and out, Yongjia knew that her identity was unusual, and treated her very well. polite.

But Zijing is a person who refuses to overstep, even if everyone respects her, she will not be rude in the slightest.Although he was with the two young ladies, he was only willing to sit on the side of the stool shallowly, listening to the two talking with a smile, and did not interject casually.When Yongjia saw it, he secretly praised that this Cao Mansion is indeed a big family that has gone through several generations, and everyone behaves with their own style.

When they were in Jiangning Jizhu Club, Yong Jia and Cao Yi were still eleven or twelve year old girls, innocent and romantic at that time, with little worries, but now they are already slim young girls, each has its own troubles.

Speaking of Qunfang who attended the meeting in the past, Cao Yi's two older sisters were married, and Ms. Ma went to Shanxi to take up the post because of her father's promotion to Taoism; The seventh miss of the Wei family contracted the epidemic two years ago and died at a young age; the second miss Jiang of Liuhe Qianzhuang recruited a son-in-law, and she heard that the man had a sudden attack and died without paying homage, so she became a doorkeeper. She is widowed and takes care of the family's bank; Miss Yang of Bihelou has made a marriage contract with her grandfather's cousin of Bai's family, and she will get married at the end of the year.

Life is impermanent and has its own joys and sorrows. Although Miss Wei and Miss Jiang have their own misfortunes, the unknown Miss Cui is even more worrying. Yongjia and Cao Yi are inevitably sad.

After hearing the two people's words, Zijing's face changed slightly, and after a while, she finally spoke up to comfort her: "It's all due to each other's fate, who can say for sure? Maybe that Miss Cui can be treated kindly if she is bought by a good person." Woolen cloth!"

Yong Jia and Cao Yi only thought she was casually comforting her, and although they nodded in response, they were still worried, and the room fell silent for a moment.

With the sound of footsteps, Bao Ya, Cao Yong and Cao Song came in.Although Lingque had cleaned Baoya, there was still a lot of white flour in her hair and in the folds of her clothes.

Both Cao Yi and Zijing got up, and asked the servant girl to bring water and a handkerchief to wait for Baoya to wipe her face.Cao Yi smiled and asked, "What's wrong with Gege? She looks like a human being."

Baoya giggled and greeted Lingque to hand over the food box: "Sister San, Sister Zijing, this is the food I personally provided for Sister Yongjia!" Having said that, she looked back with embarrassment Looked at Cao Yong and Cao Song: "Of course, there are also Cao Yong and Cao Song who have a little bit of credit!"

Seeing the Cao family brothers behind Baoya, Yongjia nodded in salute.

Cao Yong smiled and nodded in return, while Cao Song complained to Yongjia unconvinced: "Sister Wanyan, don't believe Gege, if you don't give credit to me, you won't give credit to me. After all, I didn't help much. Brother The credit is indispensable, my brother not only set the menu, but also cut the dishes himself!"

Hearing these words, Yongjia, Cao Yi and Zijing were all surprised.Yongjia looked at Cao Yong with a curved corner of his mouth, but did not respond.

Cao Yi couldn't help but walked up to his brother and grabbed his sleeve: "Brother, brother, why haven't I heard that you can cook?"

Zijing wiped the white face on Baoya's head and body with a wet handkerchief, and asked Cao Yong with a smile: "The third girl is right. This is the first time I've heard that the uncle is going to the kitchen. It's strange! Right now , even the servants are curious about what menu the uncle has ordered!"

Baoya tidied things up a bit more quickly, and was eager to offer treasures in front of everyone, so she asked Lingque, Chaier, and Huaner to set up the kang table, took out four small dishes and put them away, and filled Yongjia with half of them in a small bowl. A bowl of owl ear soup.

Although Yongjia seldom has an appetite and is not used to eating in full view like this, but seeing Baoya watching eagerly, and the friendship between the Cao family brothers in this food, how could she say no to it without interest?He thanked the three of them first, then took off the bracelet under the service of Chai Er, washed his hands, then took the chopsticks and looked at the kang table.

The four side dishes are all served in palm-sized lotus leaf emerald plates, which look refreshing and delicious without being greasy at all.After a few sips and half a bowl of cat ear soup, Yongjia put down his chopsticks, wiped his mouth with a handkerchief, and said to everyone with a smile: "I really didn't expect that our Baogege still has such craftsmanship. It looks ordinary, but the taste is really good! It’s still early in the sky, and you don’t have to worry about food accumulation, everyone, come and taste it!”

Chai'er sent some ebony chopsticks inlaid with silver, and everyone took a few bites of each.

Both Cao Yi and Zijing nodded their heads and said hello, Baoya became more and more proud when she heard this.Cao Song couldn't get used to her complacent look, curled his lips, and said: "What is this? Compared with the delicacy of Linxiazhai in Jiangning, these are home-cooked dishes!" Speaking of this, he couldn't help frowning: "It's all to blame. That brat from the Gu family, my brother treated him so well, yet he had the guts to persuade outsiders to seek out Lin Xiazhai! Hmph, that means he left Beijing early, otherwise I must teach him a lesson!"

While in the kitchen, Baoya had already heard about Lin Xiazhai, and now seeing Cao Song mentioning it again, she couldn’t help asking curiously: “Is Lin Xiazhai a restaurant? I’ve heard you say it several times, and the food inside is really so delicious.” ?”

Cao Song nodded proudly: "Of course, everyone in Jiangning doesn't know that the delicacy of Linxiazhai is unique!" Seeing Baoya's questioning expression, he hurriedly said: "If you don't believe me, just ask Sister Wanyan and Three sisters, they all had dinner in Linxiazhai! But after three or four years, they should never forget! Even I remember, that day Wanyan sister wore a red flag dress, and Miss Yang Take a car!"

Cao Yi thought for a while, then nodded: "Well, I remember, that year, the second sister celebrated her birthday in advance, and invited girls from various families in the Jizhu Society to go to Linxiazhai. But, how could the second brother know so clearly , I didn’t see you go there then!”

Cao Yong knew something was wrong when he heard Cao Song's previous words, and just about to stop him, Cao Song had already said: "That kid Wei Xin wants to take his elder brother and me to see some kind of Qunfang meeting. Come on, I can see you!"

Cao Yong was so ashamed that his old face turned red, this silly boy, doesn't he know that there are many things that are a man's secret, and it is not appropriate to tell a woman?

Bao Ya couldn't help laughing at first, and while rubbing her belly, she pointed at Cao Yong with her finger: "Okay, okay, I was deceived by your polite appearance on weekdays, I didn't expect you This kind of groping, inexperienced time!"

Cao Yi also giggled, looked at his brother, and shaved his face with his fingers.

Yongjia lowered her head halfway, hiding the smile in her eyes, but her shoulders trembled slightly.

Seeing that Cao Yong was blushing, Zijing was just thinking about how to help him out, when she heard a little maid from outside to report: "Master, there are visitors in the front yard!"

Cao Yong, as if being pardoned, greeted everyone and went out quickly.

*
When I came out of the Dazhuyuan, it was almost the beginning of the unitary year (five o'clock in the afternoon), and it was getting dark early in winter. At this time, the sun was sinking and the twilight was slightly fading.

Cao Yong went to the second gate, and the boy waited, saying that Uncle Ning had come, and waited in the front hall.

When Cao Yong came out, Ning Chun was holding a gaiwan to drink with cows. When he saw him, he quickly put down the gaiwan, walked over quickly, and held him up and down to look him up and down.

Cao Yong saw that Ning Chun's forehead was full of sweat, his clothes were not even in order, dust was hanging on the hem of his gown and his official boots, he looked anxious, and hurriedly said: "Brother Jingming, don't worry, brother is fine."

Ning Chun patted him on the shoulder and breathed a sigh of relief: "It's fine. It's fine. I was taken aback! ——It's fine, it's fine."

He said a few times "it's fine", Cao Yong saw the sweat on his head and the water on his mouth was too late to wipe, and his face was full of concern, he couldn't help being moved, brother should be like this!Immediately shook his arm, nodded: "Brother Lie is worried." As he spoke, he dragged him over to sit down, and asked the servant to change to new tea.

Ning Chun was really thirsty, so he drank half a glass before putting down the bowl, and said calmly, "What's the matter? I was in the outer city yesterday, and I didn't know what it was. When I entered the city at noon today, I heard it faintly. A passer-by mentioned that something happened in front of Tao Ranju’s house, and so many people died. They sent a servant to inquire, but they said it was your Cao’s house! ——I lost most of my soul and soul, so I hurried over to have a look Look. But who's offended?"

Cao Yong shook his head: "I really don't know who I offended." Then he told Ning Chun what happened yesterday and the gangster's confession one by one.

After hearing this, Ning Chun slapped the table: "His grandma! He's so vicious! If it hits my hands, they will be cut alive!" Then he cursed a few more words, and asked, "Then what is Shuntian Mansion saying now? I heard that the governor, Shi Shilun, has some skills, so I will look for someone—or your brother-in-law, to remind me."

Cao Yongdao: "Shuntian Mansion only said that it is investigating. It is a big case, and they are in a hurry to solve the case, so there is no need for us to urge it. There is something strange about this matter. I plan to go to Tongzhou by myself in the next few days Check."

Ning Chun nodded: "I'm also idle, and I have a few people here. Xiao Cao, if you need something, just say hello, and I'll be there as soon as you pass. ——By the way, Yongqing's side Do you understand? I'll go find him right away. Uncle isn't in the capital, but you still have our brothers!"

Cao Yong smiled and said: "They are all good brothers. Brother Shanyu came here yesterday and said the same thing as brother Jingming! If I have any difficulties, I will definitely ask the two brothers for help!"

Ning Chun was a little annoyed: "He came yesterday? Alas, what did you say? I was a day late! It was Qiu Niang who misled me..." Afterwards, the voice became weaker and weaker, and finally only Laughing, touching his bare forehead, he looked a little embarrassed.

It turned out that Ning Chun fell in love with a young lady called Qiu Niang in the Begonia Courtyard, but the old bustard kept suppressing him and refused to call for a ransom. It was not until a few days ago that he asked someone to come out and put him in a private house outside the city.Ning Chun got what he wanted, he played foolishly for two days, and only returned to the city at noon today.Now that he heard that Yongqing came yesterday, thinking about the fact that he missed his brother because of a woman, he felt a little bit annoyed in his heart.

Cao Yong is not that ignorant of human affairs, seeing him laughing awkwardly, and mentioning the woman's name, he laughed aloud and said something special to change the topic.Ning Chun also followed his words.

After a while, there was another report from outside that Mr. Ma Liandao, the Minister of Guangchu of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, had arrived.When Cao Yong heard the word "Ma's family", his brain ached, but at this moment he had to go to greet him in person. Ning Chun heard that he was a doctor of the Household Department, so he straightened his clothes and went out with him.

Seeing Ma Liandao, Cao Yong saluted and said, "Cao Yong met Ma Shibo, Shiboan!"

Ma Liandao supported him, and asked anxiously, "Is it all right, my nephew?"

Cao Yong replied, "It's all right for Shibo to worry about." He said to invite Ning Chun to him.

After talking to Ning Chun, Ma Liandao said a few words, entered the hall and sat down, his eyes were glued to Cao Yong again, and he asked for warmth again.

Cao Yong was most afraid of his looking at the "prospective son-in-law", so he just turned his head, patiently and briefly explained what happened, and skipped all the points that could raise questions, so as not to be long-winded with him.

Ma Liandao sighed for a few words, and suddenly said: "Tomorrow, I will have a banquet in my house to surprise my nephew. - Zhuo Jing has not seen you for many days, and I was still talking about it two days ago. I heard that your younger siblings have all come to Beijing, so it should be a lot to talk about." It's about walking."

It's too late for Cao Yong to hide, how dare he make do with his house?He hurriedly said that although the younger sister was not injured, she was frightened and needed to rest for a few days, so it was inconvenient to go to the house to see her aunt.

Who knows that Ma Liandao seems to be in love, and immediately said that his wife Tian and his two daughters will come to visit tomorrow. He even said that there are no elders in the Cao family. For a few days, he was "taken care of" by his wife.

It turned out that Ma Liandao and his wife Tian Shi had always wanted to marry their daughter to the Cao family. The couple thought that with their personal friendship, the marriage was a certainty and there would be no problem.In April, Cao Yong's mother, Mrs. Li, went to Beijing. After receiving the letter, Mrs. Tian immediately took her daughter to visit, but she didn't see anyone at Cao's house, so she gritted her teeth and went straight to the county prince's mansion. Practical.

Who knew that after seeing Li Shi, the first chat was quite cordial, but after a few sentences, Tian Shi didn't know what he said wrong, and felt that Li Shi gradually faded away, and when he mentioned marriage, Li said that his son was still Young and weak in stature, it is not appropriate to marry early, which fooled her.In addition, when the Ping County Prince's Mansion held a banquet that day, neither Li Shi nor County Prince Fujin kept her with them, Tian Shi was somewhat angry, and complained to Ma Liandao when he came back, saying that he refused to marry the Cao family.

Ma Liandao has always been afraid of inwardness, although he has the intention of clinging, he dare not refute the meaning of the shrewd wife.

When Cao Yong came back from the grassland, there was a rumor in Beijing that the Cao family raised the flag and Cao Yong wanted to discuss marriage, so the Tian family became a little loose again.Then when the news that Cao Yin was promoted to earl and Cao Yong got [-] hectares of Zhuangzi, it was like adding fuel to the fire. No reason to find the door.

So today, when Ma Liandao heard about the Cao family's incident, he hurried over and put on this rather stalking posture.

Cao Yong also guessed in his heart that he was probably trying to sell his own daughter. He had a headache and his mouth was worn out.

In the end Ning Chun got up to say goodbye, it was dark outside, so Ma Liandao also said goodbye and Cao Yong sent him outside.

Ma Liandao got on the horse, glanced at the shiny plaque in the Earl's Mansion, took a deep breath, and thought to himself, even if Mrs. Tian was not called to come over tomorrow, he would have to send back a surprise gift, and he would have to move around frequently in the future.The relatives of the Cao family can't just surrender to others like this.

(End of this chapter)