Ordinary clear day

Chapter 169
Zhang Bao was stunned for a while: "Swap relatives? How could they have such an idea?" He lowered his head and thought for a while, frowning: "Although there were marriages between families in the past, it was to make the relationship between the two families closer. Although we have some friendship with the general's mansion, it is not to this extent. Besides, Duan'er and Zhenzhen are married by the Holy Spirit. Why do we have to marry another daughter? Nowadays, only ordinary people will do this kind of marriage exchange. We There is absolutely no need for such a family to do so.”

Tong Shi sighed and said, "I thought so too, but according to Mrs. Wen, I think we, Shu'er, are smart and virtuous, and can be a good match, so I wanted to come and ask."

Zhang Bao frowned and asked, "How did you reply to her?"

"What else can I say? Of course it means that there is no draft yet, so I dare not make any promises. I am afraid that things will change in the future. Everything can only be discussed after the draft next year."

Zhang Bao nodded and said, "That's fine. In fact, I think that child Chongli's character and appearance are quite outstanding, but he is too strict and a bit sour. Although we, Shu'er, have always been well-behaved, but We have always had our own opinions since we were young, and we have never restrained her, I'm afraid she can't bear Chongli's sourness." He paused, and then said: "You didn't say too much when you replied, did you? Children and relatives, don't offend others."

Tong Shi hurriedly said: "Don't I know this yet? Don't worry, I just said that it's too early to talk about kissing now, and I even praised Chongli a few times."

She thought for a moment, and then said: "Actually... When Mrs. Wen brought it up, I thought it was inappropriate, so I held off on talking. But after thinking about it, this relationship is not bad. Don't talk, just listen to me Tell me in detail." She stretched out her hand to hold Zhang Bao, handed him a cup of tea, and then expressed her opinion:
"The foundation of the General's Mansion is not deep, but the family members are quite prosperous. If Shu'er marries in the past, with our family background, we don't have to worry about our daughter being wronged. Chongli's future is also promising. Besides, General Wudan will stay as the General of Guangzhou. She spends very little time living in Beijing every year. As the second wife, Mrs. Wen is not a serious mother-in-law, and she has to go south with the general. Chongsi and his wife are both in Guangzhou. If our daughter is really married to Chongli, there is no need to set rules in front of her parents-in-law , and there is no need to socialize with sisters-in-law. Once married, she will be the mistress of the house, and she is close to her natal family, so life is naturally easy.

"Besides, Chongli is a bit too old-fashioned. In fact, he has a good character and talent. No matter who he marries as his wife, he will treat each other with courtesy. If he really marries our daughter, his own sister is Our daughter-in-law, of course he won't treat Shu'er badly. Think about it, who is our Shu'er? As long as others don't make her angry, she will be able to live comfortably, don't you think? "

Zhang Bao frowned, and admitted that his wife's words were reasonable, but he still felt wrong in his heart: "Your thinking is certainly reasonable, but I still think that we and the General's Mansion are already in-laws, and there is no need to get married again. It's not suitable for Shu'er either. Besides, no matter how good the marriage is, we must first ask our daughter what she thinks, the most important thing is that she is willing. If she doesn't like it, no matter how much we think about it, it's useless to worry about it."

Tong thought about it, and smiled: "It's true that I am a little too worried. Now my daughter has not yet been drafted. When she really loses the election, it will not be too late for us to choose a good son-in-law for her. Even if she has to make up her own mind, we You have to pick out a few good candidates first."

The husband and wife put the matter on hold for the time being, and didn't even tell Duan Ning Shuning, and only concentrated on preparing for their son's marriage.

The next day, Mrs. Tong was counting the betrothal gifts to be sent to the General's Mansion. Seeing that one pair of gold bracelets was not in good condition, she specially replaced the pair she made a few days ago. The hundred catties of wedding cakes had already been delivered and packed, so I was relieved.

At this moment, Suyun lifted the curtain and came in, "Madam, the eldest lady is here."

Nala came here to thank Tong for the set of gold jewelry that Tong sent to Fangning's room.Because Tong was buying gold jewelry for his new daughter-in-law, he remembered what he said a few days ago that he would send jewelry to Fang Ning, so he dropped by and sent it to Fang Ning two days ago.Fang Ning came over to thank her that night, but Na Lashi only came today, which was a bit strange.Tong Shi remained calm, and just chatted with her to see what she had to say.

Sure enough, after drinking a cup of tea, Tong Shi once again showed that he was going to get busy with business, Nala Shi couldn't sit still, and said something like "take a break, you have been busy all day", While consciously or unconsciously inquiring about Mrs. Wen's visit yesterday.Mrs. Tong only said something about preparing for the marriage, and didn't mention anything else, but she heard Mrs. Nala inquiring about Chongli.

Not only did she inquire about Chongli's age, knowledge, conduct, and hobbies, but she also inquired about whether he was betrothed or had a favorite girl, whether the emperor had plans to marry him, and so on.Mrs. Tong only made a brief introduction, and said that she didn't meet much on weekdays and didn't know much about it. If the sister-in-law is interested, let him come to see Yunyun in person next time.Nalashi hurriedly laughed and said it was just chatting, but from her tone, it seemed that she really had this plan.

Tong's heart was extremely suspicious, but she didn't show it on the face. Thinking that she was busy preparing for her son's marriage recently, she was a little negligent about the affairs in the house, and she didn't know what the direction of the big house was.After finally waiting for Nala to leave, she immediately summoned Ermo and asked her if there was anything unusual in the mansion recently, especially if there was any change in the eldest room.

Ermo replied: "Everything in the mansion is normal, and there is nothing wrong with it. I just heard that some young masters said some sour words about Brother Duan getting a good marriage. If there is anything special about the eldest wife, The only thing is that recently she often takes the second girl to other people's homes as guests. I heard some gossips from the women in the eldest room, and it seems that the eldest wife is looking for a marriage for the second girl."

Tong Shi was startled, recalling Nala Shi's strange words and deeds just now, she knew it well.She asked a woman to invite Zhang Bao to come, and the woman came back after a while and said, "The third master is meeting guests in the study outside." Mrs. Tong had to wait in the room first.

After half a day, Zhang Bao came back.Tong asked: "Who is the guest who just came? Why did you sit for so long?" Zhang Baodao: "It's a teacher that my elder brother found for me. His surname is Fei, Mr. Fei Chengwang. I think he is good, and I have asked him to come along with me." I went to Baoding to take office together."

Mrs. Tong paused, and asked a little uneasy: "Is this Mr. Fei trustworthy? In fact, if you can't find anyone, I can go back to my mother's house and tell me."

Zhang Bao shook his head and said, "I can't ask your natal family for help in everything. As for this Mr. Fei, although he is not as clever as Mr. Su, he is older, mature and prudent, and has a long history of political affairs. I am familiar with him, he is capable. Besides, my elder brother and I are a family, and we help him a lot on weekdays, so he will not be careless."

Tong thought about it, so she felt relieved, and then told him what happened today: "My sister-in-law came to talk to me this morning, and she seemed to be very interested in Chongli. I heard from Ermo that she always took Ermao out recently. Being a guest seems to mean looking for relatives for my daughter. I think she probably has a crush on Chongli."

Zhang Bao was stunned: "Isn't it? Everyone in our mansion has counted on Wan'er to be selected in the draft since she was a child. Even if she can't enter the palace, at least she must be matched with a royal family. There is still half a year before the draft. Why is the sister-in-law looking for a marriage for Wan girl? Is Wan girl not drafting?"

Tong said: "I'm just wondering too. I asked Ermo to inquire just now when I was waiting for you. I happened to hear such a saying that the sister-in-law gave a gift to the leader of our banner a few days ago. The girl is over the age. If the above really approves it, the second girl can marry independently."

Zhang Bao frowned: "How can it be so easy? Although 17 years old is over, but Wan girl will only turn [-] next year. Besides, she is very famous in Beijing, and the palace knows it too, so it is difficult to get along. Even if it really succeeds, you shouldn't be in such a hurry to find a marriage, you have to wait for the Ministry of Households to issue a clear result."

Tong said a little unhappy: "If the second girl really doesn't go to the draft, I wonder if it will affect our Shu'er? Moreover, Chongli originally wanted to propose to our Shu'er, and the sister-in-law stepped in like this What's the matter?"

Zhang Bao laughed after hearing her words: "We didn't say we were going to marry our daughter to Chongli, why do you feel sour? Besides, if sister-in-law really wants to find a good marriage for girl Wan, Chongli is indeed a good match. He is the first-class son-in-law candidate in the eyes of the rich and powerful in Beijing, young and handsome, capable of both civil and military affairs, and has a bright future. You also said that he is good, so others can naturally see his good points."

Tong Shi thought for a while, and smiled a little embarrassedly: "You are right, I just feel a little uncomfortable." In fact, she also knew very well in her heart that it was a good thing for Nala Shi to take a fancy to this marriage for Wanning. I took great pains.As she said before, Chongli stayed in Beijing alone, his parents, brothers and sisters-in-law were all out of town, his wife had no parents-in-law to control her, and no sister-in-law to restrain her, she was the master of the house after passing through the door, her husband's family was few and the population was simple , Chongli himself is also abiding by etiquette, so for Wanning, he is the most suitable husband-in-law.

It's just that in Tong's heart, she is not willing to let Wanning seek such a good relationship. It's not because she hates Wanning, but because she thinks that if Wanning is in the draft, her daughter's chances of losing the election will be great. I don't know if the nobles in the palace will pay attention to their daughters.

But after thinking about it, she felt that she was worrying unfoundedly. As long as her daughter failed in the first two rounds, she would naturally not appear in front of the ladies in the palace. What does it matter if Wanning is there or not?According to the report from her natal family, my mother had already mentioned it to the empress of Yanxi Palace. Although the empress didn't say it clearly, it was probably possible.Once her own daughter successfully failed the election, Nala's plan to marry Wanning to Chongli made people feel even more uncomfortable...

Seeing the change of expression on his wife's face, Zhang Bao knew that she was still thinking about it, so he said, "Stop thinking about it, now my sister-in-law is just asking you about Chongli, and she didn't say that she must come to ask for marriage, besides, Mrs. Wen is the only one." If we said that we want Shu'er to marry, we won't suddenly change our mind. After all, we are still in-laws, and they still care about our face, don't they? If we don't marry Shu'er in the future, who will they choose for Chongli? It has nothing to do with us if the girl is our wife. Don't talk about it, I will be hired tomorrow, and everything is ready?"

Only then did Tong come to his senses, and hurriedly said: "Everything is ready, there are 32 dowry gifts in total, as well as wine and pairs of pigs and sheep. I specifically confessed that the silk and satin jewelry are all high-quality, but the decorations The boxes should be more plain, and must be decent enough, but not showy. It’s just that there is no fresh tea now, so I have to use the tea produced this spring instead.”

Zhang Bao nodded: "This is very good. We have been in the limelight recently, so we should try our best to keep a low profile. General Wu Dan sent someone to deliver the letter, which also means that."

The next day, the Earl's Mansion sent someone to deliver the dowry to the General's Mansion.All the gifts are complete, and the betrothal gift is also arranged according to the old ceremony. It looks mediocre on the surface, but after seeing the gift, the bride's family is very satisfied.

After the dowry, Zhenzhen's house began to prepare the dowry and make furniture, while at the Earl's Mansion, the renovation project of the new courtyard has been half completed, and it will be completed before the tenth day of the twelfth lunar month. Already in the making.Recently, Duan Ning has gradually started to get started with his business affairs. Although occasionally some young masters would come to trouble him, but he is kind and good at being a human being, and he soon won the approval of his superiors and colleagues.

It has been more than half a month since Zhang Bao received the letter of appointment from Zhili to participate in politics, and he cannot delay it any longer.Seeing that his son's marriage has been decided, he only waited for the marriage in the first month, so he thought about going to the office first, so he asked his wife to pack her luggage and make a favor after taking office, planning to let his wife and daughter take office together, and wait until the twelfth lunar month , Let his wife come back to prepare for his son's wedding.

After Shuning knew her father's plan, she also started to take the maids to pack their luggage.She suddenly thought of Zhou Yinlan, whom she hadn't seen since she got married in spring.Her father is still serving as a student in Baoding, maybe she has something she wants to take with her?So Shuning went back to her parents, thinking of Fan's house to visit her friends.

Since Zhou Yinlan married into Fan's family, she has only communicated with Shuning twice. In addition, after Duanning's marriage was reported recently, she sent someone to send a congratulatory gift.From what she said in her letter, life is going well, and the husband and wife get along very well, but Shuning failed to ask her out twice, so she wondered in her heart, are the rules of the Fan family very strict?

The Fan family is located in the outer city, near Liulichang, where many Han officials live.Shuning sat in the carriage and circled the alley a few times before stopping in front of a gate.She asked her servant to deliver the post, and then waited quietly in the car, just looking at Fan's residence through the car window.

The big blue brick house, with a dark brown wooden door, and a lantern hanging in front of the door, the facade of the Fan family shows the air of a scholarly family everywhere, but it is extremely low-key, which does not seem to be annoying.

The Fan family quickly sent someone out to welcome them, but the side door for carriages and horses was a bit small, and Shuning's carriage couldn't get in, so she had to get out of the carriage in front of the door. Out of the corner of her eye, she saw that the housekeeper of the Fan family was a little uneasy, as if He felt that this was too impolite, so he followed him along the path into the inner courtyard without saying a word.

Shu Ning first met Mrs. Fan's family, she was kind and always smiling, but intentionally or unintentionally, she glanced at her big feet.She kept silent and followed the etiquette. She wanted to talk to Zhou Yinlan alone, but from Madam Fan's tone, it seemed that she had no such intention.

Zhou Yinlan's face was still ruddy, and she was in good spirits, but she had to stand all the time, answering her mother-in-law, and she was respectful and polite, which made Shuning on the side feel a little sad.In front of her mother-in-law, Zhou Yinlan handed over to Shuning the things to be delivered to her parents, and even opened the package to show that there were several clothes, shoes and socks, and two packs of medicinal herbs.Mrs. Fan felt that it was not enough, so she ordered the servant girl to bring a few more medicinal materials, and attached a set of the Four Treasures of the Study and a few new books, so she was satisfied.

During the period, Zhou Yinlan's husband-in-law, Fan Anzhi, came once, but he only bowed to his mother outside the room. When he heard that his wife's friend was visiting, he came to say hello, but he disappeared because of the difference between men and women.He said a few words with him, and then exited the backyard.Shuning glanced at Zhou Yinlan, who looked at her with guilt.

In the end, Shuning asked Zhou Yinlan to give her a ride, and then got a chance to be alone with her, and quietly asked her how she was doing.Zhou Yinlan was silent for a while, and then said: "I think it's okay. In fact, married people are like this. If you want to be open, it's good. My husband and in-laws treat me pretty well. After the new year, I will live more easily."

Shu Ning knows the rules in Beijing, and the new daughter-in-law's first year of living in the house is quite difficult, but she sees that the Fan family behaves like a scholarly family who respects etiquette and defense. Zhou Yinlan grew up in Fengtian, where the atmosphere is relatively free. , she is also very much loved at home, but now she is so restrained, she feels uncomfortable seeing it.

It's just that she had no other choice but to comfort Zhou Yinlan a few more words. Unexpectedly, Zhou Yinlan comforted her instead: "My life is not as difficult as you think, it's just that I act more restrained, and I don't suffer much. My mother-in-law actually He's a good person, but he values ​​the rules more, and it's okay if you get used to it. Don't worry about me."

After hearing this, Shu Ning forced a smile, then went out, got into the carriage and left.She looked back by chance, but saw a young man put a cloak on Zhou Yinlan, said something, and then helped her into the door.Shuning guessed that the person was Fan Anzhi, and it seemed that her friend's husband treated her fairly well, so she felt a little relieved.

As soon as the luggage was almost ready, Zhang Baoding set off the next day, first went to Fangshan for a rest, and then went to Baoding the next day.Shuning lived in the Earl's Mansion for the past two months, and felt bored. Thinking of going to a new place, she began to feel relieved.

Unexpectedly, at that night, Nala from the eldest room urgently sent Lvyun to notify Tong and Shuning: "Someone is coming from the palace, please take the third wife and the third girl to see her."

(Sorry, it's late again today. Because the whole community at home has no water, just now there is water coming downstairs, and everyone took buckets and basins to line up to pick up the water. Because it is a limited time, so I rushed to pick it up first Come back and write...)
(End of this chapter)