Ordinary clear day

Chapter 176
The fifth elder brother walked into the second door, and then turned back to the person who spoke earlier: "It's not the first time I've come back, what are you doing in the living room? The wife in the house must be busy too? I'll just go in." Then he walked inside.The man looked anxious, but he didn't dare to stop him anymore, so he turned around and scolded the gatekeepers: "Why didn't you stop this master? You didn't listen to the elder lady's orders! You didn't listen to this matter!" Don’t let it spread, let me hear a little bit of wind from outside, watch your skin carefully!”

The crowd dared not speak out, so they had no choice but to respond feebly.The man said to a skinny man next to him: "You stay here for now, I'll go back to the eldest lady." Then he left.

Shu Ning recognized that person as the steward of the second door, known as Uncle Zhong, but the skinny man was Su Xin's little uncle, barely a deputy steward.But these are nothing. What she noticed was that the fifth elder brother seemed to have changed. Although he still felt very gentle, he added a bit of strength. color.

Just as she was wondering, she heard Tong Ying beside her say: "Tsk tsk... I just returned to Beijing yesterday, and today..." She realized that she was a little closer to Tong Ying, who was still holding her elbow, Busily moved two steps to the side, and gently broke free.Tong Ying also noticed something, straightened up, touched her head, slightly embarrassed.

It was only then that Shu Ning realized that Tong Ying was actually very tall, no different from an adult, and she was half a head shorter than him as she stepped on the bottom of a two-inch-high flower pot.Recalling the situation just now, she felt a little uncomfortable, so she asked as if nothing had happened: "Why did Brother Tongying avoid Brother Fifth? What's wrong with you and him?"

Tong Ying said with a wry smile: "What's wrong? He has been very proud recently, and he has made great achievements and won awards from the emperor. Everyone admires him. Now he is Lord Baylor, and he will move into the new mansion next spring. I When I heard about him, I admired him."

"Then why are you avoiding it?"

Tong Ying hesitated for a moment, and said: "Actually, it's nothing to say. I have been in Beijing for several years. Among the princes, I am closer to the third elder brother, fourth elder brother, and seventh elder brother. The fifth elder brother rarely played with us in the past. He was just friendly with the fourth elder brother. But recently, for unknown reasons, he suddenly alienated the fourth elder brother, and when we met, he just responded to the story, and he didn't look good when he saw us. So I simply avoided it to avoid embarrassment."

Shuning was a little surprised. She remembered that when she met these princes for the first time, the four or five would go shopping together. The year before last, the fourth elder brother came to her home and asked Wanning if she wanted to send a message to the fifth elder brother. It is reasonable to say that their brotherly relationship should be That's right, and the fifth elder brother has a gentle personality and has always been kind to others, but suddenly he is estranged from the fourth elder brother. Could it be... Shu Ning remembered a certain beauty, could it be because of her?
She looked at Tong Ying, who just smiled slightly, as if she also thought of this reason.When he was in Fangshan back then, he knew what Wanning was thinking, but it was hard to say it out.She could not help but sigh.

Tong Ying coughed lightly, and whispered: "I should go, take care, remember to use the medicine I gave you." Shu Ning lowered her head and responded softly.

Tong Ying smiled, suddenly took a few steps on the spot, and then walked forward.Shu Ning understood what he meant, so she stepped on the bottom of the flowerpot to follow, only to hear him say loudly: "What's wrong with Lao Duan today? I won't wait if you haven't come back so late. You can wait tomorrow." You have to ask him to explain it clearly."

Shu Ning snickered, and said with a serious face: "I'm really sorry, once my brother comes back, I will definitely tell him to ask him to accompany you properly."

Tongying smiled heartily: "Forget it, I have also seen the new courtyard today, I know what kind of calligraphy and paintings should be added, I can tell your brother to rest assured that he will be satisfied with the guarantee. It's just that he owes this favor , I must have him treat me to a good meal, and it must be a first-class restaurant in Beijing.” Then he stepped out of the second door.

Shu Ning said: "Yes, don't worry, I will definitely tell him." She stopped at the second gate, gave a solemn blessing, and said: "Go slowly, please forgive me for not being able to send you far away." Ying waved his hand and walked towards the door.Shu Ning glanced at Zhou Lao Ba next to him, and said, "Hurry up and catch up? Is it impossible for the guest to go out alone? Where's the horse? Hurry up and lead it."

Everyone was stunned, Zhou Laoba came to his senses after hearing this, hurriedly responded, beckoned a young man to lead the horse, and chased after him, smiling and agreeing.Shuning saw them disappear around the corner, then turned around and glanced at everyone, and asked, "Why don't you see Uncle Zhong?"

Everyone looked at me and I looked at you, and a smarter woman hurriedly replied: "Uncle Zhong has something to go away, what orders does the third girl have?" Shu Ning naturally knew where he went, but she just used this to hint I didn't know what happened just now, so I frowned deliberately, wanted to say something but didn't say it, and turned back.

When Zhou Laoba came back, his face was full of complacency. When others asked him if he had won the reward from the Duke of the State, he took out two silver picks, which were worth two or two, and everyone was full of envy.Seeing that the boy who had gone to lead the horse just now was a bit upset, he curled his lips, took out some pieces of silver from his belt, saw that there were about five coins, threw it to the boy, and said, "Take it, don't talk about me." One person has the advantage. This master is in a good mood today, and he is generous with his actions. When you see him later, be smarter, and you will always benefit." The boy quickly changed his smile and collected the money.

A thirteen or fourteen-year-old boy next to him asked: "Baye, who is this lord? Why can he go in and out of the second door at will, but we have to stop that elder brother just now?"

Old Ba Zhou gave him a sideways look: "Boy, new here?" The old woman said hurriedly: "Guard Zhou, this is my nephew. Because my brother is sick, I asked his son to take over the shift. It's the first day of the week." Once you are on business, please help me more." Then he patted the boy on the head again, asking him to give Zhou Laoba a courtesy.

Zhou Laoba was very relieved when he heard the word "Zhou Guanshi", and said: "You don't need to be too polite. The boy looks very clever, and he will be promising in the future. If you want to talk about this master just now, he is the little prince of Prince Jane's mansion. , just like the golden branches and jade leaves coming out of the belly of the eighth classic Fujin. He and the Fourth Master Duan of our family were young, and they came and went frequently. It was only recently that both of them entered the yamen to do business, so there were fewer visits. Judging from the situation just now, probably I came to look for the fourth master, but the fourth master came back late, so I didn't meet him. This young master comes here often, and he is looking for the third-bedroom master, so naturally he can't stop him. But the one just now..."

He looked left and right, lowered his voice, and said: "That is the prince, a nobleman of the Tian family! You have heard of it too, right? Our second girl, who will be drafted next year, has been pre-determined to be the fifth elder brother's concubine Fujin. You It is said that the young couple’s marriage has not yet been done, so how can they meet? So the eldest lady said, stop it, please serve tea in the hall outside. But this prince is an infatuated person, and he must come in to see the second girl. Let’s stop I can't help it, I have to keep my mouth shut, and don't let outsiders know the news, so as not to cause any gossip, don't you think?"

Everyone nodded and flattered Zhou Laoba again. He was proud of himself when he heard that loyal uncle came back and saw him, and said, "What are you doing?!" Come over and say something nice.The loyal uncle just said "Yeah", ignored it, and said for a long time: "Just now the eldest lady said, let's forget it for today, if the fifth elder brother comes in in the future, he must be stopped, otherwise I will beat you! But don’t offend the nobleman, understand?”

Zhou Laoba and everyone else complained in their hearts, but Uncle Pianzhong didn't even look at it, and walked into the next room to rest.

=========================== I am the dividing line of the conversion scene ==================== ======
When Shuning returned to Huaiyuan, she happened to see the woman who had been watching in the study of the new courtyard report to Nanny Cui about how she got along with Tongying: "...the girl has been fighting, and then talked about poetry for a while. , What kind of flowers and wind, there is nothing different. The painting is here, you have a look."

Shuning saw that the picture of red plums that Tong Ying gave her was in the hands of Nanny Cui, she couldn't help feeling angry, she glared at the old woman, and said: "This is something someone else gave me, why did you take it away without authorization?" ?!"

The old lady backed away with her hands lowered, but Nanny Cui glanced at the painting lightly, and said, "Why are you angry, girl? Although it is an ordinary picture given by someone else, it is a young man's thing after all, and it must be inconvenient for the girl to put it away." In your own room, let the old body keep it for you."

Instead of being angry, Shu Ning smiled: "This little grandpa used to come here often. I have several of his paintings here, and my brother also has them. It doesn't matter if there are more or less. It's just you If you don't live in my house for a long time, if you want to collect things for me, when do you plan to return them?"

Nanny Cui paused, and gave Shuning a stern look.Shu Ning still smiled: "However, Mammy is also a kind person. Since you came, I have learned a lot, and I am really grateful. It's a pity that you are from your grandmother, so you can't stay at a relative's house for a long time, otherwise I will take care of you." I will leave everything to you, so I feel relieved. By the way, I still have a few old paintings in my house, all of which are painted by men, and they are worth a few dollars. Did Mammy take them as well?"

Mother Cui was silent for a while, before she said: "It's the old man who has surpassed. I have heard that this young man's paintings are good in the past, but this is the first time I have seen them. It's a pity that the old man doesn't understand these things, so let the girl herself Take it."

Shuning smiled, and glanced at Dongqing beside her, she hurried over to catch it carefully, and retreated.

There was a moment of coldness in the courtyard, Shuning smiled and said to Nanny Cui: "Mommy, there is still some time before dinner, what should I practice?"

Mother Cui said expressionlessly: "The girl is more than half an hour late today, why did it take so long to send someone off?"

Shu Ning narrowed her eyes and said with a smile: "Just now when I was seeing off the guests out of the second door, I happened to see the Fifth Elder Brother coming in, so I avoided it. Mommy, am I right?"

Nanny Cui frowned slightly, and said: "Of course it's right, but why are there always male guests in the house? It's too careless."

Shu Ning ignored it, and continued: "Then people left, and I saw that there were a few fewer people on the second gate, and after asking, I found out that the steward there walked away for some reason, but he was from the big room. It's not easy to ask, so I came back. It's just this delay, it's a bit late."

Cui Momo nodded slightly, and said: "That's all, the girl is a delicate and caring person."

Shuning smiled, changed the subject and said, "The sun is almost setting, mother, what should I practice?"

Nanny Cui coughed softly before saying, "Please practice sitting down."

Shu Ning answered "Yes", walked into the room openly, and practiced her sitting posture.

In the evening, after dinner, Duanning came back, already very hungry.Shu Ning hurriedly arranged for his dinner, he hurriedly stuffed a few pastries down, drank another bowl of hot soup, and just now slowed down his movements.After eating and drinking enough, Duanning sat down in the study with a bowl of hot tea, and then said to his sister, "I'm so busy today. Suddenly, a bunch of official documents to be translated came, and they were all urgent. We five or six Personally, the sky is dark and the sky is dark, and only [-]% of it is done, and it will continue tomorrow morning, and it will be handed in before noon. I heard from the seniors that I had to come here two or three times before the year."

Shu Ning said: "In this case, I will ask the kitchen to make more snacks, and I will choose some that are easy to store, taste good and can satisfy my hunger. My brother will take a pack with him every day when he goes out. Even if he comes back late, he can fill it first. Fill your stomach." Duan Ning hurriedly said: "This method is good, make more, and I can share it with others." Shu Ning nodded with a smile.

Next, Duanning asked his sister what she did today as usual.When he heard that Tong Ying had come to look for him on purpose, but had no choice but to leave when no one came, he had a strange expression on his face, and asked his sister carefully about the details at that time. After listening, he couldn't help laughing and scolding: "Stinky boy!"

Shu Ning asked what was the matter strangely, Duan Ning smiled and said: "When those official documents came, he was in the Ministry of War, and the other postman told him that he would be returning late today. He knew that I would not be so early Come back, why are you pretending to be confused?" He paused, and looked at his sister with a half-smile: "Could it be, what did he tell you that I can't hear?"

Shu Ning's face was a little red, and she said stiffly: "Why? He just came to chat about some household matters, looked at your new yard, drew a plum blossom, and then left." She saw her brother's expression " I don't believe it." His face turned even redder, and he hurriedly got up and said, "If you don't believe me, I'll show you the painting." After saying that, she really turned around and went back to her room, and brought the painting for Duanning to see.

Duan Ning just looked at the painting, of course he couldn't see anything wrong, so he put it aside casually, seeing that his sister looked a little nervous, she seemed to treasure the painting, and she knew it well, so she said: "This painting is the plum blossom in my yard, How about hanging with me?"

Shu Ning was nervous for a moment, and blurted out: "But Brother Tong Ying gave it to me..." Seeing the mockery in Duan Ning's eyes, her ears turned red, she hurriedly stopped her mouth, and bowed her head in silence.After a while, Duanning sighed softly, patted her head, and said: "Silly girl, what is there to hide from brother? I won't go after your things."

She was very embarrassed, and hurriedly took the painting back to her room.Duanning looked at her disappearing figure with a smile on his face, feeling a little sour in his heart, but he quickly calmed down.

At night, Shuning couldn't sleep again.She tossed and turned, simply got up, and opened the picture of red plums under the moonlight, recalling the conversation with Tong Ying today.

It seems that Tong Ying really has some interest in her, not only hinting that she will propose marriage, but also making a lot of efforts to increase the weight of her words.She didn't know when the other person started to have this kind of thought about her, and she didn't know if she really liked this person.But thinking of the weird feeling in my heart when I faced Tong Ying, it seemed that I was not completely indifferent.

Tongying belongs to the clan, if he asks for marriage, it will be after the emperor, prince, prince and county king have finished selecting the beautiful girls. If he really makes a great contribution, he may be able to advance a bit earlier, but in any case, it is better than his own hope of losing the election more sure.For her now, Tong Ying is indeed an ideal object, and she has known each other for a long time, and they know each other better.

But she also knows a little bit about Tongying's family situation, which is a more complicated family than the Earl's Mansion, full of struggles among women.Would she really want to marry into this kind of family, but go through that terrible struggle?What's more, it seems that there are rights disputes between brothers.

stop stop!What is she thinking?Tongying has paid so much, is it such a realistic problem that she first thought of?I'm so sorry for him!

Shu Ning slapped herself, although it wasn't heavy, it made a soft sound in the middle of the night.Suxin in the outer room asked vaguely: "What's wrong, girl?" She hurriedly said: "It's nothing, it's just beating mosquitoes."

Shu Ning breathed a sigh of relief, looked at the picture, and sighed in her heart: I have lived for nearly 40 years in my two lives but never touched the feelings of men and women. Facing Tong Ying's efforts, can I really give the same feelings and repay her? other side?

(Poor kid...)
(End of this chapter)