Ordinary clear day

Chapter 239
Shu Ning blinked, and asked: "Prince Kang's Mansion? I don't know what's the matter?" Yu Min waved her hand casually: "It's nothing serious, it's just that I heard that several old Fujins and princes were sick, so I sent two imperial physicians to They are stationed here and there whenever they are called. I was also afraid that the people in the palace would not take good care of me, so I sent a few of the maids around me here, and asked them to send letters back to the palace every day, so as not to be late."

Shu Ning knew it well, it seemed that the palace had already got the letter, and the eldest son Fujin must be in trouble.Yumin took two sips of tea and continued, "But these are trivial things. The queen mother heard that several widows of Prince Kang planned to copy the scriptures behind closed doors and worship the Buddha and pray for the prince, but they were sick and weak. How can I hold on? The eldest son is like that, even if it is healed, he has to be busy with the affairs of the court, so I ordered the eldest son Fujin to show his filial piety and copy the scriptures for the elders. I have been with our master for these years, I also know some of these Buddhist scriptures, so the queen mother asked me to give pointers. In fact, it is to help arrange a quiet room and explain which scriptures are suitable."

Does this count as house arrest in disguise?Shu Ning tentatively asked: "I've seen Fujin, the eldest son of Prince Kang's mansion, with her temperament, can she be patient enough to copy scriptures?"

Yumin smiled and said: "This is filial piety to the elders. Even if she is impatient, she will do her best. Besides, she has nothing else to do, right? It's just that she doesn't know Chinese, and she can only recognize a few words, so You need to learn calligraphy first. The Empress Dowager specially sent someone to teach her. After all, if the eldest son wants to inherit the throne, his Fujin must not be a joke. The Empress Dowager has spoken, and Prince Kang’s mansion will not accept any birthday gifts this year. No need to give it away, just a copy of the "Diamond Sutra" copied by Shizi Fujin himself."

For an arrogant person, being under house arrest and copying Buddhist scriptures is indeed a very painful thing, but compared with Su Yunzhu's suffering, what is it?But Shu Ning also knew that given the birth of the eldest son Fujin, the power of his mother's family, and his relationship with the Queen Mother, it was impossible for him to suffer any serious crimes.At this time, the queen mother took action to punish her a little bit. On the one hand, she punished the "unfilial daughter-in-law" and avoided the Horqin people's complaints. On the other hand, it also prevented the emperor from making more severe punishments.Therefore, the crimes committed by the eldest son Fujin probably just ended like this.

Although Shu Ning knew it in her heart, it was not so easy to accept it. Fortunately, Yu Min changed the subject at this time and asked her with a smile what good things she had brought, which made her turn her mind away from this matter: " It’s just a few new dim sums that the chef came up with recently. I’m fine with them, so I’ll bring them for you to try. There are also two boxes of small vegetarian dumplings stuffed with mushrooms and water chestnuts that you love. Didn’t you say you wanted them last time? Either?"

Yu Min hurriedly smiled and thanked: "I was thinking about it, thank you very much. Speaking of which, you were at the door just now, but do you want to turn around? Oh, even if I'm not here, you can just leave your things, why take them back?"

Shu Ning laughed and said, "Why does this sound so awkward? Could it be that you like those snacks more than seeing me when I come to your place?"

They communicated a lot on weekdays, and they talked a lot more casually. Now they made fun of each other, which made Shuning feel better.Yu Min told the maid who was close to her to pack up the snacks for the fourth master to eat when she came back, and asked casually: "Is there a portion here that is sent to the partial hospital? Hurry up and pick it out first, so as not to confuse it."

Shu Ning's heart tightened, and she hurriedly said: "Yes, there are a few snacks she likes to eat on weekdays, nothing more than things like jujube paste yam cake and rose cake, and I'm going to bother you to ask someone to deliver it, Nanmu That’s what’s in the silver-wire box.”

Yumin smiled and called people to go, then complained: "If you just want to find me, then why don't you let the concierge bring her in since you still have to bring something to her?"

Shuning smiled and said nothing.When she gave Wanning something, she would never hide it from Yumin, she would either ask Yumin to pass it on, or give it in person.In any case, Yumin will not feel that they have passed on the behavior privately.

Yumin probably knew it well, so she stopped probing, and said with a smile: "Speaking of which, the Wudu cakes with new fillings you sent during the Dragon Boat Festival, black sesame paste and mung beans are both good for me, But Sister Li likes the melon kernel stuffing. She is twin now, and she is precious. I don’t bother you to do more, just give me a copy of the recipe.”

Shu Ning responded, and quietly looked at Yu Min's expression, seeing that the corner of the other's eyes was a little lonely, she sighed inwardly.Si Fujin is extremely favored by her husband, but at the same time she is a well-known virtuous person, but behind this good reputation, who knows how hard it is to be a wife?Shuning changed the subject and explained the reason for her trip.

Knowing that Shu Ning wanted to pick a beautiful girl to be his wife, Yu Min agreed without saying a word: "It's easy, I will enter the palace tomorrow, you can go with me. Speaking of which, you are Tong Niangniang's natal family, She is one of the main managers of this year's draft, just ask her for grace."

After hearing this, Shu Ning quickly thanked: "That's great. It's also the first time for me to do these things. My eyes are darkened, and I don't know the rules. Please remind me more." Yu Min waved her hand: "You're welcome. What? They're all from my own family." Then he told her about the practice of drafting girls in the clan, and asked her to come out to meet her aunt and cousin after hugging her elder brother.Shu Ning looked at it, felt that although the child was a little weak, but very clever and cute, she teased him.

Not long after, the servants reported that Wanning had arrived.Yu Min motioned for her to take the child down and let Wanning come into the house.

This is also the usual practice, Wanning politely bowed to Yumin, but she just nodded to Shuning: "You came very diligently."

Shu Ning didn't care too much, and said: "Today, I came here to ask for Sifujin's business. I made some snacks at home, so I gave some to my sister. Everything is fine at home. My uncle is in good health. The injury I suffered in the northwest He is already well. I heard from Xiaobao that he had a horse riding competition with An Ning a few days ago, leaving An Ning far away. The aunt is eating fast now, and she often goes to pray to God and Buddha with Mrs. Shu Mulu. Her health is better than before. Everyone else is fine too, so don't worry about my sister."

However, Wanning was not very interested in the news about her parents, and only lightly expressed that she knew about it.Shu Ning looked at the pearl chain on her neck, frowned and said, "I heard that my aunt specially gave you a jade Buddha pendant, why didn't you see it on? It was consecrated by an eminent monk, and she said it was for carrying Wearing it can keep you safe." Wanning said, "It's so heavy and cumbersome, I asked someone to put it away."

Shuning secretly sighed for Nala's wasted effort.She specially went to Yunju Temple to ask for it. In order to ask the eminent monk who came to Mount Wutai to consecrate the Jade Buddha, she went to the temple to pray every day during the few days when she was staying in the other courtyard in Fangshan.She spent a lot of effort, but unfortunately Wanning didn't take it to heart.But Shu Ning didn't intend to say anything more, she turned her head to talk to Yu Min, so as not to neglect her.

However, Yumin seemed to bring the topic back to the draft, intentionally or unintentionally: "What you just said reminded me. Taking advantage of this year's draft, our house should also recruit newcomers this year. So far, my father only has one son and one daughter, which is really not much." Although Sister Li is pregnant again, she is sick now, throwing up whatever she eats, and she is so skinny. Our father is also worried and stays with us all day. If something happens to this baby, I really don’t know what to do. That's right. Song Gege's health is not good. Please ask the women in the palace to point out two more strong and beautiful girls as soon as possible, so as to spread the leaves for the master."

Shu Ning blinked her eyes and agreed with her mouth, but she caught a glimpse of Wan Ning's pale face.She asked tremblingly: "It's...is it time for the draft again?" Yu Min smiled and said, "Isn't it? Speaking of which, it's been almost three years since my sister entered the mansion, time flies so fast."

Wanning's face turned even paler, so pale that Shuning was worried that she would faint, she took a few deep breaths, and said to Yu Min with the corners of her mouth pulled: "Fu Jin...I'm not feeling well, so I'm going back to my room first."

"Hey, go back and have a good rest, do you want me to call a doctor for you?" Yu Min asked with concern.

Wanning shook her head and refused, got up and left in a hurry, Shuning watched her go, turned around and saw Yumin drinking tea with a smile, couldn't help but feel a little cold.

But Yumin raised her head and smiled and asked, "Tomorrow I plan to enter the palace at midnight, do you plan to come and look for me first, or wait in front of Di'anmen?"

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Back at Beizi Mansion, it was almost noon, Shu Ning asked Manager Yin if he had sent the food to Luan Yiwei, and after getting an affirmative answer, he was relieved and asked about family affairs.

Not long after the meal, Niu Xiaosi, who delivered the meal, also came back.Shuning specially summoned her to ask Tongying how her appetite was and what was wrong with the others.Niu Xiaosi replied: "Mr. Bei's food is delicious, but Guard Feng's appetite is a bit poor. He said he got angry and had a toothache. The sauce-flavored pork ribs are not big enough to eat."

After hearing this, Shu Ning said to Su Xin: "Go back and tell the kitchen to make more boiled soup or sugar water and send it to the West First Courtyard. Didn't the Ministry of Internal Affairs send a carload of watermelons? The two guards and the two gentlemen There, send two of each over there, and guard Feng's house will add an extra wax gourd."

Su Xin responded, turned and went out.Shuning asked Niu Xiaosi if there was anything else.Niu Xiaosi said: "Master Bei Zi said that he will discuss business with his colleagues today, and he will not come back for dinner tonight, so Madam should not wait for him. If it is to deliver the meal, only the five-spice meat dumplings that I ate during the Dragon Boat Festival."

Shu Ning nodded and let him go down, and after thinking about it alone in the room for a while, she made up her mind, and sent someone to the kitchen to send a message that dinner for ten people would be prepared as usual in the evening. Besides white rice, fish-flavored pork, Shredded chicken wormwood, braised duck with winter melon and lotus seeds, black plum tofu, and a stir-fried cabbage.In addition, there is mung bean syrup, which is specially added with ice cubes.Five-spice meat dumpling and five-drug cake are used as snacks.

But Tongying's share was made by herself.She worked in the small kitchen for more than an hour. Although the dishes she made were similar to those in the big kitchen on the surface, they were different after tasting.For example, the shredded chicken is specially selected from free-range chicken legs, the stewed duck is added with special seasoning, and the cabbage is also specially selected to the size of a palm, and cooked little by little with boiling hot broth.There was no ice in the mung bean syrup, but mint was added, and it was hung in the well for several hours, which was cool and not harmful to the body.

When Tong Ying came back in the evening, she saw her reading a book, she went to wash it, came over to accompany her with a smile and said, "Where are you reading? What book are you reading?" Shuning gave him a sideways look: "If you have anything to say, just say it." Tong Ying smiled Said: "It's nothing...just...today's dishes are delicious, thanks for your hard work." But Shuning looked at him with a half-smile: "I often cook on weekdays, but what you said is a bit strange."

Tong Ying coughed twice: "This...today's is very delicious." Shu Ning looked at his cautious smile, and softened her heart, and said, "I see, although you made me angry yesterday, I still don't know what to do. You are not a stingy person, just don’t do that again in the future, you don’t need to be careful like this.” Tong Ying was overjoyed, and hurriedly said: “I knew you were not a stingy person. It was all my fault yesterday, dear Shu’er, I Never again."

Shu Ning withdrew her smile, and sighed: "I know you don't like to tell others what's on your mind, but I'm your wife, and I just want to know what you're thinking, what you're doing, and what your plans are. I don’t care about business matters, but you can’t hide from me any more about our own affairs.” Tong Ying hurriedly assured her again and again, seeing that she was in a good mood, she told her the gossip she heard today, including the Queen Mother. The matter of asking Prince Kang's son Fujin to copy scriptures behind closed doors.

He also said: "Chuntai is a bit soft on this matter. He should have formally attacked the prince long ago, but the decree has not come down so far. The Zongling of the clan's mansion has asked about the holy will, but there is no certainty. It seems that unless Chuntai makes some contributions to prove his qualifications, the emperor will not nod so easily."

Shu Ning said indifferently: "Now I'm not interested in their family's affairs anymore. Tomorrow I'm going to the palace to talk about my third brother, do you have something to tell me?"

Tong Ying sat down, and said with a straight face: "It really is true. It is said that I have troubled you. You just need to remember that neither the queen mother nor the emperor likes others to think about beautiful women. If the emperor hadn't sent a message in advance, our Things are not so easy to succeed. Therefore, when you enter the palace tomorrow, no matter which master you are asking for, you only need to say that you are asking for a wife for Azaran, and you must not name any family or name."

Shuning shivered, and hurriedly nodded to express her understanding.

The next afternoon, she entered the palace with Yu Min smoothly.But before reaching Concubine Tong's Yanxi Palace, Concubine De's people invited Yu Min to go first.Shuning only needed Yumin to take her into the palace, and didn't care too much about what happened afterwards, so she followed the maid who led the way to Concubine Tong.

Concubine Tong heard Shuning's intention, she just smiled and asked: "So the third boy of Prince Jian's family has also reached this age? I just don't know if he has a favorite candidate? Let's hear it?"

Shu Ning hurriedly said: "Is there any favorite candidate? He hasn't decided yet. It's just that when his mother entrusted us earlier, she said that she hoped to be a prudent and virtuous girl, so that Azalan can control his temper. This I also ask the empress for a grace to help find it."

Concubine Tong smiled and said: "That's right, it's a very common thing. But this year there are quite a few clan children who have reached the age of marriage, you have to be smart, don't let the good things go."

Shu Ning hurriedly agreed, and accompanied her to say a few words about the East and the West. Concubine Tong suddenly asked about the Dragon Boat Festival gift she gave to the Empress Dowager: "Is it a hand-embroidered image of Guanyin in white? The Empress Dowager seems to like it very much. In the small Buddhist hall in the west hall. I just saw it once. Although I have heard that you are good at needlework, I don’t know that you will be so good.”

Shu Ning felt a little pleasantly surprised, although she didn't care much about the Queen Mother's cold treatment, but if she could change her view of herself, it would be a good thing for herself and Tong Ying.She said: "It's really nothing. The embroidery seems to have invited Mr. Jiang, a painter in the mansion, to draw up the draft, and then asked Tong Ying to revise it before it was drawn and embroidered on the cloth. There was nothing special about it, it was just Guanyin's work." Nearly [-] kinds of white silk thread are used for the whole body, which is a little different from ordinary Guanyin statues. It is my good fortune to be liked by the Queen Mother."

Concubine Tong nodded: "Although the queen mother didn't say anything, she has some opinions on you because of the matter of the fourth elder brother's mansion. Now that she likes your work, you should be more filial."

Shuning agreed, feeling slightly joyful in her heart.She was still in a good mood until she got into the carriage and left the palace. Even Yu Min was left behind by Concubine De and couldn't leave with her, so she didn't take it to heart.

Not long after she left the palace gate, she had just walked near Pine Tree Alley, when she was in the carriage, she suddenly heard some commotion ahead, it seemed that someone was arguing, there were men's voices and some women's voices.Many people were watching, blocking the road, Shu Ning and his party had to stop.She sent someone to investigate, but the person came back and reported, "Ma'am, the third elder brother is in the front."

Third elder brother?He has always been a gentle scholar, why would he quarrel with people in the street?
Shu Ning thought she heard it wrong, but the family added: "It's the third elder brother of our palace."

It turned out that it was Azaran.

(End of this chapter)