in spring

Chapter 298 It's spring
When the opportunity comes, we must grasp it.Chunying now understands this very well.

If it was before, even though she was a first-class girl and made a little contribution, she was still decent in the eyes of the master, but if she asked them to quit her citizenship, it would not be good .Maybe when they get angry, they won't let go, and their job will be ruined. After a while, they randomly match up with a servant, and then throw them away.Even if she has made the contribution of "savior" now, if she is not so miserable, there will always be a thorn in the master's heart, and she will always remember that there is a girl beside her who is determined to leave.

But it is just right to make this request now.Now that there are rumors of being an aunt, in order to keep her reputation clean, she also wants to show her attitude to the second wife, Zhuo Shi, and asks to leave the house, so as to show that she is determined not to add trouble to the hostess.With Zhuo's character, most likely he would agree, even if he didn't agree for a while, he wouldn't blame her, she would ask a few more times in the future, and the matter would be settled.After she goes out in the future, Zhuo will not be too angry when she cuts off contact with the people in the East Mansion, after all, she wears a signboard of "avoiding suspicion".

Sure enough, when Chun Ying said these words, Zhuo's face changed, and she hurriedly said: "Don't worry, I know you are not that kind of person. If so? Stop it!"

Chunying just begged with tears in her eyes: "The slaves are also getting older, they are not as clever as the young girls, they are dull-tempered, and won't be likable, so let's leave this mansion as soon as possible and give up the position to a better girl. Seriously. If Madam thinks that the maidservant's service is not too bad, she will just treat me as a pain, and please let Madam let me go earlier!"

Zhuo persuaded her a few words, but when she saw that she still refused to let go, she sighed and said: "Now you want to go left, I'm afraid you won't be able to turn the corner for a while, you go back first, rest for two days, go home and have a look. Chew your tongue, I will make the decision for you!"

Chun Ying said: "Although my wife has good intentions, people's mouths can make money, accumulate and destroy bones. Rumors, no matter how people try to ban them, they can't be stopped. Maybe the more the higher-ups want to ban, the lower-level people The rumors became more and more popular. Although the maidservant is a daughter of a family with a humble background, she is also a child of a decent family. She used to follow Miss Huo's family and read a few books. She knows etiquette and shame. Now it is such an ugly word , no matter how innocent I am, I can't stop others from underestimating myself. The servant is a betrothed person, and there is absolutely no reason to watch her reputation being ruined in vain!"

Zhuo was helpless, so she had no choice but to tell Qingluan: "You help her back quickly, so I can comfort her a few words. I have my own opinion on this matter, and I won't make you wronged." After waking up, I hurriedly responded.

Chunying guessed that the fire should not be too intense, so she let Qingluan drag her away.When he reached a secluded place, Qingluan lowered his voice and said: "My aunt, why did you suddenly come to tell me about this?! When you hear this kind of rumor, come and tell me quietly, and I will take care of it for you , where is it to the point of leaving?! People listened to it, and when they questioned you, they knew that you left because others said you were going to be the master's concubine, and your reputation would also be affected!"

Chunying wiped away her tears, and said lightly: "What method can you use to cook? Can't I? It's just that others don't spread it in public, and it's disgusting enough to spread it in private. Besides, the wife is so shrewd. Is there anything else she doesn't know? If she hears it, she will inevitably be paranoid. Why do I make my wife suspicious of me? It's better to express my determination early and leave this place clean! I'm gone, who would say that Me gossiping? There are better topics for them to discuss!"

Qingluan sighed, and said viciously: "There is no one else in this kind of thing, it must be caused by Cui Ling and Jin Yu, I am afraid that the magpie can't get rid of it! When they saw the old lady and the wife praised you, they felt angry. Jealousy, I am only willing to spread bad words about you and ruin your reputation, I have seen many such people!"

Chunying said with a dry smile: "Why did you drag Cui Ling again? What does it have to do with Aunt Xi? I have never heard that they talk about me like that. Aunt Xi is still very careful when speaking in front of the old lady, and often says Good words from my wife. Besides, this matter is not good for her, so Cui Ling won't be involved any more, so don't worry about it."

Qingluan curled her lips: "Don't bother to say good things for them, Cui Ling serves in front of the fourth young master, and no matter that she never gets along well with you, the magpie is the proud person in front of the old lady, otherwise she wouldn't I will give it to the old man. Six out of ten girls in the old lady’s courtyard are acquainted with her. Besides, she is the son of our family, and her old lady is also the old lady’s laundry. She is closer than you First floor. Ever since the old lady gave her to the master, even our wife has to be scruples. She used to be so faceless in front of the old lady, but now the old lady values ​​you more. Does she have any thoughts? The wife has long If you want to hit her, just watch it!"

Chunying opened her mouth and closed it again.It's better for her not to get involved in this kind of drama of wives and concubines fighting.After a pause, she whispered: "I don't have any other ideas, I just think it's wrong to be involved in this kind of right and wrong for no reason. I'm even more worried that if there are too many rumors, the old lady and the wife will simply make it true. Didn't I die? It's not that I think the master is bad. No matter how good the master is, it doesn't matter to me. I am the one who is engaged. No matter what, I have to worry about the thoughts of my future husband's family? You also said that is Such a good marriage, is it possible that I will let the upright lady not be a lady, and be a concubine for others?!" She took Qingluan's hand and said earnestly: "My dear sister, we have always been close, so you can say something to my wife for me. Say something nice!"

Qingluan returned to the main courtyard, changed Chunying's words into euphemistic words, and reported to Zhuo family one by one.Zhuo was silent for a while, and after a long time, he said: "I'm not the one who can't tolerate people. Why did this girl, Chunying, decide that it's not good to be the master's concubine? You say, I treat the master's side concubine, is there any A little treat?"

Qingluan and Fengming exchanged glances, the latter said with a smile: "Chunying originally came from the West Mansion, I'm afraid she was frightened by the methods of the wife in that mansion. How long has she stayed in our mansion? On weekdays And they all serve in front of the old lady, so they may not know how generous the lady is."

However, Qingluan is better with Chunying, and not as close to Zhuo as Fengming, and she is a bit jealous of Zhuo's method of dealing with her aunt and that flower narcissus. After thinking about it, she smiled and said: "Chunying thinks so , is also a good thing, at least she is not the kind of vixen who wants to hook up with men. Why didn't the wife help her?"

Zhuo sighed and shook her head: "She has only stayed with the old lady for a year, and she is only young. She is released at this time, what should the old lady think? I want to let go of the girl she valued, but her old man Just got sick."

Feng Ming smiled, and said nonchalantly: "Ma'am, what are you worried about? How can Chun Ying be the same as other girls? She is the one who saved the old lady! Just treat her as a favor! The old lady may not be angry in her heart. Besides... ..." She leaned closer to Mrs. Zhuo, "Didn't Madam just mention it yesterday, the Jin Yu in the old lady's yard has delivered things to the master's study for the sixth time in the past three days, and every time she uses the old lady's name , but in the old lady's courtyard there is obviously a woman who is responsible for delivering things. Besides, the slaves always feel that Cui Ling at the fourth young master's place is also a little uneasy... Madame, Chunying and the others came up together, and they are not the oldest One of them, she has left the house to marry, and the others..."

Zhuo paused and nodded slowly: "I have my own opinion."

Qingluan frowned slightly, glanced at Fengming, and sighed inwardly.

Two days later, Chunying went to the main courtyard almost every day, because she was afraid that she would anger Zhuo if she went too far, so she only went to Qingluan to cry.On the third day, Mrs. Zhuo finally came to the Songyi Courtyard, dismissed everyone, and secretly discussed with the second old lady: "Mother, Chunying made a great contribution earlier, and the daughter-in-law is thinking about keeping her at home, as if she has wronged her." Well, it just so happens that she's engaged again, why don't you let her go home and get married?"

The second old lady was very surprised: "Why is this? Although she is engaged, I remember that when she came here, she said that the marriage date is still two or three years away! It's not too late to let her go."

Zhuo smiled cautiously, and said: "If it is an ordinary family, one or two months to prepare for marriage is enough, but Chunying is a little different." She approached her mother-in-law and briefly explained Hu Fei's background Said, ignoring the relationship between Hu Fei and the servants in the palace, only mentioning his background in the imperial business and his experience abroad, and then said: "Mother think about it, this Hu family's descendant is not an ordinary family after all, and he is fortunate to go to the West with the mission, isn't it?" A businessman accompanying the regiment, but a serious attendant. He is not an official, and he is not comparable to ordinary businessmen. If such a person wants to marry Chunying, Chunying's status should not be too low."

The second old lady frowned when she heard this: "Why didn't Chunying mention it to me? I didn't know that she was betrothed to such a family. So, they are not a good match?!"

"In terms of background, it is indeed a bit unsuitable. But the Hu family's offspring have already separated, and they have done some small business in the early years, and they are acquainted with Chunying's family. Besides, Chunying was trained by his mother, so he is naturally better than him. The daughters of ordinary people outside are stronger." Zhuo showed a gentle smile, "My daughter-in-law has an idea, Chunying's parents have already let Chunying go out, and live like an ordinary family for a year or two. People in the world may not remember her background. When the Hu family descendant comes to marry again, it will be much more dignified. If the mother is reluctant, it is the same to ask Chunying to come back often to pay her respects."

The second old lady remained silent.Mrs. Zhuo sat back in her original position, lowered her head and took a sip of tea, before adding: "Mother, don't worry, my daughter-in-law will never neglect the people who wait on my mother's side. There are many people missing in this courtyard. After discussing, the two governments will have to select people again, and select a few good ones from those who are old enough to have children, or those who have not been on errands before, and if there are not enough, they will ask people to lead them to the door. Master After returning to Beijing and being promoted again, the family should have more staff. Every time the daughter-in-law sees Dahong and the others arrive in Beijing, they have to lead the horse and drive the carriage for the master. I really worry about them. The servants of our family are not too young. They have protected the master well for many years. It is thanks to Dahong that they were robbed at home. How about mother and daughter-in-law find a serious job for them, and then marry a wife, An An How are you living your life?"

The second old lady sighed: "Forget it, you can make up your own mind on these matters, but Da Hong is a good kid, you can choose a marriage for him outside, if the girl's family is of good character, the family background is second. The others My child, it's fine to choose a maid at home, but you have to choose someone with your heart. The matter of Chunying..." After thinking about it, "You can ask someone to do it, and when it's done, give me the paperwork. I will talk to her Say."

Zhuo responded with a smile, and said a few more homely words. When she was about to leave, she saw Chunying in the courtyard, and smiled at her.Chunying saw her at first, and was about to put on the posture of a poor child, but she was baffled by her smile, and felt that her heart was flustered. When she was dazed, Zhuo had already left, but there was another old lady in the room. The voice that called her made her feel extremely regretful.

After a few more days like this, at noon, Chunying finished a new spring dress for the second old lady, and was about to go out for a walk, when she was suddenly summoned by the second old lady.The latter also let everyone else go out, leaving her alone, which made her heart skip a beat, and asked with a smile, "What is the old lady's order?"

The second old lady beckoned her to go over, she did so, and saw that the other party took out a white paper and handed it to her.She took a look, and immediately held her breath.

The second old lady smiled and said: "You are already this year, if you delay you, you will become an old girl. When will your fiancé-in-law come to marry you?"

Chunying didn't expect that the second old lady would hand over this document to herself, she thought it was the wife who was in charge, and suddenly felt a feeling of being caught, and stammered: "Old lady...Actually, I am... ..."

But the second old lady waved her hand: "From the day you came in, I knew that you were going to get married. Now it's just a little earlier. I think you have always been careful and considerate when you are with me, and you saved me before." It cost me my life. I sincerely regard you as a junior, so I don’t want to delay you any longer, so I asked your wife to do this paperwork. I don’t want your money anymore, and I will give you another dowry. There are not many things , don't dislike it. You also know that our family has just suffered a catastrophe, and it is time to spend money. Although your master has been promoted, it can't be exchanged for money. Besides, the girl in front of me always takes this amount when she gets married. Dowry, I will not treat you particularly favorably, and I will avoid others from being jealous. Don't scold me in your heart."

Chun Ying only had joy in her heart, so how could she scold her: "Don't think so, old lady, just like this, the maidservant is already satisfied! The money in the house is not enough, so the old lady simply waived the dowry, right?"

"Nonsense!" The second old lady pulled her face down, "My girl, everyone has grace, so it's possible that you saved me, but you don't have this grace?! I can still afford that little money!"

How dare Chunying argue with her at this time, she hastily said: "The servant girl thanked the old lady for the reward!"

Then the second old lady returned to her smiling face, patted the armrest of the armchair, and signaled Chunying to sit on the footstool in front of her.Chunying did as she did, and then she slowly said: "You are leaving now, I have some things to tell you."

Chunying obediently lowered her head and responded, "Please tell me, old lady."

"You are the daughter of our Li family. You are different from the ones bought from outside like Qiuyan, and you are also different from the servants who were cast in recently. You are born lower than others. I have heard about your husband-in-law. , he is from a higher family background than you, and has a promising future. I heard that he still has some family property. If such a person wants to marry you wholeheartedly, it is naturally the best. If he despises you in the future and wants to withdraw from the engagement and marry someone else, don't be sad. , just come to me. I will find a good family for you."

Chun Ying was stunned, feeling a little complicated: "Old lady..."

The second old lady just continued to say: "If he keeps his word, marries you in a dignified manner, and treats you well in the future, then it is your luck. There is only one thing, you are born with a difference, and you are already inferior. In the future, you will not have the confidence to speak and act. If he looks down on you and makes you angry, you can just come to me. When I am gone, it is the same to find your wife. "

Chunying only felt her nose sore: "Old lady..."

"Don't think I'm long-winded. I have more experience with husband and wife than you. No matter how well he treats you, you have to give birth to an heir as soon as possible. As long as you have a son, you will be much tougher. Yes Don't relax about family matters. You have learned a lot this year by my side. I believe these will not trouble you. If your husband-in-law wants to make friends with high-ranking officials in the future, I can't help you much. I can only ask I asked your wife if she could take you to visit someone else's house."

Chunying's eyes were red, and her face was hot, and she felt ashamed in her heart.

Since she entered the East Mansion, she has never shown her sincerity to these masters. Even the second old lady who served day and night, she mostly used her thoughts, but she just pretended to be an honest and good girl to deceive people.Even when she was in danger a few days ago, when she carried the second old lady on her back, she thought more about her own safety.The second old lady cared for her sincerely, and told her so many things, even if she didn't agree with some of them, she could feel the sincerity of the other party towards her.

Perhaps it was the first time after time travel, she knelt down in front of the second old lady and sincerely kowtowed to each other: "I will never forget the grace of the old lady in this lifetime..." The second old lady just stroked her head and smiled lovingly with.

Carrying the document of slavery, Chunying walked out of the room, suddenly a gust of wind blew up, bringing a burst of fragrance, and two spots of tender red drifted past her.She looked up and found that the peach blossoms in the yard next door were in bloom, and the petals were blown away by the wind and crossed the courtyard wall.

It is the season of spring and flowers.

(End of this chapter)