Ma Erniang's Splendid Pastoral

Chapter 169
Xiaowen snorted, "Little junior sister is alone, how can some people be able to drink and eat!" He stared at someone while talking.

Jing Mo put down his wine glass, stood up, picked up a bowl of broth on the table, drank it up in two or three gulps, took out his silk towel to wipe his mouth, and threw it to Xiaowen's hand, "Wash it clean!" After finishing speaking , walked away chicly.

Xiaowen was so angry that he stared.

Dayu laughed and took a few bites quickly, then stood up, "I'm going to be on duty."

"Hey... Hey, all of you..." Xiaowen put down his hand that was outstretched in the air, "Okay, I also want to eat quickly and serve the master."

Jing Mo had already stood in front of Xia Zhen, "Your Majesty, according to your wishes, you have led the way openly and secretly, and revealed the address of the discovered gold mine to Liu Zaili."

"Don't make it too clear, he won't believe it."

"Understood, County King."

"Ah."

Seeing the master in a daze, it was rare for Jing Mo to talk too much: "Your Majesty, rest early, you have to go to the ancestral hall tomorrow."

Xia Zhen didn't listen to him, and suddenly raised her eyes: "How about what I asked you to do?"

"Back to the king, there is an assassination in Xiaowang Village this afternoon."

"Why do you want to assassinate, I want you to lure that guy away... Do you understand?" Xia Zhen lost control of her emotions.

Jing Mo was still calm: "Jun Wang, you are also a man, you should know that if you don't spend a new year with Er Niang, that guy will not leave."

"I..." Xia Zhen wanted to raise his sword.

"The king of the county, the Analects of Confucius."

"On..." Xia Zhen stood up suddenly, stretched out his hand and picked it up with the sword, but Jing Mo disappeared like a ghost.

"I..." I feel like swearing... Bah, bah, bah, if Min'er hears it, she will definitely say that my words are unlucky. It's Chinese New Year, it's Chinese New Year, I don't get angry, yes, don't get angry, I can't cure him, I will give him later He married a powerful wife to treat him, yes, that's it.

Xia Zhen's character finally changed from violent and perverse to accommodating and smooth.

The fireworks had been set off for nearly an hour, and they were not completely released until the end of the night. Ma Miner was so excited that she couldn't sleep. God, she was finally 16 years old.

Ma Qifeng set off fireworks with the children for a while, and then went to the second floor to see his wife and children. It is estimated that no one was busier than him. When he went downstairs again, he said to his children: "Dalang, Min'er, take your younger brother to see you." Go to sleep, sister."

"Got it, Dad."

"I will send Zili back to the backyard."

"No need, uncle." Liu Zaili stood on the porch, watching the fireworks, his mood reached the most beautiful at this moment, he wanted to walk back alone, savoring all the joy and joy of tonight.

"Then...then I won't be polite."

"Uncle, please feel free."

As the fireworks were exhausted, everyone finally went back to their own rooms to rest. As for who would fall into bed and sleep, and who would slowly recollect, that is unknown.

The next day, the first day of the new year, another round of busyness, or neighbors rushing to the door, or visiting relatives and friends, or calling friends, no matter the villagers in the countryside or the dignitaries, they will take advantage of the new year, If you are free, contact your feelings quickly.

Ma Min'er didn't know when Liu Zaili would leave, so it's not easy to ask such a question, but when he came to say goodbye in the third day of junior high school, she was still surprised: "Brother Liu, it's only the third year of junior high school!"

Liu Zaili smiled: "Thank you for your hospitality."

"It should be, it should be." Ma Min'er said: "Why don't you pass the fifth day, and leave on the third day, it's too early."

Hearing that he wanted to stay, Liu Zaili was very happy, "No, there are still things to do."

"Oh...then I...I'll see you off."

"Ah."

When the Ma family heard that Liu Zaili was leaving, their emotions were mixed. They hoped that he would leave, but also felt that he would leave in the third year of junior high school. They couldn't bear it. They prepared a lot of food and New Year's goods for him.

Ma Min'er smiled and said, "Brother Liu, take it and eat on the way."

"Thank you Erniang, thank you Uncle." Liu Zaili saluted.

"Zi Li is polite, if you are free and convenient, come and play again."

"Okay, I will."

The Ma family sent him to Guandaokou, "I want to have a private word with Er Niang."

The Ma family was stunned for a moment, and Ma Qifeng looked around, the sky was bright and bright, it shouldn't be...he couldn't say anything, seeing the sincere expression on the other party's face, he couldn't help letting go, maybe even if he didn't let go, it would be useless .

When everyone dispersed and only Ma Miner was left, she asked with a smile, "Brother Liu, do you have anything to say?"

Liu Zaili raised his eyes, eyes full of affection, "If I met you first, would I have a chance?"

Uh... Who can say "if". Is there a spark of love?she does not know!

Liu Zaili waited in a daze for the little lady's answer, but the other party did not reply for a long time, and pursed her lips and said, "I will seize every opportunity that Xia Zhen misses to get you."

Ma Miner was startled by his words, "What do you mean?"

"As long as he doesn't cherish you a little bit, I will take the opportunity, even if you are already married."

"Liu Zaili you..." Ma Min'er was stunned by his words.

Liu Zaili said: "I know that even if I take you away now, your heart is still with Xia Zhen. I will wait patiently until the opportunity comes."

"No chance in your life?" Ma Min'er pursed her lips.

Liu Zaili smiled: "How is it possible, I don't believe Xia Zhen will be impeccable."

"you……"

"I hope that by then, you will give me a chance." Liu Zaili turned around with a bright smile and walked away. The dark red brocade robe reflected in the snow scene was luxurious and eye-catching, making people look up.

Ma Min'er stood at the intersection of the official road, and did not recover until the carriage drove away, and it was empty. Waiting like this, what is left of your life?What's the point? She unknowingly took out the jade water drop from her heart, why did she make me feel guilty.

Ma's family is in Yunshui, now besides the relatives of Li Ting's family, there is also Aunt Wan's natal family, but Master Mo divorced his wife for the sake of his eldest daughter, it is really embarrassing to move around this year.In short, apart from the reunion, the Ma family doesn't seem to be having a good time.

After the tenth day of the Lunar New Year, Ma Dalang was about to return to the capital in a hurry. The Ma family finally ignored their unhappiness and happily sent their son back to Beijing. Ma Dalang took it back, "I'm sorry, Brother Chu, thank you for your hard work."

"It should." Ma Dalang replied.

Shopkeeper Peng was reluctant to part with his son, and planned to send the two of them across two mansions before returning.

"Uncle Peng, thank you for your hard work."

"What's the hard work, I'll do some business along the way, the same." Shopkeeper Peng said with a bright smile.

A group of people ate lunch at the big restaurant in the town. After lunch, shopkeeper Peng took Ma Dalang on the road. When the carriage disappeared, Ma Qifeng seemed to have lost his soul, and did not move for a long time.

Ma Min'er took his arm, "Father, in June, we will go to Beijing, and we will see eldest brother again, and our family will be reunited again."

Ma Qifeng felt lost: "This year is your big wedding, what about next year?"

"Father, you forgot. The eldest brother will be released next year. He will apply for a place close to home. Then you can meet often."

"Can?"

"of course."

Ma Qifeng sighed: "If it's really not possible then, I will take the children to live with him at the place where he works."

"Wow, Dad, you are amazing."

"Of course, who is your father!" Ma Qifeng straightened his body.

"Haha..." Ma Min'er was overjoyed, diluting the sorrow of parting.

On the nineteenth day of the first lunar month, Mo Wanyi was confinement, and she was finally able to go out of the room to eat and do things with everyone, "God, this month, I'm so bored..."

Ma Min'er smiled and said: "Aunt Wan, it's a coincidence that you are confinement, it is the busiest time of year and year, the fifth child knows how to love mother!"

"Haha..." Mo Wanyi was amused by her words, "That's right, it's a good thing you're back, otherwise, your father would be too busy."

Ma Qifeng smiled: "It's okay, it's okay, I'm too busy, please recruit more people."

"That's true." Ma Min'er shouted: "Hurry up and eat while it's hot, and wait for the guests to come, some are busy."

Ma Dalang was rushing to Beijing to take up a post, but he couldn't stay to eat the full moon wine. Mo Wanyi was not angry at all. On the contrary, she felt less burdened, because the Ma family had always paid for her, and she couldn't help as a woman What are they, then don't hold back behind them!

The full moon wine was run smoothly and much more peacefully. Although many people came, but in the first month, people were cautious, afraid of bad luck, making life difficult for a year.

Unknowingly, the first month is over, and it is February again. People's production and life no longer revolve around eating, drinking and visiting relatives and friends, but turn to farming, and the Ma family is no exception.

When Xia Zhen arrived, Ma Min'er had already arranged the family's farming affairs, and then went to the main shop in Pingding to settle the accounts with Guo Daping and plan things for this year.

"Brother Daping, I bring Erping with me, will Aunt Guo..."

"No, no, mother can't wait!" Guo Daping smiled happily.

Ma Min'er sighed slightly: "I originally wanted Erping to be a scholar, but he found me years ago and said he didn't want to study anymore. I thought, he is already 15 years old and has studied for a few years. It's enough to be in charge."

Guo Daping said: "My younger brother is smarter than me, it's good for him to be by your side."

Feeling the disappointment in his tone, Ma Min'er comforted: "Brother Daping, don't think too much, calmness has its benefits. When we are away, you have taken good care of the shops in the Pingding area."

"But I can't always open up some new business."

"Brother Daping, sometimes, defending the country is more difficult than fighting the country. Without a settled heart, it is difficult to defend well."

Guo Daping smiled bitterly: "Hearing what Erniang said, I feel...not so..." He smiled and didn't bring his emotions to her.

Ma Min'er nodded, "Brother Daping, I heard that besides living in the shop, you are going back to Yunshui Town. If possible, you can build a yard for yourself in Pingding."

"I... can't live in a yard by myself."

"Brother Guo, you have to get married. It's good to do it in advance. Besides, Guo..."

Guo Daping pursed his lips, lowered his head slightly, and waited for Ma Miner's words.

After thinking about it, Ma Min'er opened her mouth: "Besides, I have seen Aunt Guo after years and years, and I have also heard the villagers of Xiaowang Village say that she seems to be..."

"Mother..." Guo Daping wanted to interrupt Ma Miner embarrassedly.

"Brother Daping, Aunt Guo is still young, and it's hard for her to manage the shops in the town by herself. If there is a suitable one, you... If you think it's good, then agree."

Guo Daping bit his lip: "I..."

Ma Min'er persuaded: "Just like my father, when we all get married and start a career, can we bear to see him die alone?"

Guo Daping pursed his lips.

"Brother Daping, you have the ability to make money, and you will have it after Erping. You can't stay in Yunshui and Pingding all the time. You have to think about it for your aunt."

It took Guo Daping a long time to reply, "Okay, let me think about it."

"Pingding's house..."

"I think about it too."

Ma Min'er smiled and said, "I hope you can find a capable and capable daughter-in-law to help the Guo family prosper together."

Guo Daping looked at Ma Min'er, nodded solemnly, "I will."

Ma Min'er sighed with ease: "Seven years ago, the scene of us fleeing the famine together seemed like yesterday. In the blink of an eye, we have all grown up."

"Yeah, I survived those difficult days and finally lived a good life."

"We still want to make life better." Ma Min'er stood up, "Come on, Brother Daping, I'll treat you to spicy soup."

"it is good."

In February, it was cold and cold, and everyone dressed thickly. Ma Miner wore a double-breasted jacket with a pinched waist, with white fox fur at the neckline, and a thick horse-face skirt with eight pendants underneath. She looked dignified and slender. Walking together, at first glance, they seem to be about the same height. In fact, Guo Daping is about 1.7 meters 1.6, but walking together with Ma Miner, who is [-] meters [-], feels about the same height.

Shi Xiao'e happened to be at the main shop to pay the account, and saw the little boss and the big shopkeeper going out together, "Little boss——"

"Sister Xiao'e, we are going to eat spicy soup just now, do you want to go together?"

Guo Daping has always been indifferent to her, she is a little afraid of him, dare not, "I...I want to send the account book."

"Let the girl next to you send in the account book. There is Mr. Accountant inside."

"I...I still don't..."

"Go." Guo Daping smiled lightly.

When Guo Xiaoe heard Guo Daping's voice, it was like the sound of heaven, "Okay!"

The girl next to her saluted and entered the shop with the account book.

The three of them went to the spicy soup shop together. It looked familiar to everyone, but upon closer inspection, it was very strange. This subtle feeling was just like Guo Daping's state of mind.

At the end of last year, when he participated in the three-dynasty wedding banquet and looked at Erniang through the crowd, he felt this way, both familiar and unfamiliar. Because of the troubles caused by the mother-in-law of the Ma family, he didn't even have a chance to talk to Erniang. Mother also came in a hurry, and went back in a hurry.

He suddenly realized that it was a luxury to stay by her side peacefully and watch her quietly. He gradually understood that he and her were separated by mountains and seas, so he could only... bury her deeply in the At the bottom of my heart, I will slowly recall when the wind is warm and the flowers are blooming.

When Erniang persuaded him to buy a house to prepare for the wedding, he thought to himself, he can't let his persistence bring burdens to the person he likes, he...he should let her rest assured, it's just like his own life, just like this Step by step!

While eating spicy soup, while chatting, Ma Min'er tried her best to take care of the two people in front of her, picked up some familiar things to chat, and gradually became warm, and when she finally paid the bill, she even said jokingly: "Brother Daping It's a man, you should invite this guest."

"Yes, I should invite you." Guo Daping grinned.

Shi Xiao'e was both happy and a little sad. Brother Daping had never smiled like this in front of her. He only smiled like this at Xiaodong's family. If it wasn't for the king of Beijun, she would have thought too much.

The two sent Ma Min'er to the carriage, and Guo Daping didn't look back until seeing the carriage disappeared around the corner.

Shi Xiao'e, who was happy just now, was a little lonely, and it's no wonder she was sad. If a heart doesn't get a response for a long time, even if you like it, you will be tired.

Guo Daping seemed to feel it, he pursed his lips, trying to ignore it, but thought of Erniang Ma, sighed secretly, and returned to reality, "Xiao'e..."

"..." Shi Xiao'e didn't expect that he would call her, so she raised her eyes.

Guo Daping didn't know what he was going to say for a moment: "That... that..." He raised his eyes, "I'm afraid it will rain lightly, I have an umbrella over there."

Although what she said was not what she wanted to hear, Shi Xiaoe still felt the change in Guo Daping, and said happily, "Thank you, Brother Daping."

"Go, follow me to get it."

"it is good."

Shi Xiaoe is not tall, she is considered average among girls, about 1.5 meters nine, walking with Guo Daping, who is 1.7 meters five, is a good match.

In mid-February, Xia Zhen arrived at Ma's house in the cold rain. Ma Min'er stood at the door to welcome him. Seeing him get off the car, she quickly stepped forward and put up her umbrella for him. Xia Zhen took the umbrella and walked with her daughter-in-law They fought together and entered the yard together.

"Is it cold?"

"It's okay, but it's raining and it's annoying."

"I lit a charcoal fire in the wing room, so I hurried to roast it."

"Ah."

In the living room, Xia Zhen and Ma Qifeng greeted each other: "Uncle——"

For some reason, Ma Qifeng doesn't want to see his future son-in-law. When he comes, it means that his daughter will be taken away by him. The eldest son has already gone to Beijing. He just recovered, and now he is coming to take away his daughter again. He looked faint, "Come on."

"Yes, uncle."

"Why don't you stay at home for a while longer and come out so early?"

"..." Suddenly, Xia Zhen was almost stopped by his future father-in-law, "There are still some things."

Ma Min'er was also surprised by her father's attitude, but immediately understood why he was like this, and quickly turned away: "Father, Xia Zhen is a little wet, let him change clothes."

Ma Qifeng looked away from his daughter unhappy, and it turned out that the girl was extroverted, "Okay, let's go."

"Thank you, dad." Ma Min'er replied with a smile, and motioned Xia Zhen to go upstairs quickly.

The little daughter-in-law didn't follow her, and Xia Zhen refused to move her feet.

Mother, didn't you see that my father was angry, still standing in front of him, Ma Min'er turned her head and winked at him.

Xia Zhen asked, "What's the matter, are your eyes uncomfortable?"

Oh, my God, this big brother's emotional intelligence is really worrying, why haven't I seen him for more than a month, and the degree of cooperation is so low.

After saying that, Xia Zhen saw the little daughter-in-law looking at her father, she seemed to understand a little bit, and stood there blindfolded.

"Father, the weather is not very good these days, and the clothes in Xia Zhen's room don't know how they are. I'll send him up to have a look."

Ma Qifeng wanted to hum, but how dare he, marrying such a capable son-in-law, he could only nod his head and said: "Well, hurry up, come down for dinner later."

"Yes, Dad."

Ma Min'er hurriedly dragged Xia Zhen up to the second floor and went to his guest room, "Hurry up and change your clothes, I'll wait for you in the wing room."

"it is good."

After the first month, Ma Sanlang will go to the academy to study. If Ma Miner leaves, only Xiao Yueer will be left at home. s room.

In the room, Mo Wanyi had just fed the child, when she looked up and saw him come in, "I didn't go to pick up the prince just now, so it doesn't matter."

"It's not official, it's okay!"

Mo Wanyi said: "Next time, I'll go, it's not good."

"Well, wait until next time." Ma Qifeng stood beside the crib to tease his younger son. It was less than two months old, he ate and slept, and he didn't understand anything.

Mo Wanyi straightened her clothes, "I'll go down and prepare dinner."

"No, Yue'er is working on it. It's cold, so you're on top. We'll go down together after dinner."

"Oh." Mo Wanyi felt that her husband was not enthusiastic about the prince this time, even his subordinates were not entertained.

Zhang Nianmei and Wei Ren were also puzzled, Master Ma was not as enthusiastic as last time, what's going on?Fu Xiaoyou accompanied him with a smile, "You two, hurry up and change your clothes too, and let the little one do the rest."

Zhang and Wei are acquaintances of Fu Xiaoyou, so they stopped being polite to him, "Okay, hurry up and make arrangements for us."

"Don't worry, General Zhang, take care of me."

Gu Dun looked absent-mindedly, glanced here and there, lowered his head, followed Fu Xiaoyou numbly, and went to the room where they were placed.

In the kitchen, Ma Yue'er has already asked Aunt Niu to prepare more meals, "Aunt Niu, let's start the big kitchen too, the little general's..."

"Yue'er, you are the king of the county."

"Oh, I always forget to change my words." Ma Yueer smiled, "He has a lot of followers, you should cook more food."

"okay, I get it."

In the wing room on the second floor, Xia Zhen had already changed her clothes. She was sitting on the single sofa by the charcoal stove, leaning on the back of the sofa. Waist, "Just now your father..."

"When I saw you coming, I thought that my daughter was going to be abducted by you, so I was upset."

"Haha..." So that's the case, Xia Zhen laughed.

Ma Min'er pursed her lips: "Don't laugh, you will understand when you have a daughter."

"Yes, yes, I will understand when I have a daughter." Xia Zhen straightened up, and put her nose to the tip of the little daughter-in-law, "How long will I have to wait?"

"I don't know that." Ma Min'er elbowed the restless man.

"When are we leaving?" Xia Zhen asked.

"You are the boss, of course you have the final say."

"It's raining outside, so I don't want to move."

Ma Min'er seldom heard Xia Zhen say such a thing, so she turned her head and asked, "Has a year exhausted you?"

"Yeah." Xia Zhen leaned her head back on the sofa.

"Then take advantage of the rain to rest for a few more days."

Xia Zhen sighed, "Liangzhou Prefecture is full of things waiting!"

Ma Min'er stared at Xia Zhen, "Is there Liu Zaili?"

"Ah."

"Then what on earth are you thinking?"

Xia Zhen said: "The emperor is also short of silver, what can I do, I have already planned for him to get the gold mine."

"Oh."

"If only I could give him the gold mine in Xiangzhou Prefecture directly!"

Ma Min'er understands this sentence, it's like doing business, you can buy it at a fixed price, but you have to raise the price, and then let the buyer haggle over the price, if you don't let the haggling, he wonders if what I bought is at a disadvantage, The emperor is probably like this. If you give it to him directly, he must be suspicious. If you give it to me so easily, is he hiding it?

In fact, Xia Zhen really hid it. It is reasonable to hand it over to the state treasury. He can go to the army and fight. Unlike others, how can he fight without enough money? Well, the emperor may have given it to him, but at least he has to go through dozens of procedures, and when it is in his hands, how much can he still have.

The Xia family's army has stood firm for generations, and it is precisely because their army has money that they can keep the tough foreigners out. This is really... a difficult problem.

"so be it."

"Well, I know." Xia Zhen's brows were full of exhaustion.

"Would you like to sleep for a while, and I will call you when it's dinner time."

"I don't want to sleep, you have a conversation with me."

"Oh."

The two young people stuck together, just like ordinary lovers, talking about what happened to each other after they separated, and they talked until Xiaodan came to order dinner.

In the restaurant downstairs, the steaming food on the dining table immediately warmed up the cold February. Zhang Nianmeiyong was the one who could adjust the atmosphere best. Her slightly exaggerated expression made everyone feel tense. Unconsciously relax.

"Sister, tonight seems to be a feast for the whole sheep!"

"It's almost there." Ma Min'er smiled and said, "It's been cold and wet these few days. I just slaughtered a sheep a few days ago, and I asked Aunt Niu to make a whole sheep banquet. It's just an imitation, and it's not authentic."

"It doesn't matter, as long as it tastes good." Zhang Nianmei said, "My sister, quickly serve the county king a bowl of soup. He doesn't move his chopsticks, so we dare not move."

Ma Min'er smiled, he was the only one who dared to be so talkative.

The whole sheep banquet made by Ma Min'er is different from those in the north. They don't put the whole sheep on the table like the northerners, and everyone cuts and eats it piece by piece with a knife.

She once went to Suzhou in the south on a business trip and had a whole sheep banquet in the library. She thinks that the whole sheep banquet of the southerners is more suitable for health preservation, and it allows people to eat all the things on the sheep.

For example: lamb tripe, lamb liver, lamb heart, lamb eyes, and lamb hooves are used to make cold dishes, while hot dishes include braised lamb, fresh fish and sheep, traditional wooden barrel lamb, etc.; lamb can also be used to make snacks, such as lamb Zongzi, mutton steamed dumplings, etc., can be described as a dish for one sheep.

Ma Min'er served a bowl of mutton soup with milk for Xia Zhen. The soup was as tender and smooth as milk, but not greasy. After one bite, it really warmed the bottom of my stomach.

"There is no mutton smell at all, old girl, how do you do it?" Zhang Nianmei asked curiously after sniffing the delicious food on the table.

"Adding almonds, pepper, etc. can remove the fishy smell."

"Can you handle the smell so well?"

"Ask Aunt Niu for details, I don't know."

"Oh, I want to ask." Zhang Nianmei smiled and said, "It's ready to eat." After speaking, he stretched out his chopsticks to pick up a large piece of mutton in the bucket, and just wanted to lower his head to eat the meat.

The door of the restaurant opened, and Shan Xiaoshan's voice sounded: "Little Dong, King Yancheng has arrived."

All eyes were on the door of the restaurant.

Liu Zai dismantled the cloak, and his attendant Qianye quickly took it, took a step back, and said with a smile: "It seems that I came at the right time."

Seeing him walking slowly towards the table, everyone at the table got up and left the table to salute him, except Xia Zhen.

(End of this chapter)