Ma Erniang's Splendid Pastoral

Chapter 193
Ma Min'er looked at the young man who was talking to the old lady. She had met his father before. Although she had never met him before, she could still tell that the father and son were very similar, not only in terms of appearance, but also in appearance and behavior. in this way.

But Ma Miner is not a rookie who has just entered the workplace. This young man, she could tell at a glance that he only learned manners after learning from his father. Maybe he didn't do it deliberately, but he did only learn manners. With a calm attitude, there is a youthful vigor that I am not only an excellent teacher, but even surpasses my predecessors.

But who hasn't been young?Ma Min'er stretched out her hand and unconsciously scratched the center of her brow a few times, and listened attentively to Mrs. Xia's instruction on how to deal with her retainers.

"Ruqing, Beijing is no better than our Yizhou, you have to support the little general well."

"Old madam, assisting the little general is the duty and destiny of a villain. Don't worry, the little one will go all out with all his heart." Mu Ruqing bowed his hands and saluted.

"Okay, okay." Mrs. Xia turned her head: "Er Niang, what do you have to say to Ruqing?"

Ma Min'er really didn't want to hit the young man, but sometimes the hit was also for the better growth of the other party. She still spoke and smiled slightly, "Grandma, when money is tight, we transfer gold and silver from Manager Mu?"

Mrs. Xia nodded: "Yes."

Ma Min'er was like an obedient granddaughter, "Grandma, then I won't deal with him."

"Ah..." Mrs. Xia was surprised.

"..." The young manager Mu frowned slightly.

Ma Min'er looked at the two people with different expressions and just smiled.

"Second Niang..."

"Grandmother, you showed me our Xia family's property these few days. I think that if the Xia family's property is done well, it will be enough for the Xia family's expenses."

Mrs. Xia did not ignore the word 'Xia's family' that Sun's daughter-in-law said, "But our Xia family is not just the Xia family."

Ma Min'er said: "Grandma, this is related to another issue. I just want to talk to grandfather, father, and Xia Zhen."

Mrs. Xia looked at Sun's daughter-in-law hesitantly, she had all kinds of thoughts about her in her heart, she pondered for a while, "Ruqing, then you go down first, and I will look for you in two days."

"Yes, old lady!"

After Mu Ruqing left, Mrs. Xia stared at the daughter-in-law again. The daughter-in-law didn't understand anything, but the daughter-in-law seemed to know everything and knew everything. Is it a good thing or a bad thing?

"Second Niang... Sometimes, we girls..."

"Grandma, I understand." Ma Min'er smiled.

"You understand what I'm saying?"

Ma Min'er nodded, "It's because I understand that I want to tell everyone how I am in charge."

How to be in charge?Mrs. Xia loves to hear these words, "Okay, then let's see you after dinner."

"Yes, grandmother."

Ma Min'er returned to her yard and entered the room, unexpectedly Xia Zhen was there, "Hey, you came back early today."

Xia Zhen sat crookedly on the couch, stretching out her hand to beckon.

Ma Min'er walked over and slipped into his arms. The young couple... The word N is omitted below. After the word N, Xia Zhen still didn't let her go, "Farewell, dinner is coming soon. After dinner, there is something else .”

"What's the matter?" Xia Zhen put her lips next to her ear, her voice was low, and her breath was itchy.

She stretched and pushed, "It's business."

Xia Zhen smiled softly, "I haven't been in charge yet, I can't sleep every night, and my eyes are blue."

"You think it's easy to be in charge."

Xia Zhen hugged her again, "Thank you for your hard work, but you don't need to be so stressed, take your time."

"Grandma has already given me all the account books of the property shop. Since I have accepted it, of course I must do it well."

"Most of the shops are in Yizhou, so we can only let the steward do it."

Ma Min'er nodded: "But I want to use the time in the capital to do a good job of our family's shop in the capital area."

Xia Zhen believed that the little daughter-in-law had this ability, so she reached out to touch her head and stroked her black hair. It felt very good, "You can figure it out."

Ma Min'er raised her head and raised her face, "Tonight, I have something to tell you."

"What?"

Ma Miner pursed her lips and did not answer.

"Yeah." Xia Zhen didn't hear the answer from the little daughter-in-law, and stopped stroking her hair, "What's the matter!"

"It's not what I said to you, but what I said to the Xia family."

Xia Zhen lowered her arms, "Xia family?"

Ma Min'er nodded, "There are some things that I only had a little feeling at first, but when I saw Manager Mu today, and the vague impression I formed from looking at the shop and account books these days, a kind of cognition suddenly formed in my mind, I want to share my knowledge with you.”

Xia Zhen believed in the daughter-in-law's ability to make money, and he also believed in the daughter-in-law's ability to control others. He nodded, "OK."

Ma Min'er stretched out her hand to pick at Xia Zhen's front-closing robe, and said in a low voice, "What I said may be just what I know. If you think it's inappropriate, just treat me as nonsense."

Xia Zhen felt the little daughter-in-law's uneasiness, "Are you worried that your knowledge will affect the foundation of the Xia family?"

"Yeah." Ma Min'er nodded, lying on his chest, listening to his strong heartbeat, she wanted to say something, but she was afraid that it would be inappropriate, and there were some contradictions. To put it bluntly, she dared not take responsibility. Previously, the Xia family had been prosperous for six or seven generations.

Yes, it has been six or seven generations. Unbeknownst to Ma Miner, the Xia family has had troubles since Xia Shiyong's father, Xia Zhen's great-grandfather. It has become a hidden danger, and then turned from a hidden danger to a predicament, step by step from the peak to the decline. Ordinary people don't understand this kind of change at all. What they see is only the glory and wealth. The luck of the family is going downhill.

Seven years ago, there was a severe drought in Yizhou. For the people of Yizhou, it was life and death, but for the Xia family, with the girl Xia Zhen picked up on the galloping horse, their luck was rewritten.

Whether it was the change of Xia Zhen's temperament or the rescue of Xia Zetao, who had been missing for ten years, all of them laid the foundation for the smooth victory of the five mansions.

But as long as it is changed, what is impossible?
Xia Zhen stretched out her hand and hugged the daughter-in-law tightly again, bearing the pressure, no one could experience this feeling better than him, and lightly placed her forehead on the top of the daughter-in-law's head, "Let's go to dinner!"

"Oh."

Xia Zhen straightened up, picked up the little daughter-in-law, and didn't put it down until the door, and clasped her fingers tightly before going out.Outside the door, the maids on duty saluted one after another, watching the master leave the yard arm in arm.

In the palace, in the night, the lights in the imperial study room were still bright. Emperor Yuantai was sitting behind the dragon table, grading papers, and the vermilion-colored papers turned crimson under the oil lamp, eye-catching.

Finally, after approving the last one, Emperor Yuantai put down the pen in his hand, rubbed his face with both hands, and rubbed his sore and dry eyes: "Hasn't Zili come back yet?"

"My lord, yes."

"How many days has it been?"

"Returning to the Holy One, it's been almost half a month."

"For a woman, I actually stayed in the mountains for half a month..." Emperor Yuan Tai lowered his hands and squinted at Deng Yan, "Write to him and ask him to come back."

"Yes, Your Majesty, I understand, I will do it right away."

"En." After finishing speaking, Yuan Tai stood up, "Whose brand is it tonight?"

"Return to the Holy Majesty, it is Ma Shurong."

"lead the way."

"Yes, my lord."

Inside and outside the dormitory, Ma Huier lit oil lamps, but the wicks were cut too small, and the flames were not very bright, bright but not bright. She was wearing a luxurious silk forging jacket and a delicate and gorgeous cloak, although it was autumn The thin cloak was trimmed with rare mink fur, which made her look luxurious and graceful when she was sitting upright.

Lu Qi was instructing the little girls in the palace, and seeing that it was almost done, she said, "You guys step back."

"Yes, Aunt Qi."

Seeing that they had gone out, Luqi walked to the luxurious four-poster bed and said with a smile, "Madam, the supper is ready, it's light."

"Well, keep it warm, neither hot nor cold."

The green chair nodded, "The maidservant knows, she has a good look at it."

Ma Hui'er said: "Your Majesty has worked hard, he has treated me so well, I can only prepare him a bowl of clear soup with little water."

"Your Majesty, if you put your heart into it, the Holy Majesty will naturally feel it."

Ma Huier lowered her head with a smile on her face, "I hope."

Outside the gate of the hall, a servant sang: "My Majesty--"

Ma Hui'er rushed out to greet her.

Under the autumn wind and bright moon, listening to the sound of pine trees, Liu Zaili stood on the top of a lonely hill and looked into the distance. As for this night, he also met mountains and rivers, but he never stopped to see the scenery.

When the scenery catches the eyes, it makes people suddenly feel like a dream, and makes people's life unreal. The wall fell quickly, just like this.

"Your Majesty, it's getting late at night, and the master wants you to go back." The little boy closed his hands together and said in a different voice.

Liu Zaili seemed to stand like a landscape, motionless.

Master Fakong came with a sigh, "Zi Li——"

"Master—" Liu Zaili withdrew his gaze and looked at Master Fakong who was carrying the lantern, "I'm going back."

Fakong understood that his 'going back' meant returning to the secular world, "Go back, you are a secular person!"

"Master, I really want to abandon the world of mortals and live freely in the world like you."

"Xiaoyao Tiandijian?" Master Fakong shook his head, looked at the night sky, the stars were shining, "If you don't let go of your heart, even if you fly to the clouds, you will still be trapped by love."

"Master..." Liu Zaili was sad and distressed, "So what should I do?"

"Let go, only when you let go can your heart be free."

"I..." Liu Zaili looked at the master for a long time without responding.

Mrs. Ma San not only received the letter sent by her daughter from the palace, but also received the rewards sent by her daughter from the palace. It's finally here, it's finally here."

"Ma'am, Your Majesty is now a second-class lady, and she has arrived at a good location in the palace. It seems that there will be dragon children in a short time." The nanny flattered happily.

"Yes, yes, it won't be long." Mrs. Ma San stood up happily, and immediately said to her personal nurse: "Put away a few small and expensive ones, and keep the rest, let the little girl call the old lady over." , make her happy too."

"Yes, ma'am, I understand."

Mrs. Ma knew that her granddaughter would have a bright future in the palace, and she was very happy. Looking at the piles of rewards on the table, she said with emotion: "I saw so many rewards ten years ago. I'll see you again, I didn't expect Hui'er..." She reached out her hand to wipe her tears.

"Mother, this is a happy thing, you..."

"I am tears of joy." Mrs. Ma wiped her eyes, raised her eyes and asked, "Where is San'er?"

Hearing this, Mrs. Ma San's heart suddenly skipped a beat, and she hurriedly called out, "Is the master back yet?"

The girl outside replied: "Not yet."

"Hurry up to the door and go out to have a look."

"Yes, ma'am."

Looking at the exquisite rewards on the table, Mrs. Ma San lost her mind for a moment, and felt at ease until the man came back.

Mrs. Ma said: "It's getting late, I'm going to sleep, you can put these things away."

"Mother, I'll see you off."

Mrs. Ma San sent the old lady to the door, turned around, and arranged for someone to find the man, "Hurry up where he usually goes."

"Yes, ma'am."

"What are you looking for! Didn't the master come back?" Ma Qimeng staggered in with the help of his servants.

"Did you go there and drink so much?"

"Haha, I tell you, you don't believe it..." Ma Qimeng stretched out his fingers and shouted triumphantly.

Mrs. Ma San was not pleased that he drank there, and when she saw him coming back, she called Amitabha Buddha and asked the servant to take him in to wash.

"You...you haven't asked me about the wine I drank there?"

"I know, I know, it stinks to death, hurry up and wash..."

"...I...I knew you didn't believe it..."

Mrs. Ma San stopped her and followed her closely, "How is the master doing outside, and what about the expenses?"

Chang Sui smiled and said: "Master went to the big restaurant today and had good food and wine..."

"How much money did you spend?" She asked eagerly.

"Go back to Madam, no money was spent."

"How is it possible?" Mrs. Ma San didn't believe it.

"Ma'am, really, many people know about the fact that the Holy Majesty appointed Huiniang as the second-class empress. Why are they all currying favor with the master?"

"Fawning..." There is such a good thing... Mrs. Ma San turned her head and looked at the room. Could it be true this time?She stood there meditating.

Seeing that Madam didn't believe it, Chang Sui smiled and said: "Madam, don't you believe it, don't talk about empresses in the palace, even if there are favored wives and concubines in ordinary mansions, how can people outside still want to curry favor?"

Mrs. Ma San thought of her upright father-in-law. Everyone knew that Ma Tongfeng's flattery was not easy to flatter. Don't these people know about her father-in-law's temper?

Except for Zhao Suxin, the heads of the Xia family were all in the room. Xia Zetao asked, "Mother, why did you call me here?"

Mrs. Xia didn't answer her son, but looked at her grandson-in-law, but she said to her husband: "My lord, your grandson-in-law has something to tell you."

"Erniang, what do you want to tell me?"

"Grandfather—" Ma Min'er stood up from the stool.

"Sit down, it's all my family, sit down."

Ma Min'er sat down, but just as her butt leaned against the stool, she stood up again.

Xia Shiyong and Xia Zetao have never seen Ma Erniang like this since they knew her. They say she is nervous, but she doesn't look like her, and they say she is shy and embarrassed, but it is not the same thing at all.

"Second mother, you..."

"Grandfather..." Ma Min'er squeezed a smile: "It's like this, didn't grandma show me all the shop and account books at home these few days..."

Xia Shiyong nodded: "I know."

"Grandfather... I don't think you should tell me about the gold mine."

"..." The Xia family all looked at Ma Min'er.

Ma Min'er pursed her lips tightly, "I think, I'm the hostess, I'm in charge, don't get involved in the gold mine, what do you think?"

"So that's what you meant." Xia Shiyong secretly heaved a sigh of relief, but at the same time he was puzzled by what she said. Many people in the world wish to have as much money as possible, "Are you afraid that you won't be able to use this gold?" , so it’s better not to know?”

"Yes, grandfather, you are right."

"You child, since you are a member of the Xia family, of course I have to tell you that there is a gold mine. If the family's expenses are not enough, you have the right to arrange it." Xia Shiyong heaved a sigh of relief.

"Grandfather, if you let me be the head of the family, I will guarantee that the expenses of the family will not be used for a penny of silver."

For some reason, Xia Shiyong didn't feel that Sun's daughter-in-law was talking big. He believed that she had this ability, so he smiled, "That's good."

"Also, I have a suggestion." Ma Min'er said.

"Suggest?"

"Ah."

Xia Shiyong raised his relaxed heart again: "Tell me."

"Grandfather, the gold mine will only be used for two purposes in the future."

Everyone in the Xia family stared at Ma Min'er, waiting for her next words.

"One for the army."

Not to mention this at all, the purpose of opening gold mines is for the army.

"Secondly, if possible, let the gold mine produce gold."

"What? Gold mines produce gold?"

Ma Min'er nodded, "I can provide the method of producing gold for your reference, but I will not intervene in this matter. I am only the mistress of the Xia family, and only the master."

Xia Shiyong looked at his grandson, "Zian, do you know?"

Xia Zhen shook her head: "I just heard about it too."

"What's your opinion?"

Xia Zhen pondered for a while before replying, "I agree with Min'er."

What method does Ma Min'er offer to produce gold from the gold mine?Let's keep it a secret for now, but she has clarified the scope of her being the mistress of the Xia family. She knows what she can do and what she shouldn't touch. She doesn't want power and wealth to bind her hands and feet, even dear brother Zhen .

She should keep a distance from him in these matters, and never follow the words of "what's yours is mine, what's mine is yours" or "willingly do everything for you". Long, short is not short, love yourself if you should love yourself, care for others if you should care about others, rely on each other, and keep a distance from each other, so that you can go on peacefully.

Ma Min'er's first major task as the mistress is how to happily send away the Xia clan who came to Beijing to congratulate her.

"I turned over the Xia family's previous handling method, mainly relying on the income from the shop and the land to distribute to them."

"They think there are too few of them now, and they don't want to go back!" Mrs. Xia said with a serious face.

Ma Min'er said again: "Twice a year, once in summer and once in winter."

"Yeah." Mrs. Xia said, "They don't think so much."

Ma Min'er thought about it: "Grandma, I think we can take care of our tribe in another way."

"Another way?" Mrs. Xia looked at Mrs. Sun suspiciously.

"Grandmother, now, it is our house that does everything well, and distributes the money to them when the time comes. If we change it, let them run the shop, and let them give us the money, what do you think?" ?”

"Is that so?" Mrs. Xia felt that it was not her own that the shop and property were run by others.

Ma Min'er said: "Grandmother, as long as we formulate the regulations and clear the ownership of the benefits, it will actually be a big burden for our Xia family. At least we don't need to support so many shop assistants, tenants and various stewards. It will save a lot of manpower, energy, and of course a lot of expenses.”

Mrs. Xia didn't say a word.

Ma Min'er analyzed again: "Grandmother, think about it, these tribesmen, they usually have nothing to do, and they think about getting money twice a year all day long. When there is some turmoil in the family, I can't help Xia's family.

But if the shop is allowed to run by them, on the one hand, they will have something to do, thinking about how to make money from their shop all day long; , have the ability to help, instead of supporting the clan unrestrainedly now, and even taking money from the gold mine to support, this is wrong, grandma! "

Don't say, what Sun's daughter-in-law said really makes sense, Mrs. Xia let go: "I'll discuss it with the boss."

"Okay." Ma Min'er knew that to change this situation, she couldn't make a decision right away with just a few words.

Coming out of Mrs. Xia's side room where she handles business, the members of the Xia family stood at the door, "Old lady—"

Mrs. Xia said patiently: "Patriarch, you are getting old and resting in the house. If there is anything, let the juniors come over and give a word, and I will go over."

The old patriarch leaned on a high-quality mahogany cane, tremblingly: "Daughter-in-law Shiyong, how are you discussing about our affairs?"

The smile that Mrs. Xia squeezed out disappeared.

The old patriarch continued trembling: "Daughter-in-law Shiyong, don't blame me for forcing you, the Xia family's population is increasing, and this money is really not enough. If you don't get more, the younger generation will not even be able to get a daughter-in-law It is." After finishing speaking, he looked at the young man who was holding him beside him, "Look at this kid, he has already been admitted as a scholar, but even if he wants to marry a good wife, why? No money."

Ma Min'er couldn't help asking, "Whose little lady is his 'good wife'?"

"Of course it's the granddaughter of the county magistrate. The county magistrate said that if you don't get 5000 taels, you don't want to marry his granddaughter." The old patriarch said angrily.

Hearing this, Ma Min'er's scalp tingled, these clans, these local gentry, have used the Xia family as their treasury!An ordinary scholar married a wife, and it was 5000 taels when he exported it. Even the sixth- and seventh-rank officials in Beijing did not have this standard when they married off their daughters!

To put it bluntly, the money came too easily, thinking that it was blown by the strong wind, change, we must change this phenomenon, let them know that the silver is not blown by the strong wind, and the Xia family is not a fat that they open their mouths at will.

Mrs. Xia became very old and tired all of a sudden, "I'm going to find the boss right now."

"Daughter-in-law Shiyong, you can't just perfuse us like this. We came here all the way from Yizhou, you..."

"Old patriarch, I'm going to find the boss right now!" Mrs. Xia left with a suppressed temper.

(End of this chapter)