Lady Zhao

Chapter 39

At night, the sky is as clear as water and the moon is as bright as a mirror. It can be described as a beautiful scene on a good day.The Mid-Autumn Festival banquet is held in Huxinzhai built on the lotus pond. A spacious stone bridge stretches over the river, and the banks are brightly lit.

There are two tables of banquets in the huge hall, not only rich food and wine, but also a set of chips, arrow gourds, lottery tubes, wine tokens and other things on the table, and even sobering tea and sobering up balls.The floor-to-ceiling windows are all wide open, and the Kongming lanterns rising from the lake are painted with various interesting myths, slowly floating into the air, and shining with the bright moon, which looks like a starry sky, which is really beautiful.

The old lady has always attached great importance to the reunion dinner of the Mid-Autumn Festival, and Chef Tang naturally did not dare to neglect it. He started working half a month earlier. Zhao Wenwan only knew about it because of Bai Linger's complaints. Of course, he also listened to a lot of practices. Koufu is looking forward to it.

There is a steaming roast duck in the middle. When you poke it open with chopsticks, it is filled with glutinous rice and red dates. The rice is soaked from the inside to the outside, and it is oily and fragrant.Zhao Wenwan took a chopstick into the mouth and felt satisfied. The duck meat was not bad at all, and the skin was very crispy.

Another good-looking chrysanthemum fish, because the fish needs to be processed into a chrysanthemum shape, it is quite a test of the chef's skill, and it cannot be made without long-term training.Descale the grass carp, cut off the head and tail, remove the bone and remove the thorns, cut the fish into thin slices with an oblique knife, but do not cut the skin, cut it about five times, and then cut the thin slices into thin strips with a straight knife, still Don't cut the fish skin, marinate the cut fish fillets to taste, coat with starch, fry in a [-]% to [-]% hot oil pan until set, take it out, raise the oil temperature and fry again until golden and crisp, drain the oil After placing it on a plate, pour over the specially prepared sauce, garnish with celery leaves, and you're done.

The Taiji shrimp just brought up by the maid is made by peeling the shells and threading the shrimps and mashing them into shrimp gelatin, chopping the fat meat and water chestnuts into a puree, adding egg white, salt, etc., mixing them with the shrimp gelatin, and then mixing them Knead the material into a shrimp shape again, buckle the two shrimps head and tail together, put ham on one of them, make it into a Tai Chi shape, put it on a plate, smear it with egg white, and steam it in a steamer for a while.

There are also clove pork ribs, Jinling scallops, hibiscus chicken slices, anchovies shrimp, Pingqiao tofu soup... One after another delicate dishes are served in turn, tempting people to move their chopsticks.

Brother Rui had occupied the seat next to Zhao Wenwan early in the morning. Because of the friendship of the rabbit master Lantern just now, he was sticky at the moment, and thinking of begging for another, he became more and more attentive to pick up vegetables for Zhao Wenwan. The efforts of his little arms and legs were enough. Aunt Xia, who didn't see behind him, stared at the little radish head with her elbow turned outward, secretly biting a mouthful of silver teeth. Now that Rui Ge'er is being raised by the old lady, she dare not say anything more.

Zhao Wenxuan was sitting next to Rui Geer, she was her own brother but she was so close to Zhao Wenwan, as if she had been given ecstasy soup, she was even more upset in her heart, maintaining a smile on her face and said intentionally, "Rui Brother You're so eccentric, a rabbit lantern bought you, my sister loves you for nothing."

Brother Rui shook his chopsticks when he heard the words, thinking of her "love" for her steamed bun face in the past, turned the chopsticks, caught the chopsticks with great effort, and the big hoof trembled and fell into her bowl, grinning with white teeth , "Sister, eat!" Seeing that they are both round and chubby, don't pinch my face next time, Zhao Yuanrui thought.

Zhao Wenxuan stared at the big greasy piece, her scalp exploded immediately, but this piece took up the whole bowl, she raised her eyes to see Brother Rui with the shining eyes of "I'm good to you", heartbroken It can't be added, and it can't be clipped out. It's almost bad for the whole person.

Zhao Wenwan pretended not to see her embarrassment, and said coolly, "Sister, this is Rui Ge'er's wish, it is specially made for you, you don't want to eat it... It won't be because of the order of Rui Ge'er's food. Are you angry?"

"Of course not." Zhao Wenxuan quickly retorted, her teeth clenched, she met Zhao Wenwan's eyes shining with interest, and saw that she was doing it on purpose, and she couldn't get angry in public. One bite down, her dignified image... woo woo woo.

"This thing is not easy to eat. It would be great if it can be cut a few times." From the other side, a soft voice sounded, and it was at this moment that Zhao Wenxuan was relieved.

"Yes, Chen Xiang, take this down and let Master Tang cut it into small pieces." Zhao Wenxuan hurriedly handed her dishes to Chen Xiang, and secretly cast a grateful look at the person who helped her, but she didn't expect it to be her , a little dazed.

Zhao Wenwan glanced at Zhao Wenxi, it was obvious that she had also dressed carefully today, looking graceful, dignified and beautiful.Maybe it's because Yang's mother has spent a lot of time teaching her these days, and her behavior has become more elegant. If Zhao Wenwan from before was there, she would indeed be able to compare with it.

This appearance, more and more overlapping with the figure of that person in the final ending of the script, is really unpleasant to watch.

Although she thought so in her heart, Zhao Wenwan didn't show it at all on her face. On the contrary, after picking up a chopstick for the old lady, she picked up another chopstick for Zhao Wenxi, and said kindly, "Sister, eat more, I will eat more." I remember you loved this clove ribs the most when you were young."

Throughout the banquet, Zhao Wenxi's eyes never left Zhao Wenwan. Xu felt that the first time they met was too deep. Sometimes he couldn't help but feel a little trance. After the trance, he felt a heavy sense of humiliation. Now this person is more like Shining The luminous object illuminates the surroundings, and people can't help but walk around her, watching her walk freely in the banquet, it is an inherent nobleness.

Looking at Zhao Wenwan like this, Zhao Wenxi only felt that the inferiority complex buried in her heart broke through the soil, and soon grew into a towering tree, which was about to squeeze out her small square inch of land.

Even though she is indeed the second lady of Dingguo Duke's Mansion, she can feel a big distance from Zhao Wenwan, who was born and bred in the mansion. No one can notice that distance under her superficially calm maintenance, but she herself feels flustered endlessly.

As if it shouldn't be like this.

"Sister Xi'er, why do you look so ugly? What's wrong with you? Don't hold on if you're tired. I'll send you home?" Zhao Wenwan's concerned voice came over, and even the old lady cast a nervous look.

Zhao Wenxi restrained his mind, naturally he didn't want to spoil everyone's interest at such a moment, and said with a slight smile, "My injury is already healed, and I have taken good care of it these days. At this moment, I feel a little unreal, I am afraid it is a dream, and there is nothing when I wake up."

The old lady knew that she had endured hardships outside, and felt sorry for her when she heard the words, "Xi'er has a grandmother, a sister, and a family, and everything will be there."

With tears in his eyes, Zhao Wenxi called out to grandma again, but in his heart he was faintly proud. She was a second-bedroom child who had just been found, and she was guilty of dominating the old lady. Little by little, one day, she would be able to weaken her Zhao Wenwan's status in the old lady's heart, she will be the one who is like a fish in water in the Zhao family, not more like a spectator like now.

Satisfied with wine and food, the whole family enjoyed the moon with sweet-scented osmanthus wine. Without the rules of the round table, Zhao Wenwan found a gap and sat next to Zhao Yuanli, stopping his hand to take the wine glass, obviously disapproving of him Drinking in this situation.

"This osmanthus wine is sweet and not harmful to the body." Zhao Yuanli explained in a low voice.

Zhao Wenwan demonstrated by example, took a sip, the taste was indeed sweet, but after a while, some alcohol came to mind, but he was still sober, and he stared at him with a trace of laziness in his eyes, "No... To drink."

Zhao Yuanli looked at the little drunk cat, so he had no choice but to take the tea she poured slowly, and followed her wishes. The interaction between the two fell into the eyes of others, and each had their own explorations.

In fact, since the old man's birthday, Zhao Yuanli no longer confined himself in the room, and often went out to walk around. He knew that Zhao Wenwan gave him nourishment every day, but he didn't know what to replenish. The momentum only gives people the feeling that they will be able to soar into the sky in time.

Those who felt this way were not only Zhao Hongsheng who was very relieved, but also Zhao Yuanjin who was under increasing pressure. He lost his name in the autumn and lost his father's face. It's felt even more so recently.

Therefore, looking at Zhao Yuanli who is getting better, Zhao Yuanjin is the first to feel that something is wrong. If he gains power... who knows if he will retaliate against what he did before, and use his own heart to speculate on others. up.

"Yuanli, you will be eighteen after the Chinese New Year. When your father is your age, he is already on duty in the Imperial Academy. What are your plans for the future?" Zhao Hongsheng asked suddenly, drunk.

Zhao Yuanli paused his hand clinging to the teacup, looked back at Zhao Hongsheng's smiling eyes, and guessed that what he had done recently was probably noticed by him, so he simply confessed, "My son wants to participate in next year's spring, from the place where he fell climb up."

Go to a higher place.

Zhao Hongsheng's eyes flashed brightly, he laughed suddenly, and said three good words in succession, "As expected of my good son, I believe you will succeed."

After all, he raised his wine glass and collided with Zhao Yuanli's teacup. There was a pleasant collision, but to Zhao Yuanjin it was like a death bell. He almost fell off the stool in shock. Zhao Hongsheng gave him a cold glance and blushed. With a face full of embarrassment, he argued, "Drink...drink too much..."

Regardless of whether Zhao Hongsheng believed it or not, he left in a hurry under the pretext of visiting Mrs. Ye. He was really panicked. Over the years, because of Zhao Yuanli's frustration and decadence, he enjoyed his success and received a lot of benefits. Seeing the gap between the two, wouldn't it be that he has no future.

It would be great if the elder brother kept getting sick, no matter how useless he was, his father could only pave the way for him, relying on the connections and family background of Duke Dingguo's mansion, he could rise to the top...

How could this be!

There is a small path beside the lotus pond, planted with two osmanthus trees, the breeze is blowing, the scent of osmanthus is lingering in the humid air, and the bushes on both sides are shadowy.

Silver ash poured down, and a thin and handsome man walked slowly with a girl on his back. The girl on his back dangled a little restlessly, with disheveled hair beside her blushing cheeks, and suddenly snorted "Woo... "

The corner of the man's mouth twitched first, and then he showed a helpless smile. He was afraid of throwing him, and the strength in his hand tightened even more. Because he touched the similar memory when he was young, his heart felt soft.

Zhao Wenwan, who was on her back, grinned and made a sound, waved her hands, and slapped the person on her back with little force, but the former's figure swayed, almost crooked and threw him to the ground.

The maidservant who was a hundred steps away from behind almost raised her heart to her throat, and Xue Yan and Zhao Zhong who hurried over wanted to persuade Zhao Yuanli to let the young lady down, if the young lady hadn't said that she had whispered to the young lady just now. The young master said that the attendants really didn't dare to let the two masters go like this, especially Zhao Yuanli was still very weak, but Zhao Yuanli said it would be fine, and accompanied Zhao Wenwan who was a little drunk.

Zhao Zhong was afraid that he would not be able to take it anymore, so he took the initiative to step forward to replace Zhao Yuanli.

Zhao Wenwan, who was lying on her back, heard that a lump fell to the ground, turned her face and smiled, pink and tender like a flower, with a little drunkenness: "I... just want the elder brother to stop." She still wanted to "wow" again " With a sound, Zhao Yuanli covered his mouth in time, helped him to rest on the water pavilion not far away, and sent away all the people who followed.

Looking back, I saw Zhao Wenwan kicked off his shoes in a rather disfigured manner, half leaning on the railing, squinting his eyes to feel the cool breeze, with a lazy and wanton look.

Zhao Yuanli was dumbfounded, thankful that he had the foresight to send everyone away, and tried to persuade her to put on the shoes, but the latter refused desperately, wanting to fly freely, obviously just standing on the bench, but he had a strong ambition Ling Yun's arrogance came.

In fact, Zhao Wenwan's consciousness is still a little sober, knowing that he is so impolite, it is unavoidable to be seen and laughed at.No matter how much a modern person adapts to the ancient life, he will always feel aggrieved. Zhao Wenwan just took advantage of the joy of the day and drank some wine to vent.

"Being trapped in a golden cage has everything, but I can't get what I want most." Zhao Wenwan stared at the lake and opened her mouth quietly. The freedom she wanted and the right to speak about her future are not here. It may have come true, since Zhao Wenxi appeared, her next life will be fighting, fighting with the sky, fighting with people, and she can't be herself alone.

"But big brother is different. This golden cage will not wear down your will, but will only become the most powerful support to travel to a wider sky." Zhao Wenwan turned his head to the side, revealing a touch of joy that could not be concealed. Zhao Yuanli's request at the table, Probably the best news she has heard these days, "I'm really happy for Big Brother!"

Zhao Yuanli, who was still thinking about her depression a moment ago, was taken aback by her sudden emotional change, and then understood the meaning of her words, his heart moved slightly, and he raised his hand to cover her head, Rubbing gently like when I was a child, "What is Wanwan worried about?"

Facing Zhao Wenwan's bright eyes with faint tears, "No matter what happens, you still have your elder brother."

Said the gentle voice.Zhao Yuanli didn't ask too many questions because of his thoughtfulness, Zhao Wenwan felt that he was comforted, and the restless and clamoring negative emotions in his heart gradually subsided, and he murmured to his elder brother.

The shadow of the moon is whirling, and the atmosphere is just right.A burst of coolness hit Zhao Wenwan, and Zhao Wenwan shrank his feet. This scene fell in Zhao Yuanli's eyes. The latter bent down and helped her put on the shoes, and said with a helpless smile, "Wanwan, you can do whatever you want in front of the elder brother. People saw it in private and spread it, what if you can't get married?"

Zhao Wenwan's bewildered eyeballs rolled around, "If you don't get married, I'll depend on your elder brother, who just said that he would take care of me for the rest of his life!"

Did he say that he would spend his whole life together?Zhao Yuanli raised his eyebrows, seeing the cunning in her eyes, he didn't refute, but instead said, "Why, don't you like that sixth prince?"

Zhao Wenwan frowned subconsciously. She didn't want to put her life on the line when she liked her. Once she saw Gu Jingxing, she felt that she would not live long, so she said, "Isn't that my youthful, ignorant and superficial appearance? , now I prefer someone with knowledge like Big Brother!!"

While expressing his position, Zhao Wenwan patted the No. [-] horse with thick thighs, and grinned, but he didn't know that his elder brother would sell his words in the future, and provoked a narrow-minded wolf.

Zhao Yuanli looked at her carefully, and saw that she didn't seem to be perfunctory, but she seemed to be serious. He believed it in his heart, secretly thinking about paying attention in the future, and finding a lover for his sister. According to Wan Wan's temperament, the sixth prince really Not a good match.

Excited, Zhao Wenwan tilted his head to look at Zhao Yuanli, and asked curiously, "Brother, what do you like?"

The person you like?

Zhao Yuanli's eyes darkened, and there seemed to be a flash of heartache in his eyes, but his answer was very straightforward, "Brother still doesn't want to consider the love of his children, and earn his fame through examinations. Guangzong Yaozu is what I want now."

Although Zhao Wenwan's words were drunk, the order was still clear, and he didn't miss Zhao Yuanli's stupefied moment. He bit his lip and asked hesitantly, "Brother...can't forget the old man?"

Zhao Yuanli's body stiffened abruptly, and he raised his head to stare at the bright moon, his gaze suddenly far away, he knew who the old man Zhao Wenwan was talking about was.

An Yuanhou's little queen, Xueyuan, is famous for her talent and she is also a slim beauty. At the first glimpse, she was really moved.

pity……

In fact, it's not that Zhao Yuanli can't forget Ms. Wang's family, but he can't forget what the two brothers and sisters did to divorce, the betrayal of a good brother, but the woman he originally liked was so pretentious and lost his true temperament.The humiliation he suffered that day, he lingered in embarrassment under the mocking eyes of everyone, because he was a brother, so he knew what he couldn't bear the most, such calculations became the last straw that crushed him, and he never believed in it after that Anybody, devastated, has truly become a monster with an eccentric temperament in the population of Beijing.

Thinking about it now is still obscure, but Zhao Yuanli didn't want to talk about this past, "My sister thinks too much."

Zhao Wenwan noticed his suddenly cold attitude when he mentioned that person, even though he was extremely curious, seeing his expression that he didn't want to talk more, he didn't ask any more questions.

Zhao Yuanli seemed to be tired, so he called his mother-in-law and maid, and asked Zhao Zhong to escort Zhao Wenwan back to Xiangzhu Garden.On the way back, Zhao Wenwan was still thinking about her eldest brother in a daze. She didn't know the secret of the divorce, and no one dared to mention it.

At this moment, Zhao Zhong became red and cursed angrily when he heard it: "The brothers and sisters of the Wang family knew that the marriage contract in Dingguo's mansion was not easy to resolve, so they planned to humiliate our young master with despicable means and resign the engagement. Such a woman, miss, don't do it again." The eldest young master mentioned it in front of him."

Zhao Wenwan's eyes that were still dazed suddenly cleared up a lot, and he grabbed Zhao Zhong and asked, "You said that the brothers and sisters of the Wang family designed my elder brother?"

Zhao Zhong was still gasping for breath and anger, but he hadn't explained much about it, so he turned his head and didn't continue, just nodded in affirmation.

The corners of Zhao Wenwan's mouth turned up slightly, still drunk, and a half-hearted sentence came out between his teeth, "Since you have the courage to do it, you must bear the consequences, brothers and sisters of the Wang family... Ha Qiu!"

Xueyan hurriedly took the cloak to wrap it around her, and the latter sneezed a few more times, leaning against Xueyan's head softly, and fell into a drowsy sleep.Baochan touched her forehead and said it was a little hot. Zhao Zhong, who was still looking forward to the following, suddenly shrunk and hurriedly called the doctor.

And Zhao Wenxi did not return to the West Chamber Garden after the Mid-Autumn Festival. Because the old lady Zhao was reluctant to part with her precious granddaughter in the second room, she asked her to stay in Mingxu Garden to accompany her. Zhao Wenxi used to take advantage of the situation and eat and sleep with her grandmother. There were rumors that the eldest lady had lost the favor of the old lady, but Mama Yang stopped her and did not dare to spread it to the old lady's ears.

The old lady rewarded Zhao Wenxi with a lot of good things again, as if she wanted to make up for what she had lost before, and she became more and more spoiled. The latter naturally heard the rumors, and even some of them were deliberately done by her. Occupying the old lady tightly, pestering the old lady to talk about childhood, but this is always a sad thing for the old lady. When talking about it, she can't help but think of her son and daughter-in-law who died young, and secretly wipe away tears.

Mother Yang was a little anxious. It was not a good idea for the second lady to make the old lady sad, so she found a reason to take Zhao Wenxi out, and invited Zhao Wenwan, who had just recovered from typhoid fever, to Mingxu Garden. On the way, Mother Yang explained the reason, but she was afraid that Zhao Wenwan would think too much Then I mentioned a few words, "Miss, don't blame the old lady for being indifferent these few days. The old lady loves the second room, and even pins her thoughts on the second master and the second lady on the second lady. Naturally, she loves her a little more. Speaking of which, the old lady loves our lady the most."

Zhao Wenwan smiled knowingly, "I understand what Mama Yang said, and I won't quarrel with grandma because of it."

Yang's mother felt at ease, and she looked more and more approvingly at Zhao Wenwan.

Seeing the old lady, Zhao Wenwan used her humorous talent to make the old lady happy. The old lady Zhao is a shrewd person, and she has been master and servant of Mama Yang for many years. She can understand what is going on with just one look, so she pulled Zhao Wenwan and said: "Mama Yang What did you say to my precious granddaughter? Grandma originally wanted to see my precious granddaughter come to me and complain like a baby in front of this old woman."

Zhao Wenwan smiled, "How can grandma hide such bad thoughts. Wen Wan is a sensible person, how could she ever do such a thing?"

The old lady thought for a while, "I used to do a lot of things."

"Yeah, but why don't I have any memory at all, I remember that I have always been very good in front of my grandmother." Zhao Wenwan blinked innocently and said innocently.

"Okay, no no." Mrs. Zhao patted the back of Zhao Wenwan's hand, smiled slightly, and said some heartfelt words to listen to the people around her, "Wen Wan is really sensible, but there are some things grandma still wants to say. Yes, your sister Xi just came back not long ago, and there is no close relative in this family. If my old lady doesn’t feel any more pain, she will be bullied by others. It’s okay for her to have my support now, but you are different. It’s me With one hand, others can't compare."

Inside and outside the words, the meaning is clear.

Zhao Wenwan nodded her head seriously, "Grandmother, I will understand if you don't tell me, Sister Xi, I will definitely love her well."

"So cute." Mrs. Zhao touched her head in satisfaction, as if she suddenly remembered, "Hey, by the way, grandma has sent someone to deliver a letter to Xipinghou's mansion, asking your eldest aunt to come back to help, didn't she just return The letter said that it will arrive in the day after tomorrow, and you will meet it at that time."

"Okay, grandma."

While talking, no one noticed that Zhao Wenxi hid behind a window and heard the conversation inside clearly. His charming little face was stained with unwillingness and jealousy.

(End of this chapter)