Lady Zhao

Chapter 84

Saying goodbye to the old and welcoming the new, with the arrival of New Year's Eve, the turmoil of the year will finally come to an end.Early in the morning, Mrs. Ye and others brought their children into the ancestral house, and the old lady was already fully dressed, with a warm smile on her face, looking at the crowded rooms, she could not restrain her joy.

After all, it was New Year's Eve, dinner was eaten early, sandalwood was floating, and the whole room gathered together for a happy reunion dinner. After the meal, the elders distributed lucky money and gifts for the beginning of the new year to the juniors one by one. Satisfied with the small objects, Yang's mother led them to play outside to set off fireworks.

The old lady is old and has never really observed New Year's Eve, so she smiled and let the younger generation have fun, and asked the new daughter-in-law Leng who was in the Duke's mansion for the first time to celebrate the New Year, and the rest of the rooms were all in Mingxu Garden. Accompanying her, Mrs. Zhao, who has always been open-minded, drove a few children out and asked them to watch the new year by themselves. In fact, she was afraid that the children would become lifeless with the adults and lose their vitality.

Zhao Wenwan was also happy in her heart, she wanted to watch the New Year with her eldest brother this year, and when the boudoir got married next year, she might never have the chance again.The two snuggled up to the ashes of the stove to bake their hands, the windows were half open, and the fragrance of magnolia lingered lingeringly. They hadn't even moved in yet, and they planted someone's favorite flower in the yard so quickly. This emotion I really envy others.

Zhao Yuanli saw his younger sister's playful expression, covered his lips and coughed lightly.

The two brothers and sisters had been in the same mind for a long time, and they stopped talking and said some commonplace things. Especially today, Zhao Wenwan wanted to know more about his biological mother Shen, and Zhao Yuanli rarely talked too much. At the end of speaking, Zhao Yuanli raised his cheek slightly and looked out of the window, with light and shadow flickering in his eyes.

Zhao Wenwan was also full of emotion, unknowingly, half a year had passed, last year's New Year's Eve... It seemed that he felt sad while eating instant noodles in a rental house, but now it was different.

All of a sudden, fireworks exploded outside the window, and the momentary brilliance embellished the night sky, and the streamer turned to shadows. Accompanied by the faint sound of frolicking and cheering, one could also see the bustle of the street outside.

"Brother, look!" Zhao Wenwan seemed to be infected, and with an excited little face, he pulled Zhao Yuanli to look outside.

Zhao Yuanli gave a gentle and doting smile, then got up, and the two stood in the courtyard looking at the dark night in the distance, full of brilliant stars.

In the distant Daliang Palace, it seemed that the bell on New Year's Eve was ringing.The red lanterns hanging under the eaves swayed with the wind, making the snow red and bright, like the laughter from outside, exuding a cheerful atmosphere.

"May my sister Wanwan be like today every year, happy and worry-free."

Zhao Wenwan looked at each other with a smile, "I also hope that my brother will be like this every year."

In the dead of night, the two brothers and sisters looked at each other and smiled. The splendor of the fiery trees and silver flowers will eventually fall and turn into dust, but the memory of today will always bloom in their hearts...

The snow in the first month of the first lunar month has gradually turned into a mystery. For this reason, the Supreme Harmony Gate will temporarily rest for a few days, so that Zhao Hongsheng and Zhao Yuanli can spend leisure time at home, reading poems and papers together, and having a relaxing year. .And Mrs. Ye also slowed down the itinerary of taking her daughter's family out to visit, just waiting for the wind and snow to pass.

In Xiangzhu Garden, the dead branches were lowered by the snow, listening to the rustling of snow outside, Zhao Wenwan was wearing a snow-white fox fur, warming his hands with warm honey tea, while watching Baochan with her hair wrapped in a white ball. Ruigeer was making a snowman in the courtyard, and Baochan was still a child at heart, the two could play together, the laughter filled the air, adding vitality to the cold courtyard.

Xueyan came in with a bowl of shredded chicken porridge and a plate of buns. Seeing Zhao Wenwan curled up with the old monk in meditation, a smile flashed in his eyes, "The snow has finally fallen a little bit today, I guess It will clear up in two days."

"Hmm." Zhao Wenwan complied, and yawned sleepily, the cloisonné enamel flower-and-bird heater slipped down in his hand, and the sleepiness in the corners of his eyes brought out a little inadvertent coquettishness. "What happened yesterday, why did I hear someone crying?"

"It's Grandma Wugu. She brought Brother Yue and Sister Shuang to the mansion last night. Once she arrived, she went straight to the old lady's garden. This morning, the old lady packed up the new garden and came out. It’s to stay for a while.”

Zhao Wenwan was stunned when she heard the words, she was not busy at her own house during the first month, and she went back to her mother's house crying in a heavy snowstorm... Could it be that she had a falling out with her uncle?

This thought quickly passed through his mind. Zhao Wenwan had no time to worry about other people's family affairs. Seeing the two crazy people outside, he reminded him, "Take Brother Rui back and change clothes. The snow has melted." It's wet and cold, I just don't care about it right now, if it gets frozen, I'll make some ginger tea and prepare it, as well as his favorite snacks."

"Yes."

Xueyan got the order to go outside, and said something to Baochan, the latter stuck out her tongue and led Rui Geer away playfully, and she could still hear Xueyan yelling anxiously from behind, "slow down, With helplessness.

Zhao Wenwan shook his head with a smile, and began to use Chaofan.The shredded chicken porridge is so smooth and soft, the tender green onion and diced shrimp complement each other perfectly, and it is served with beef buns full of sauce flavor, which whets the appetite.

While eating, out of the corner of his eye, he caught a glimpse of a figure entering the hall from outside with the cold air. Zhao Wenwan raised his eyes and called out in surprise, "Cousin Jingyuan?"

The young man who hadn't seen him for a long time seems to be taller, his skin is tanned to a healthy wheat color, and he looks stronger and stronger. The experience in the military camp can be seen at a glance. Zhao Yuanjin, who went to the military camp, didn't know if he could look so energetic when he came back.

He Jingyuan has been staring at Zhao Wenwan since he came in, now seeing the dazed expression on her face, he lowered his eyes even more, thinking about his purpose of coming, he hesitated how to speak.

"Cousin has been to grandmother's place?" Zhao Wenwan felt that this person seemed to be less talkative than before, so she found something to say.

"Been there."

"..." There was no emotional ups and downs in this tone, and it also made Zhao Wenwan lose the idea of ​​communicating. He simply held the porcelain bowl and slowly used his own rice.

After all, the young man couldn't hold back his temper. After turning his eyes around the girl's slender wrist, he asked openly, "The bracelet I gave you..."

Zhao Wenwan stared at him, stroked the spring purple bracelet with her fingertips, paused for a moment, then got up with a smile and asked him to wait for a while, then went to the house and took out a box, "Cousin walked away in a hurry last time , I didn’t find an opportunity to return it halfway, this trip is just right, this gift is too expensive, it’s better to return it to the original owner.”

"Did you know..." The expression on He Jingyuan's face changed a few times, with surprise, as if he didn't expect Zhao Wenwan to do this, and was about to say something when Zhao Wenwan interrupted.

"Probably because of the misunderstanding at that time. Cousin felt a debt and wanted to make up for it. Cousin, I am not such a stingy person. Such good things should be reserved for my future cousin." Zhao Wenwan seemed to have not seen He Jingyuan's expression at this time With a pale face, he insisted on pushing the box in front of him.

I just didn't expect it before, but after getting into trouble with Gu Jingxing, every time I saw the box next to the jewelry box, I felt that it was not appropriate to procrastinate. Today is just an opportunity, so I should explain it clearly.

What He Jingyuan wanted to say was stuck in his throat, and he just stared blankly at Zhao Wenwan, wondering whether she already knew the meaning of the bracelet or not, being so blocked by her words, young people have to be shameless, Dazed but didn't ask again, but with a trace of unwillingness.

"... Cousin Wan has someone you like?"

Zhao Wenwan's smile froze for a moment, but an inappropriate image popped up in his mind unconsciously. He took a sip of tea from a teacup and hummed as a cover, which was regarded as a response.

He Jingyuan showed such an expression on his face, he couldn't help being jealous in his heart, and there was even a trace of inexplicable dark emotion. "I like it so much that I can give you the bow and arrow I personally made for you. Cousin is really kind!" After saying that, she took the box and rushed out the door.

The sound of closing the door, which was fanned back, trembled twice with the anger of the departing person, and also startled Zhao Wenwan, who was drinking tea, still confused for a while.

bow and arrow?Thinking of what Mrs. Xipinghou said when receiving the gift... Zhao Wenwan only felt that one head and two were too big, and there was a big misunderstanding.He Jingyuan must have seen Fang Zimo use it somewhere and recognized it, no wonder it was a bit weird to see him entering the door today, but he didn't know at that time...

After a long time, Zhao Wenwan sighed, thinking that the misunderstanding has been settled, and anyone who spoils his own feelings like this will be unhappy, that's all, let's explain it well when we have a chance to see each other again.

It's just that Fang Zimo was messed up by this matter, and it seemed to be a burden to others. I don't know if my cousin's temperament will embarrass others.

On the eighth and ninth day of the lunar new year, the weather was beautiful, and the sun finally cleared. The roof, treetops, and ground were covered with a layer of frost. Reveals a kind of crystal clear brilliance.

The old lady wiped her forehead with a tourmaline stone the size of a pigeon egg, and she was wearing a stone-blue carved silk sleeve jacket. She twirled a string of agarwood rosary beads with her fingers. Listening to the voices in the room, she took a sip from a teacup with blue and white porcelain patterns. Sipping.

"Mother, look, Aunt Rong has a pointed belly, does she look like a boy? I remember that when I was pregnant with Brother Yue, she also looked like this." Mrs. Lin sat next to Aunt Rong, dressed in crimson red Gold and silver engraved silk double-breasted straight jacket, with a silver hairpin inlaid with dark red agate and flat flowers obliquely tied up on the head, looking very happy.

Aunt Rong's enthusiasm made her a little bit tied up, she didn't know where to put it, and she was afraid that she would offend Wugu's grandma by shrinking, so she laughed along with her, and reached out to touch her belly.

"Such a big one, how many months old?"

"It's been six months since the first lunar month." Aunt Rong's face had a gleam of motherly warmth, and she was full of expectations for the baby in her womb.

Mrs. Lin saw that she covered her lips and laughed, "This child grows faster at the back. Seeing that you don't have much flesh on your cheeks, you should make up for it."

"The old lady has taken good care of her servants, she has made up a lot, and she hasn't vomited much these days, and her clothes can't fit anymore." Aunt Rong said hastily.

"It's better to make up more. It's good for the child to walk around in the garden and bask in the sun while the sky is clear."

The old lady listened intently, nodded her head, and added, "When spring starts, the weather will be warmer, and the snowy roads are slippery now, so be careful."

"Yes, I understand." Aunt Rong respectfully responded.

Mrs. Lin saw that the old lady had spoken, and knew that her behavior of running back to her mother's house in a fit of anger offended her, but there was nothing she could do. Seeing that she was not as bad-faced as she was yesterday, she pretended to be obedient and said, "Hope three Brother's child has been looking forward to for so many years, and mother can finally get what she wants, and Brother Rui will have a companion in the house."

Mrs. Zhao glanced at her, smiled lightly, but nodded her head, obviously she also likes to have many children and grandchildren.

As he was talking, Zhao Wenwan came in wearing a squirrel cloak of green lotus velvet, causing the heating in the room to smoke, his face flushed, and he untied the strap of the cloak, revealing the flowing colorful dark flower cloud brocade skirt inside , the skin is whiter than snow, and I greeted the old lady.

At this time, Mrs. Zhao really showed a happy smile, and hurriedly invited someone to come over and sit down, covered her cold hands, and put them to warm them. "Look, you're not wearing less. Why are your hands still so cold? When will you be free, the old lady will go to the palace to ask for a prescription to dispel the cold for you."

Zhao Wenwan took advantage of the situation and sat on the eight-legged huanghuali carved stool next to the old lady's bed, with plain teeth and vermilion lips, and a little coldness between the eyebrows, which made people unable to move their eyes away in amazement.After listening to the old lady's words, she obediently responded with a good word.

This completely different treatment made Mrs. Lin very jealous, knowing that her mother favored Zhao Wenwan, which was too much, she completely forgot that she did something wrong first, and the old lady didn't want to take a look.

Zhao Wenxi then came over with Shi Shiran, supported by Lu Yun, who could tell that his legs and feet were inconvenient. When he entered the door, he fell into Mrs. Lin's eyes, and immediately asked with concern, "Oh, what happened to Wenxi's feet?"

"Auntie, I went to the temple to pray for blessings a few years ago, and I sprained it accidentally." Zhao Wenxi replied obediently, feeling anxious. The foot injury has been dragging on for a while, but luckily the doctor said it didn't hurt the bones.I thought it was just a little bit of injury, but because of the mother-in-law's departure and that night... it became the serious situation it is now.

Zhao Wenwan sensed Zhao Wenxi's gaze, looked over, and saw a smile on the corner of the latter's mouth. Against the moon-white plain pleated skirt trimmed with gold thread, he could see a trace of bleakness, and the back of his neck felt inexplicable. Cool, but also smiled back.

"Your feet are hurt and you need to take good care of them. I remember I have very useful ointment at my place. Someone will bring them to you later." Mrs. Lin asked people to sit down beside her, showing concern for her elders.

"Thank you, aunt. I haven't seen grandma for a while, so I just wanted to come over and have a look. This injury should be healed soon." Zhao Wenxi said shyly.

Such a docile and well-behaved attitude makes people feel comfortable, Mrs. Lin thought in her heart, and when she saw the old lady complaining that Zhao Wenxi didn't pay attention to herself, but she looked at it lovingly, she knew that this was also the treasure in the old lady's heart, Deliberately getting closer, he said, "After the new year, Wenxi and Wenwan are fifteen years old, right? Just look at it and you will be able to get married!"

Zhao Wenwan, who is particularly sensitive to the age threshold recently, raised her eyes suddenly, and glanced at Mrs. Lin warily. How could an aunt like her be so kind to worry about her marriage? She must be hiding some other thoughts.

"Last time I heard that at the Qionghua Banquet, Wen Wan was very popular and won the leader. There must be a lot of people who want to come to ask for marriage." Mrs. Lin said with a smile, secretly glanced at the old lady, and seeing her happy face, she went Then he said, "There are quite a few people who just ask me. They all have to be lined up, and I'm afraid they're going to the gate of the city."

Zhao Wenwan pursed her lips, smiled lightly and did not say a word. Her daughter's family should always be more reserved when it comes to marriage. Although she doesn't mind these things, she still has to observe the etiquette that should be observed.

"I'm not talking too much about this, but Wen Wan, listen to my aunt, this important marriage is a lifetime event, we have to choose carefully, according to our Wen Wan's family background, talent and appearance, we must choose someone who is outstanding in all aspects , is worthy of it." Mrs. Lin seems to be particularly enthusiastic about this today.

Mother Yang came in with new tea, Zhao Wenwan brought a cup, and sipped and listened to her teasing, with a faint smile on her face all the time, as if she was listening carefully, but she was not in a hurry to make a sound.

Seeing this, Mrs. Lin thought there was something to be done, so she said even more vigorously, "I see that Prince Pingnan's son is not bad, not to mention his handsome appearance, noble family background, literary and military skills, and a rare talent!"

Zhao Wenwan shook the tea slightly when he heard the words, heavy emotions rose in his bright eyes, and he quickly suppressed them again, with a brisk tone, "Auntie's words, why does it sound like she is acting as a matchmaker for the prince?" With a sharpness that doesn't match the tone.

"This..." Mrs. Lin told her that she was shocked at the first glance, and hesitated for a while, causing the old lady to look over, so she could only bite the bullet and said, "I just happened to meet the eldest princess not long ago. She asked me about you, and she seemed to like it very much. I think Prince Pingnan's marriage with Wen Wan is not bad, so I just wanted to ask you something when I saw you, and my aunt thought of you."

Coincidentally... Zhao Wenwan stared at the dodge in her eyes but didn't believe it at all, but felt that it was more likely that she might take someone's advantage because of her vain temper, or she might be trying to curry favor with the eldest princess.

Zhao Wenxi sat at the side holding tea and listened secretly, thinking that if Zhao Wenwan could marry Prince Pingnan's son, no one would compete with him for Gu Jingxing, so drinking the tea became more and more comfortable, and he glanced at Mrs. Lin faintly. There was a flash of hope that she could convince Zhao Wenwan.

Mrs. Zhao has always cared about Wen Wan's marriage, and has always wanted to see Wan girl get married in a beautiful manner. Since she knew her granddaughter's intentions last time, she has paid more attention to Gu Jingxing.In fact, the old lady has asked someone to inquire about the sons of the aristocratic families of the right age one by one. The character of the prince of Pingnan is absolutely unworthy of his granddaughter, and he is a little dissatisfied. He must have said a few more words than Mrs. Lin.

Mrs. Lin couldn't wait to ask again, "Wen Wan thinks what my aunt's proposal is, it's all from my family, so don't be shy, if you really like it, aunt will definitely walk around for you more."

Zhao Wenwan concealed a trace of impatience when she heard Mrs. Lin's vigorous questioning.Immediately, he raised his head and saw Mrs. Lin looking over with concern, with a sense that if she missed this village, she would miss this shop. She raised her eyebrows, then frowned and stared at her grandmother.

"Wan girl's marriage has her mistress and old lady to worry about, but you won't let the old lady worry about me after you get married, alas." The old lady also wanted to break up with Prince Pingnan, so she changed the subject calmly. .

Mrs. Lin showed a little embarrassment, she looked over aggrieved and called her mother in a low voice, as if saying that such people are watching, just save some face for herself.

Mrs. Zhao let out a snort, obviously she was helpless towards her daughter.

Now that the old lady had spoken, she had no choice but to keep her mouth shut about Prince Pingnan's son for the time being. Mrs. Lin only complained secretly in her heart.

Mrs. Zhao waved her hand, she already knew the fact that her daughter was unreliable, thinking of Gu Jingxing who specially came to visit a few days ago, her eyes turned a little thoughtful.

"Grandmother, Wen Wan still doesn't want to leave you so soon, so you can support me for a few more years, and I can entertain you and chat with you." Zhao Wenwan said earnestly while sitting next to the old lady.While entertaining himself thinking that the elder sister will marry first, as long as he doesn't leave the court for a day, wouldn't Zhao Wenxi have to stay as a big girl, just thinking about it makes her feel better.

"Silly girl, you only know how to make your mother-in-law happy. What should you do if you become an old girl and no one wants you?"

"Then let's grow old together with grandma."

Zhao Wenwan quickly answered, and saw the old lady's smiling eyes gradually steam up, and after a long time, she heard her say, "It's just that grandma won't be able to accompany you for such a long time, you still need to find someone Good place to stay."

Later, when he realized that he had lost his composure, he narrowed his eyes, smiled again and said, "Not only Wan girl, but also Xie girl, you have to be tighter, while the mother-in-law's eyes are not blind and her ears are not deaf, let's pick the door." Family matters!"

(End of this chapter)