Court Marriage

Gathering the more than 100 girls brought by the traffickers in the open space outside the hall, Gong Zhuoliang sat in the hall and looked up the roster of servants in the house, as well as the reports of the lack of manpower sent from various places. Six or seventy.

Gong Zhuoliang frowned slightly, thinking that Mrs. Qiao had only released more than a dozen people before, how could there be so many missing in a blink of an eye? Even if it takes one or two years to release all the books of the book generation, there is no need to prepare so many now.

Looking at the existing servants in the main house, there are already more than 100 private servants and general servant servants, and there are only a few serious masters in the house. Not so many maids, let's look at those families who have children in their families. Gong Zhuoliang doesn't know what kind of bad they are in this mansion. You're welcome to say that the servants in this book really work. It's good to have half of it, the rest are basically free, and they can't get a thing for a year, and these people who work may not be enough to really serve the master.

"Is this the style of a big family?"

Gong Zhuoliang put the pamphlet aside and muttered with a sneer, thinking that he would never be able to cultivate such an attitude of raising a worm for nothing. It's good to dress up in a flower.

"What did the young lady say?"

The steward-in-law, who was waiting on the side, didn't hear Gong Zhuoliang's words. Seeing that he had finished reading the booklet, she licked her face and asked with a smile.

Although she was sent by the lady to 'instruct' the young lady to do things, she also knew that this person in front of her was not a good master, so she tucked her tail and behaved honestly.

"It's alright, call in."

Gong Zhuoliang glanced at the daughter-in-law in charge lightly, and seeing that she didn't rely on his wife's assignment to fight with him, he also smiled faintly at her, thinking that it wasn't his own money that was wasted anyway, they loved raising them. He can take care of himself and Qiao Yingze's belongings as much as he can raise.

The daughter-in-law took orders to call the traffickers in, and Gong Zhuoliang asked the maids to line up with the children and come to the front one by one to reply first.

Since he had accepted the errand of the old lady, Gong Zhuoliang would try his best to do it well, so he became an interviewer once, and repeatedly asked the names, ages, families, and specialties of these children, and for a while he felt very similar. Kindergarten to primary school exam teacher...

Finally, some too stupid, too ugly, too small were screened out, and Gong Zhuoliang finally left 80 small beans who entered the re-examination.

"Okay, take those out first."

Resisting the urge to touch his forehead, Gong Zhuoliang asked the maid to hurriedly lead out the children who had been sifted out, and they belonged to so-and-so. He really regarded the Qiao Mansion as a kindergarten. The baby will be sent in as a seven-year-old. What can I do if I buy it? When the time comes, let her serve others or let people serve her!

"Let them go down to wash and have something to eat. They are all neatly arranged, and the old lady will take them to the hospital after dinner."

Let Wenshu and the daughter-in-law lead the group of peas down first, Gong Zhuoliang went back to the yard to change clothes and simply eat something, and then ordered Hanshu to invite the two younger brothers and sisters from Qiao Yingze's concubine to come over to play in the afternoon, and then they went. The old lady serves meals in the courtyard.

After the meal, the old lady asked about Qiao Yingxuan's closing of the house. She always attached importance to children and rules. Because of their father's failure, she also paid more attention to the virtues of Qiao Yingze's brothers. They were not allowed to make trouble before marriage. They followed their father's romantic temperament, and they feared that they would be moved by their true feelings when they were young, and they would make a scandal of spoiling their concubines and destroying their wives in the future. "Don't worry, mother-in-law, Jingshu girl has a simple and honest temperament, and her appearance is also very ordinary. I think Xuan'er's appearance seems unpleasant."

Mrs. Qiao sat down and answered with a smile, and then brought up Qiao Yingxuan's marriage, saying that she was optimistic about the eldest daughter of her cousin's family. Due to this, Qiao Yingxuan's marriage has to be postponed to the end of next year.

"This... Ying Xuan is not the eldest son, and the other party's family background is higher than ours, so he might not be a good match."

Mrs. Qiao listened carefully and glanced at Gong Zhuoliang, who was sitting beside her. Seeing that his expression was only a faint expression of anger, she nodded secretly in her heart and turned to look at Mrs. Qiao.

"It's okay, because my cousin loves his daughter, he stayed at fourteen last year and started looking for his in-law's house. Unexpectedly, his uncle died suddenly at the beginning of the year and missed his granddaughter's wedding date. When the period of filial piety expires, he will try to find a suitable one in Beijing. It will be difficult for others, because of my aunt's relationship, it is very agreeable to marry into our family."

Mrs. Qiao was really happy when she said this, thinking about finding a good daughter-in-law who was kind and helpful to her son, who came from a big family, and would be able to manage the family stably in the future.

"It's a good thing to kiss and kiss, but Xuan'er has to wait for two years, and the other party is indeed older."

Seeing Mrs. Qiao's pride in her eyes, Mrs. Qiao's face was a little unhappy, thinking that your daughter from an official family also doesn't understand rules like this? It is already very taboo to marry the second son better than the eldest son. Now the second daughter-in-law is older than the eldest daughter-in-law. If this is really over the top, can you serve the sister-in-law as a housekeeper in the future?

"It's easy to get along when you're old enough to get along with your great-grandchildren earlier, aren't you? And you've already agreed to your daughter-in-law, Ze'er's marriage is yours, and Xuan'er's marriage depends on her daughter-in-law. ."

Mrs. Qiao covered her mouth with a handkerchief as if jokingly, and when she glanced at Gong Zhuoliang's outskirts, there was something inexplicable, but her clear contempt would not be misunderstood.

"…"

Gong Zhuoliang lowered his eyes with a look of sadness, but in fact he had already started to touch his forehead, thinking that when you talk about Qiao Yingxuan's marriage, just say that he is, what are you talking about our husband and wife all the time!

"Hmph... If that's the case, then it's up to you."

Mrs. Qiao was choked, and answered impatiently with a long snort. When Qiao Yingze was seriously ill last year, she insisted on cheering for Qiao Yingze, because only the close relatives of the Gong family were high-ranking officials, so she hurried The businessman's daughter was decided, which made Mrs. Qiao very reluctant. She cried and made a noise. .

At this time, Wenshu brought the little girls over to choose for the old lady, and everyone changed the subject. It happened that Mrs. Qiao was also here, so she took away the elections from her courtyard and Qiao Yingxuan's courtyard, and actually passed it for Qiao Yingxuan. With Qiao Yingze, there is absolutely no face of Gu Qiao Yingze's house.

"O sin!"

After Mrs. Qiao took the people away, the old lady backed away the crowd, took Gong Zhuoliang's hand and let out a long, tired sigh.

"grandmother…"

Gong Zhuoliang pursed his lips and showed a little bit of grievance, but the fit was not too contrived, and he didn't say anything to complain. Anyway, everything was silent.

"Girl Yan, there are some things that your grandmother shouldn't tell you juniors, but instead of letting you speculate after hearing some gossip and hurting your family's feelings, it's better for me to tell you in person, so that you know what to do. it is good."

The old lady leaned against the cushion, caressed Gong Zhuoliang's hand and spoke slowly.

It turns out that the line of the old lady is only a side branch of the big family. At the beginning, Mrs. Qiao’s parents died. After the filial piety period, she went to Beijing alone to take the exam. When he was young, he was quite powerful. After a few years of marriage, his husband was not allowed to take a concubine. After he had a direct son and a daughter, he relaxed a little.

But Mrs. Qiao died of illness in middle age. He was the only male in Mrs. Qiao’s generation. He successfully entered the official career, and then he coaxed the old husband of a high-ranking official in Beijing with his good looks and eloquence, and relying on the power of his mother and wife's parents to rise step by step, their family line can be regarded as prosperous.

But after the marriage, Mrs. Qiao's mother's family provoked holy anger and almost fell. Although she was revived later, Mr. Qiao exposed his ruthless and romantic nature at this time. When his father-in-law's family was in danger, he was wise to protect himself, causing Mrs. Qiao to give birth prematurely. He had another difficult labor and almost died, and he was so tired that Qiao Yingze was born prematurely and weak and was rejected by his biological mother...

"At that time, I saw her pitiful and felt guilty, so I lost the son of the concubine for her to keep her majesty in this family, and taught her how to stabilize her position. Later, I also delegated power to her, she She was pregnant with Xuan’er again, and soon her parents’ family started to recover, and this family is gradually getting better…”

Talking about the past at home, the old lady is also very embarrassed, thinking that when her daughter-in-law first entered the door, they also hated each other, and then her son made a mistake. Concerned about Qiao Yingze and some other incidents, they turned against each other again. In the blink of an eye, more than ten years have passed.

"Then why..."

Looking at the old lady hesitantly, Gong Zhuoliang knew that she understood what she wanted to ask when it was time. He was not interested in the grudges of the older generation of the Qiao family. He just didn't understand that since he was the biological brother of the same father and mother, Mrs. Qiao How can one be regarded as an enemy and the other as a treasure?

"Speaking of which, it's all stupid. I didn't know who was talking to your mother-in-law, saying that she was beaten by one child and blessed with her son. When your mother-in-law was pregnant with Ze'er, what happened to her mother's family, Ze'er had a difficult birth again. After tossing your mother-in-law for a day and a night, it was so hard that she could not make it through, so your mother-in-law was tired and afraid of Ze'er. Later, she became pregnant with Xuan'er, and her mother's family started to recover soon. In addition, I blamed her for what happened to Ze'er, and Ze'er has always been frail and sick and has not been close to her, so your mother-in-law believes in her life even more, and her relationship with Ze'er is getting worse and worse."

Speaking of this old lady Qiao, she can't help it, just like she would insist on congratulating Qiao Yingze who is seriously ill, Mrs. Qiao believes that Qiao Yingze's mother, no matter how much she persuades, it is useless, she has to suppress this matter and do not allow any When someone mentioned it, even if he knew that Qiao Yingze had resentment in his heart, he couldn't explain anything to him.

"…"

After gritting his teeth secretly and listening to the old lady's explanation, Gong Zhuoliang just wanted to shout, "Damn! ’

No wonder it is said that feudal superstition kills people, what is the matter of adults' grievances and grievances being planted on children! Who doesn't know that it hurts to have a baby, especially the first one, otherwise, would there be so many expectant mothers in modern times who would rather have a caesarean section than give birth on their own? As for Qiao Yingxuan's easy birth, it's not even more nonsense. It is a natural birth and a second child. His brother will give him a good deal. As long as he is not a giant deformity or something, it will be easier than his brother... Well, Gong Zhuoliang admits that the problem he is struggling with now is a bit weird, but he is so angry that his eldest Joe is such a good boy, how could he have such an immoral and superstitious parent!

"Girl Yan, what's wrong with you?"

After the old lady finished speaking, she saw Gong Zhuoliang's whole face changed. He looked very puffed up like her family Ying Xuan when he was a child... Before the old lady was finished, she saw Gong Zhuoliang throw herself into her arms and throw He hugged tightly.

"Grandmother, the granddaughter-in-law thank you on behalf of the father-in-law, the granddaughter-in-law knows what to do, grandma rest assured."

Gong Zhuoliang hugged the old man in front of him tightly and thanked her for maintaining Qiao Yingze over the years. At the same time, she also understood in her heart that she was telling him these things, so that he could understand some of Mrs. Qiao's mentality, and not to resent her. Uneasy at home.

Gong Zhuoliang will not explain to Qiao Yingze what Gong Zhuoliang heard from the old lady, at least not now, otherwise that careful and introverted person will take the absurd remarks of Kemu seriously and take the responsibility on himself. of.

"Okay, you girl, it's really painful, no wonder Ze'er protects you so much."

The old lady was amused by the appearance of Bie Gong Zhuoliang, and pinched the tip of his nose angrily.

The old lady had long thought of it. With Qiao Yingze's indifferent temperament, she would never go out without driving him out in previous years, but now she is going out for recuperation and summer escape. Why is it not because she is afraid that his little daughter-in-law will be wronged? The old lady waived Gong Zhuoliang's rules with her mother-in-law, and it was also to be considerate of her grandson. Now it seems that her intentions are not in vain. This grandson's daughter-in-law is indeed painful.

"grandmother…"

Gong Zhuoliang pretended to be tender with the old lady again, so he packed up his mood and went back to his yard. Seeing that Qiao Yingze had been keeping the food waiting for him to come back, Gong Zhuoliang walked over and put his arms around his waist.

"I've been busy until this time to come back, are you hungry?"

Qiao Yingze touched Gong Zhuoliang's face rubbing against his neck, dragged him to the table, lifted the lid on the plate, and the food was still steaming, apparently it was kept warm all the time.

"I've put it on before I go, but you, you're not in good health and you can't eat on time. If I come back late in the future, I'll eat by myself first, don't be hungry."

Gong Zhuoliang turned to the appearance of the uncle who usually let Qiao Yingze serve the meal, and sat down with him first, and then he sat next to him.

Hmph, in the future, his husband will be covered, and no one will want to bully him again!

"It's okay, by the way, I saw you came back late, so I asked Yuanyin and Ying Zi to come back later. You called them to choose a maid?"

Qiao Yingze usually has little contact with the younger brothers and sisters from these two brothers, but he doesn't like to see them because of his mother like Qiao Yingxuan, so when Gong Zhuoliang invited them to have dinner and tea at home, Qiao Yingze also followed him.

"There is no suitable maid by their side. I will let them pick two of them. They are our own brothers and sisters. We don't have to let the servants bully them casually. We will help as much as we can in the future.

Buying people's hearts for Qiao Yingze, this is what Gong Zhuoliang has been doing all the time. The old lady needless to say, Qiao Yingxuan is temporarily holding a wait-and-see attitude, while Qiao Yuanyin and Qiao Yingzi have little weight in this family, but the blood relationship is here, which can make Qiao Yingze It is always good to feel affection.

"Oh, well, Zi'er is really a smart boy. I teach him everything he can learn. He can learn to write with patience, and he will be successful in the future."

Speaking of Qiao Yingzi, Qiao Yingze's tone brought some pride of being a brother. In the past, because he had some grudges against Qiao Yingxuan, Qiao Yingze didn't feel much like a brother, but now looking at Qiao Yingzi, the little guy always sticks to himself with a look of admiration. Qiao Yingze had to admit that it felt good.

"If you like him, just ask him to come over and play. Now let's have dinner, Xianggong."

He touched Qiao Yingze's belly and told him that it was time to eat. Gong Zhuoliang saw that he was embarrassed to stop, and he smiled and picked up the small water basin next to him to let him clean his hands first...

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX waited for Gong Zhuoliang to arrange the new maid, and asked Wen Shu to bring the roster to report to the old lady. At this time, Ruo Lan came to receive a letter from the Gong family, saying that the servant who delivered the letter looked very good. Anxious, still waiting for a reply outside the mansion, Gong Zhuoliang and Qiao Yingze couldn't help looking at each other when they heard the words, took the letter and opened it, it turned out that the grandson of the patriarch of the Gong family had passed the exam, and they will return in early April. The village worships the ancestors, and the eldest young master Gong Zhuoxiang in high school specially wants to come to Bocheng to meet the family members.

"Gong Zhuoxiang?"

At the moment of seeing this name, Gong Zhuoliang's vague memory inherited from the deity suddenly became clear, and the appearance of a handsome and handsome young man appeared in front of him, as if he saw the young man with his arms around the deity sitting by the pool and telling stories. His gentle appearance also seemed to hear his low-alcohol charming laughter...

Gong Zhuoliang was instantly horrified, dizzy, what is that **** guy doing here?

"I just told the tigress that Gong Zhuoliang was away from home, and she didn't find her back. As for the matter of asking your husband to help you with the reception, our master wants to avoid suspicion. It is inconvenient to invite him to live in Qiao's house. Temporary residence in another hospital."

Glancing at Qiao Yingze, who was puzzled but still indifferent, Gong Zhuoliang handed the letter to Ruo Lan. He baldly thought about how to deal with it, but didn't notice Ruo Lan's sudden change after reading the letter. Surprise, and the silence and loneliness after the surprise.