First Concubine

Chapter 177 Heart-to-heart talk between husband and wife (2)

The story goes like this: a tiger, a big cat and a poisonous snake were trapped in a cave at the same time due to a flood. They are all carnivores and natural enemies of each other. So the tiger wanted to eat the big cat, and the big cat wanted to kill the poisonous snake. The poisonous snake I want to kill the tiger. But the trouble is, if the tiger eats the big cat, the venomous snakes will have no natural enemies and will attack the tiger; if the big cat kills the venomous snake, the tiger will have no constraints and will swallow the big cat; if the venomous snake bites the tiger to death, it will kill the tiger again. No one can control the big cat, and the big cat will attack the poisonous snake... In this way, the three animals stayed in peace until the flood receded.

She, Leng Youru, and Zhen are just like tigers, poisonous snakes, and big cats. No one should act rashly. Why didn't this kind of logical relationship exist before? That's because in the past, Leng Youru wanted pampering, power, and fangs. She was not at the same fighting level as Shui Linglong and the Zhen family. And the facts have indeed proved that even the powerful Leng Youru "Death" as soon as it is done. After thinking about it, Shui Linglong felt relieved and nodded: "Okay."

Leng Youru chose the simplest account book and gave it to her with an abacus: "Calculate whether there are any errors."

"Yes." Shui Linglong picked up the abacus and account book and calculated quickly. In her previous life, she followed Xun Feng to march and fight. She took the lead in calculating the military pay and materials for hundreds of thousands of troops. In comparison, the accounts of the house were just Much simpler. After a quarter of an hour, Shui Linglong stopped her hand, "The total on page seventeen is three, two, three, and the total on page twenty-seven is one, two, two, and the total is two, two, and one more. Also, the person keeping the accounts is obviously Not very knowledgeable, there are typos in several dish names.”

This matter can be big or small, it’s just accounting, the money is correct, and she can identify it. But if she is shopping and encounters similar words, won’t it cause trouble for the people below to buy the wrong food? After all, Shui Linglong can be quite tricky sometimes.

Leng Youru’s eyelashes trembled, and a look of surprise flashed across her eyes. Cen'er on the side twitched the corner of his mouth, "Well, Princess, you have finally found someone who cares as much as you do. She is really a mother-in-law and a daughter-in-law!" Leng Youru touched the corners of her lips with her handkerchief, and pushed all the remaining five account books towards her: "Let's do the calculation again."

Shui Linglong took over the task obediently and patiently made her calculations. Leng Youru finally took a few glances at Shui Linglong, feeling that she could no longer merge her image with the image of the young girl in the temple who forced Li Cheng to eat coptis. She really lamented how time flies and how time flies. Suddenly, she didn't know what she saw. Leng Youru's mouth moved, but she stopped talking!

In half an hour, Shui Linglong finished calculating all the accounts. She flipped through her notes and reported: "There is not much problem with the warehouse book. The ten barrels of paint entered on January 30 were recorded as eleven barrels when used up. I don’t know if I underestimated it when I bought it, or I overcalculated it when I used it. There were many mistakes in the dining room. Almost every purchase did not match the final consumption. I bought 18 fish on the third day of February and used it at night. I bought five items, used ten the next day, and three were missing...and the salary book, there were even more mistakes. Moheyuan's monthly quota was fifty taels of silver, but only forty-five taels were spent here. , I don’t know who took out the five taels of silver on Gongzhong’s behalf, but Tian’anju’s person recorded an extra five taels of silver…”

It's not like corruption, but like simply not knowing how to keep accounts, because the difference in the total is not big, it's mostly because the details in the process don't match up. Leng Youru didn't mention these, Shui Linglong also guessed that they were the masterpieces of the Zhen family during their time as head of the family.

Leng Youru picked up the tea cup and took a sip. Shui Linglong was also thirsty and reached for the tea cup in front of her. Leng Youru held down her hand and said to Cen'er: "The water will be colder than six minutes, and the taste will not be right when you drink it." , Why don’t you quickly change the tea for the Crown Princess?”

"Yes!" Cen'er hurriedly removed the cup and went to the tea room to make another cup of honey flower tea.

Shui Linglong held her forehead, thinking that she was already picky, but compared with Leng Youru, she was simply not good enough! Of course, this also reflects another phenomenon from the side: Leng Youru is demanding her according to his own standards. What is this omen?

Leng Youru placed the account books one by one, with the four sides absolutely neat. Even the rolled-up footers, she smoothed them out one by one, and pressed an inkstone on the top: "Except for the number of account books, you didn't see that other questions?"

Shui Linglong put down her tea cup and shook her head!

"Alas! Concubine..." Leng Youru did not say the next words. She glanced around and frowned slightly, "First of all, the gardening in the garden is unsightly; secondly, the daily dishes are too poor. This is a palace, not a relief warehouse. ; Finally, and most importantly, if the seniority is not improved enough and the servants are worse than pigs and dogs, who will serve the palace? "

  Obscene? Relief warehouse? Worse than pigs and dogs? Mrs. Zhen is a daughter of a poor family, and Leng Youru is the daughter of the Leng family. Mrs. Zhen believes that diligence and frugality can be praised, but Leng Youru thinks that it is natural for the bell to ring and the tripod to eat. Shui Linglong didn't answer, but found Leng Youru's strange, vaguely anxious eyes sweeping over her body. She had felt it when she had just settled the accounts, so she resisted asking, and now...she doesn't plan to ask!

Later, Leng Youru told Shui Linglong some things to note about the birthday banquet. Shui Linglong took note of them one by one. The strange thing was that Leng Youru scanned her body like a radar after a while, making her feel uncomfortable all over. comfortable!

“…Have you remembered everything?” Leng Youru looked at Shui Linglong’s sleeves and asked with a frown.

Shui Linglong rolled up her sleeves and said, "Remember, if you have no other instructions, I will leave first." After saying that, she stood up and bowed. When Leng Youru nodded, Shui Linglong took a few steps back and turned around. Walk towards the door. Just as he was about to cross the threshold, Leng Youru called out from behind: "Come back!"

Shui Linglong walked towards Leng Youru, and Leng Youru said to Cen'er: "Scissors No. 1."

Cen'er was slightly startled, looked at Shui Linglong, turned around and walked to the dressing table and took out a pair of scissors that were less than the size of a palm. Leng Youru pulled Shui Linglong's wrist. Shui Linglong was shocked and subconsciously wanted to resist, but Leng Youru quickly opened her sleeve and cut off a piece of thread about five millimeters long.

“Okay, you can go back.” Leng Youru sighed with relief.

On the day of Leng Youru’s birthday, many guests came to the house, including the third princess. She came completely uninvited!

The old lady was sitting on the kang, next to her was Qiao Hui, who had just recovered from a serious illness, and Shui Linglong, who was pregnant. The three princesses were sitting on the right hand side, next to them were Mrs. Yao, Mrs. Feng Yanying and Mrs. Guo. Opposite them, They are Mrs. Zhen, a dignified middle-aged woman and a beautiful young woman. The woman has a long face, looks quite white with makeup, and is dressed in simple yet luxurious clothes; the woman next to her is much brighter, with an oval face, willow-leaf eyebrows, eyes that are not very bright and lively, and she narrows into two crescents when she smiles. Paired with long eyelashes, it gives a happy and comfortable feeling, which reminds people of the golden sunshine hitting the branches in March.

Shui Linglong glanced at her face inadvertently, and she happened to be looking at Shui Linglong. Their eyes met, and she was the first to laugh. It was a warm smile that could melt ice and snow. Shui Linglong smiled mechanically.

 The old lady asked kindly: "How is your health, Mrs. Yao?"

Mrs. Yao smiled and replied: "She is doing well with her grandson teasing her, but Sister Hui had a cough this morning. The old lady was worried about Sister Hui going out, so Xiao Xi stayed in the house to take care of her. He said he would come back to see his in-laws later." At the end of the sentence, his eyes turned to Leng Youru.

It’s my mother’s birthday and my daughter won’t go home to visit. Everyone… doesn’t have any ideas! In their opinion, the biological mother and daughter would not be absent unless something really happened.

Leng Youru smiled gently: "This is like a mother." It seemed that she didn't care about Zhuge Xi's rudeness!

Mrs. Yao looked at Shui Linglong and said, "The imperial concubine is about to become a mother. Isn't it serious to be overjoyed?"

Shui Linglong put down the candy in her hand and smiled slightly: "It's not serious."

Feng Yanying joked: "Why do I think you are fatter? You have such a good appetite that you can't keep your mouth shut, right?"

Hearing what she said, the third princess looked at Shui Linglong, and sure enough, she found that her cheeks were a little fleshy. The third princess touched her face. Do you need to be fatter to get pregnant?

Shui Linglong pretended to be astonished and said, "Does the second young lady have sharp eyes? Have you noticed all this? My husband even praised me for being slim!"

 Everyone in the room laughed! The woman and the woman also laughed, but took another look at Shui Linglong.

Mrs. Guo faced Qiao Hui and said with concern: "I heard that I had a miscarriage a few days ago. What's going on?"

As soon as these words came out, the atmosphere in the room suddenly became cold, but soon, the third princess couldn't hide her curiosity and said: "You have had a miscarriage? Why?"

 Qiao Hui's wound that had finally healed opened again. She smiled bitterly: "I accidentally fell while walking."

The third princess sighed regretfully and touched her belly. If she had little Guo Yan, she would definitely not let herself fall!

Mrs. Guo shook her head and said sternly: "I'm not nagging. Young people today are really not as stable as we were back then. We should be more careful when we are pregnant. Not to mention the door, even the bed is too small, just for fear of someone missing." Pay attention to the children's shortcomings. Now, the young people are left to fiddle with themselves, but nothing comes of it!"

The third princess pouted, wasn't she just cursing her in a roundabout way for giving Guo Yan the ecstasy and indulgent **** for several days and nights? Her son is so happy, okay? She is the one who suffers! Don't think she doesn't know that the incense doesn't last that long because Guo Yan himself doesn't want to stop! Pouring her lips in grievance, the third princess glanced resentfully at Shui Linglong, who had a calm expression. This mother-in-law is better!

Mrs. Yao glanced at the third princess and smoothed things over: "No problem, the young man will have a good life for a while, and he will be pregnant soon."

Mrs. Zhen slightly raised the corners of her lips and said, "Yes, that's what I advised Xiaohui. The prince has a very close relationship with her. Is he still worried about not having a child?"

 Qiao Hui blushed. Feng Yanying's eyes dimmed slightly, and she turned her head to look at the door with a thoughtful expression.

The old lady changed the subject and asked Feng Yanying, who was a little distracted: "Brother Tong, are you a couple? How many teeth do you have?"

Feng Yanying smiled sweetly and said: "Not as good-looking as his brother at that time, he only has six. I am so worried!"

The dignified and quiet woman said warmly: "Late teething has the advantage of late teething. I remember Sister Zhen's teeth came out after four months. Our whole family was so happy that we couldn't wait to set off firecrackers. Unexpectedly, she would grow up too early. It was bad early, but all his teeth were gone when he was only four or five years old! Her brother grew up later, but he has always been fine!"

The beautiful woman known as "Sister Zhen" lowered her head shyly: "Mom! Why are you exposing my shortcomings with so many people?"

“This is Mrs. Yan and Miss Yan, the left deputy governor of the Inspectorate.” Leng Youru seemed to understand Shui Linglong’s doubts and took the initiative to give her the answer. But Leng Youru's eyes flashed slightly, and it was obvious that she had not finished speaking.

Yan Zhen stood up and saluted: "Good luck to the Crown Princess!"

Shui Linglong smiled slightly: "Miss Yan, please sit down. You are my mother's guest, so you don't have to be so outspoken."

 “Yes!” Yan Zhen sat down.

Leng Youru’s eyelashes trembled, and she hesitated to speak again!

 The old lady asked with a smile: "Since we are Youru's friends, Xiaoyu and Linglong are getting married, so why haven't we seen you?"

Mrs. Yan said respectfully: "The princess and I have known each other for a long time. Three years ago, my husband was transferred to Yancheng as the prefect. It was not until the three years expired a few days ago that my husband was transferred back to the capital."

Yancheng... Shui Linglong raised her eyebrows, it sounded so familiar.

The old lady had itchy hands, so she had a table of leaf cards with Mrs. Yao, Mrs. Guo and Mrs. Yan. Leng Youru asked the troupe to set up a stage near Houhu to sing, and called Mrs. Zhen and the three of them. Princess, Yan Zhen, Shui Linglong, Qiao Hui and Feng Yanying went to listen to the opera together. Feng Yanying kindly declined: "I am an opera blind person. I don't understand what is being babbled on stage. I just like to doze off. You guys go and watch, I’m looking around the house, it’s not the first time I’ve been back.”

Leng Youru smiled lightly: "Okay, if you need anything, just tell the servants."

“Well, thank you princess.” Feng Yanying thanked her with a smile.

Leng Youru took Shui Linglong and others to the singing hall. The sun was just right, and it was warm on her body. There were a row of outdoor tables and chairs on the grass, with fresh fruits and snacks, and several pots of flavor. Variety of hot tea.

Leng Youru took the lead in ordering several good plays, and Mrs. Zhen also ordered one. When it was the junior’s turn, the third princess waved her hand, and Shui Linglong gave the list to Yan Zhen first: "What does Miss Yan like to hear?"

Yan Zhen smiled softly and narrowed her bright eyes into two crescent moons: "I actually don't know much about opera. I just look at the clothes they wear. Haha... Order the Crown Princess and the Second Young Mistress!"

 Qiao Hui handed the play list to Shui Linglong: "Sister-in-law will order first."

After pushing it back and forth, Shui Linglong ordered "Mulan Joins the Army" and Qiao Hui casually ordered "The Peony Pavilion". Everyone was watching the show very seriously, but the sisters-in-law were talking quietly. Shui Linglong held Qiao Hui's hand and asked in a low voice: "How are you feeling today? You have been out for a long time, are you tired? If you are, I will take you back to your room to rest."

Qiao Hui smiled lightly and said: "It's nothing. After lying down for two days, I felt the same as before I was pregnant. I just felt uncomfortable, so I stayed in the room and refused to come out."

Being able to speak so openly proves that I have nothing to worry about. It's right to think about it. Ever since Qiao Hui had a miscarriage, Prince An has been with her since the first court. He doesn't go anywhere and even eats in her room. To encourage her to go out, he even held her for a walk twice in the evening and took good care of her. At this point, Qiao Hui, as a simple little woman, should let go. Shui Linglong said, "What do you want to eat tonight? I'll cook it for you."

"No!" This voice was a bit loud, and everyone couldn't help but look at her. She smiled and lowered her head. Everyone continued to watch the show, and then she lowered her voice and said, "The kitchen is dangerous, there are knives, boiling water, and grease stains. "It was so hot that I almost fell to the ground. "I never had this worry before. I realized how fragile life can be after a miscarriage. She glanced at Shui Linglong's belly and wanted to say something but couldn't say it due to the situation. She just stared and said, " You must save this pregnancy!”

Shui Linglong's eyes moved: "I made a new fruit dessert, which is very delicious. Do you want to go to Moheyuan to try it?"

Qiao Hui watched Leng Youru and Zhen being fascinated by the play, and said, "Okay."

Shui Linglong had just adjusted her chair and was about to stand up to say hello to Leng Youru. The third princess came over and asked, "What delicious food did you cook?" Then Yan Zhen also showed a look of surprise and yearning. Shui Linglong pressed her eyebrows, and said with a smile: "Desserts, if you don't mind, come all!"

But Feng Yanying said that Feng Yanying was visiting the palace, and while strolling around, she ended up at Bauhinia Courtyard. She bumped her elbow and knee from a fall last time. The elbow recovered well, but the root of the problem was caused by kneeling for most of the night. She felt pain like pins and needles after walking a few steps. Dong Jialin simply did not move much and spent the whole day leaning on the kang head embroidering.

“Second Young Mistress!” Myolie shouted at the door!

Dong Jialin's hand shook and she almost pricked herself. When Feng Yanying opened the curtain and came in, she realized that the "Second Young Mistress" just mentioned was not Qiao Hui.

"Cousin!" Dong Jialin smiled happily and stood up to get off the ground. Feng Yanying quickly walked to her and sat down next to her. He held her arms and looked her up and down. After a while, he sighed slowly, "I'm thinner. I'm thinner." A lot!”

 Dong Jialin glanced at Xing'er: "Serve tea."

“Yes.” Xing’er turned around and went to the tea room.

Dong Jialin raised a hand and touched her face, smiling as usual: "Where have I lost weight? It's still the same as before. Maybe my cousin cares about me too much."

Feng Yanying took her hands that were placed on her face, held them together, and said seriously: "Tell me the truth to my cousin, what happened that day?" Qiao Hui slipped, and the Yao family also got the news, saying that Qiao Hui slipped. , Dong Jialin went to pull her, but they both fell down. She did not accuse Dong Jialin of playing tricks, but she was worried that Dong Jialin would still suffer some inevitable grievances.

Dong Jialin smiled palely: "It's nothing, it's just that the second young lady and I fell down in the hallway, and she slipped."

 “What about you? Are you not injured?” Feng Yanying asked eagerly.

Dong Jialin's nose suddenly felt a little sore. This was the first person to care about her health in so many days. Others came to inquire about the situation, and they all asked, "What about you?" Did you do it intentionally or unintentionally?

 (End of this chapter)