First Concubine

Chapter 230 Marriage between two houses (2)

Shui Linglong smiled and said nothing, but she felt really sad in her heart. Feng Yanying two years ago was determined not to make such a joke. Feng Yanying and Dong Jialin had similar temperaments. They were both cautious and observant little women. Let’s not talk about Dong Jialin now. Feng Yanying But she is becoming more and more like a noble lady who is at ease among the powerful.

Zhifan served tea, honey and lemon tea, as well as watermelon and grapes. Shui Linglong glanced at it, but was not very interested. She picked up the celadon cup filled with wolfberry and chrysanthemum tea and said warmly: "Brother Zhi, I see him every day. He is well-educated and sensible, and he is strong. But I haven't heard about Brother Tong for a long time." It’s news, but it’s too high?”

There was a hint of softness in Feng Yanying's eyes: "Brother Zhi often mentioned to me that Jinjin treated her like a first-class person. He wished he could live in the palace and never leave again!"

Shui Linglong smiled lightly: "He is also good and lovable."

Feng Yanying covered her mouth with her sleeves, and the smile in her eyes became even bigger: "Brother Tong is getting older. The two-and-a-half-year-old child can run and jump. He is even more naughty than his brother. He is driving my mother-in-law crazy."

Shui Linglong echoed: "I remember the first time I saw Brother Tong when he was only half a year old. He was a small ball. Time flies so fast. He is already two and a half years old."

"Isn't it true? Your babies are over a year old too!" Feng Yanying paused, glanced at her, and said in surprise, "By the way, why didn't you see Brother Hong and Sister Mi?"

Shui Linglong said kindly, "We were playing in the bedroom. I was afraid that you would find me in trouble, so I didn't let them come over and make trouble."

Feng Yanying didn't force her anymore, but she flashed her eyes and said with a smile: "I came here with my sister-in-law today. I went to Tian'anju first to see the old lady, and then I came to see you."

 Zhuge Xi is here too? Shui Linglong did not ignore the flash of narrowness in Feng Yanying's eyes. Shui Linglong wanted to ask, but heard Feng Yanying say: "I really have something to do with you!" Feng Yanying took out a folded list from her purse and slowly opened it. He smiled so hard that he couldn't see his eyes, "Ah Jue is old and has already reached the age to get married. I told him about the daughters of good families, but he refused them all. At first, I was wondering what happened to him? Then... If you ask carefully, you will find out that he has fallen in love with your fifth lady!"

Shui Linglong didn’t believe that she really realized now that if she didn’t even have the ability to “force a confession”, she might not be able to handle a man like Yao Wei! But I didn’t mention it at first, probably because I thought A Jue was not worthy of Shui Lingqing. Then I didn’t mention it, probably because I thought Shui Lingqing couldn’t help A Jue climb up. Now... I don’t know why she agreed to this marriage again. .

Shui Linglong picked up the list and looked at it, slightly surprised: "Second Young Mistress... Why did you give me the gift list for Dong Jia's appointment?" She was not Qin Fangyi, so it was Zhuge Yu who was able to keep Shui Lingqing's freedom of marriage. , but it is not her turn to intervene in the specific matters of marriage.

Feng Yanying smiled meaningfully: "The fifth lady respects you the eldest sister in her heart. Naturally, the gift list must be given to you first. If you are satisfied, I will take it to the Shangshu Mansion for employment."

 She actually cares so much about her attitude! Shui Linglong raised her eyebrows, pushed the list to Feng Yanying's hand, and said with a faint smile: "My mother is still alive, and I am a married daughter. It is best for the second young lady to ask my mother about these matters."

Feng Yanying didn’t insist this time. She folded the list and put it back into her purse with a smile: “In that case, I will go to the Chancellor’s Mansion to hire someone else.”

The two chatted for a few more words, Feng Yanying stood up and said goodbye, while Shui Linglong went to Tian'anju alone. The sun outside was too harsh and she was afraid of heat stroke, so she left her brother and sister in the Wisteria Courtyard.

“Grandma, is it settled then?”

 “Well, let’s try it first, if it doesn’t work, it’s okay!”

Shui Linglong walked to the door of the old lady's bedroom and happened to hear Zhuge Xi and the old lady talking about something. She paused in her steps and entered with a bright smile: "Grandma, eldest sister!"

The old lady greeted her with a smile and asked her to sit down on the kang. Zhuge Xi stood on the couch beside him and greeted her pleasantly: "Long time no see, you are becoming more and more beautiful."

Shui Linglong smiled and said: "No matter how beautiful she is, she can't be more beautiful than eldest sister. I am like a willow tree, looking at the autumn and falling. My eldest sister is of the quality of pines and cypresses, which grows even stronger after frost!"

“Ouch, that mouth is really awesome. Isn’t Xiao Yu usually bullied to the point of being helpless?” Zhuge Xi said half-jokingly and half-seriously.

Shui Linglong smiled and said, "He is the one who bullied me. It's rare for my eldest sister to come back to the house. Later, she will have to listen to my complaints and learn about his eighteen major crimes! It's best to seek justice for me!" "

 The old lady and Zhuge Xi both covered their faces and laughed! At the end, Zhuge Xi covered his lips with a handkerchief: "That's just to bully you in bed, but you really don't like it?"

Shui Linglong blushed, the old lady's eyes widened, and she said angrily: "Aren't you ashamed to say this?"

Zhuge Xi laughed at Shui Linglong for a while before getting down to business: "How are my nephew and niece doing?"

Shui Linglong wiped her red face with a handkerchief and said, "Brother is very naughty, sister is quieter, and both are in good health. Where are Brother Ji and Brother Xin? They can chase you all over the world, right?" ?”

　　When mentioning his son, Zhuge Xi was very excited: "That's right! He is exactly the same as Xiao Yu when he was a child. It makes me exhausted!"

 “If you’re tired, throw it over and bring it to me!” the old lady snorted angrily!

"Come on, you have Brother Hong and Sister Nan, how can you still remember my son?" After Zhuge Xi finished speaking, the old lady couldn't help laughing. Zhuge Xi said again, "Linglong, too I want to come back for dinner in a few days and have barbecue and hot pot buffet in the open air like I did the year before. I’m really thinking too hard these days!”

 If she remembered correctly, Zhuge Xi didn’t seem to like it very much when they had hot pot and barbecue the year before last! Shui Linglong looked at Zhuge Xi again. The moment their eyes met, Zhuge Xi's eyes flashed, and thoughts flashed in Shui Linglong's mind. She remembered that Feng Yanying had the same look on her face, and she couldn't help but wonder what was going on in these two people's gourds. What medicine are you selling? Shui Linglong's pupils moved, and she responded with a smile: "Okay, I will start preparations in these two days, what about three days later?"

Zhuge Xi exchanged a look with the old lady, and then said happily: "Three days will happen, and your brother-in-law will be free too. The princess is pregnant, so there is no need to invite her." When talking about Leng Youru, his voice became obviously colder. , "Call everyone except her!"

other people? This range...is very wide! However, Zhuge Xi stopped mentioning it and left some space for Shui Linglong to think about it on her own. Shui Linglong made some calculations secretly, and roughly came up with an idea. Suddenly she remembered another thing, and said with a smile to the old lady: "By the way, grandma, I want to tell you something."

But it was said that after Feng Yanying said goodbye to Shui Linglong, she did not leave the palace immediately, but went to Dong Jialin Bauhinia Courtyard. Dong Jialin was sewing Crane and Tengyun's purse. She couldn't even remember which number it was. Anyway, she did it when she had nothing to do. She didn't give it away after she made it, but kept it for herself.

Myolie frowned slightly as she watched her threading the needle. At this moment, the little maid reported that Feng Yanying was here. Myolie's eyes lit up and she quickly walked to the door and welcomed Feng Yanying in: "Second Young Mistress! What are you doing today? Sora is here?" Move your eyes!

There was a cold light in Feng Yanying's eyes, but she said in a friendly manner: "I am accompanying my sister-in-law back to the gate, and I will discuss the marriage between A Jue and the Fifth Miss with the Crown Princess. Isn't this just a trip?"

Dong Jialin hurriedly put down her needle and thread, stuffed her purse and her purse under the pillow, and quickly adjusted her expression: "Cousin, why didn't you even acknowledge me when you came? I wanted to pick you up at the door! It's such a hot day, I'm exhausted from running around. Right?"

Feng Yanying walked to the bed, turned over the pillow, grabbed the unfinished embroidered crane and Tengyun purse and asked, "Who is this made for?"

Dong Jialin's scalp felt numb and she smiled: "I made it for...for the king of the county. Why are you so angry, cousin?"

Feng Yanying glanced at her coldly, leaned over and fished out a small box from under the bed, and dumped all the contents on the ground, including purses, silk handkerchiefs, hand warmers, and tassels... Dong Jialin suddenly changed her color! Feng Yanying picked up the warm hand and said with a stern look: "This is also for the king? The winter is over, why haven't you given it to me yet? Don't tell me that you plan to give it to me at the end of this year. Dong Jialin, I made this rabbit fur material last year I’ll give it to you in November.”

Dong Jialin took a step back in admiration and said with a pale face: "Cousin...I..." She glanced at Xing'er from the corner of her eye. Xing'er pretended not to see it.

"Why are you glaring at her? Do you have to make it known to everyone that you can't be saved before you are willing to accept it?" Feng Yanying was so angry that she said, "I just can't figure it out. What's wrong with the prince, why do you have to change your mind and fall in love with someone else? No. Did he just ignore you for a while? Men need to be coaxed. The more he ignores you, the more you have to find ways to win his favor. Women can't be picky after marriage, just like no one can choose. Your own background is the same. You have only one way to go, and that is to be a man's vassal. Of course, you can't control men, but the prerequisite is that you have to conquer men. Dong Jialin, you just stay in the room all day long. You may be whimsical or compassionate, who do you expect to take care of you?”

Dong Jialin's eyes turned red, and tears fell down! Feng Yanying was so angry that she pointed at her forehead and yelled: "Crying? You just cry when something happens? If I surrender like you, how can there be a place for me to survive in the Yao family? You and Ah Jue Where are the eaves to protect us from the wind and rain?”

 Dong Jialin's crying stopped abruptly! Feng Yanying pressed her forehead and said patiently: "Even if you don't think about yourself or me, don't you think about your brother? In order to reach the capital smoothly, he suffered so much and protected you. Beat him? Break a steamed bun into two halves, or give you the bigger one... You don’t remember any of this! You just do whatever you want, without caring about his career!”

Dong Jialin’s heart trembled and she burst into tears again! Feng Yanying said with hatred: "Do you know what kind of impact the rumors of my aunt and uncle's hookup will have on your brother? I tell you clearly, he will be revoked from his official position! Not only is he unlucky, he is also unable to control his wife and concubines. The prince of the county will also be punished! And my uncle will be imprisoned for adultery! The Zhuge family and the Yao family will be infamous, and the Queen Mother and the Queen will face many accusations... All of this is because of you, Dong Jialin. Give! As for yourself, dip, pig, and cage!”

 Dong Jialin's legs went weak and she collapsed on the ground...

"Oh, what did I think it was? Your grandmother is not in good health. It's time for you to go back and take a look... Your fifth sister has always been close to you. Now that she is getting older, she wants to discuss marriage. As the eldest sister, you should go back more often. It's good to accompany her and talk to her about being a wife. You don't have to ask me or your mother and concubine about anything now. Prepare some small gifts for the old lady."

Shui Linglong hugged the old lady's arm and said softly: "Thank you grandma. I'll ask in advance. I won't be back until the end of the month."

 After leaving Tian'anju, Shui Linglong ordered her servants to start moving the yard. Although there was only a wall between the Wisteria Courtyard and the Mohe Courtyard, there were too many things. If they were sorted and moved box by box, something might go wrong if they were not careful. After sorting it out, she found that there were a lot of heavy items, so Shui Linglong called Anping again. Anping happily moved them in and out, and worked with everyone until sunset, finally getting things sorted.

Shui Linglong rewarded everyone with ten days' worth of money, and everyone thanked them happily. Anping took advantage of the situation and took out a silver hairpin from his arms and stuffed it into Zhi Fan's hand. Zhifan didn't want it and planned to give it back to him, but wind blew under his feet and he disappeared without a trace. Zhifan was so angry that he almost broke his silver teeth!

This year there was another flood in the south of the Yangtze River, and the flood relief and rescue work in the south of the Yangtze River is in full swing. Although there is a project to divert water from the south to the west, the drought in Kashgar was under control last year and it is not suitable to accept too much water. As for the flood storage tanks and dams Before it was completed, the flood situation in the south sounded the alarm again. Every household has cut back on food and clothing, responding to the imperial court's call to "put an end to extravagance and waste."

Shui Linglong looked at the densely packed recipes on the table, dipped her pen in cinnabar, circled "abalone", "hairy crab", "venison", "squid" and "blood swallow", and said: "Notice from the whole government that these ingredients are free of charge. If you drop it, you won’t be able to buy any more dining rooms from now on.”

Mother Zhong took the list and looked at it with a confused look on her face: "Oh, tomorrow's dinner includes a few of the ingredients that you have banned. If you remove these, there won't be much left. After all, it's for entertaining guests. It’s the prince’s face that’s too shabby. Why don’t we wait until after tomorrow night to send the notice?”

Shui Linglong shook her head and said sternly: "No, let's start implementing it from now on! Face is not important, it is the worst thing to let others catch the arrogance and extravagance." Suddenly thought of something, and said, "Is there anything else in my cabinet? Are there any Blood Swallows and Tianshan Snow Lotuses?”

Mother Zhong nodded: "Yes, the prince has finished fighting in the Hu State. He has brought you two kilograms of top-quality blood swallows and two top-quality Tianshan snow lotuses from the Xi tribe. Do you want to eat them? I will stew them tonight."

Shui Linglong exhaled quietly: "I won't eat it. The old lady and the princess each have a catty of blood swallows and a Tianshan snow lotus."

 Mother Zhong frowned distressedly: "Okay, I understand."

At dawn, Zhifan heard the news from Anping that Liufeng had divorced his wife, and Shangguanhong returned to Shangguan's house alone. From then on, he was always accompanied by Qingdeng. Shui Linglong was not surprised by this result. In Zhuge Liufeng's heart, Kashgar Qing's interests were above all else. When personal emotions and national interests conflicted, he would choose the latter without hesitation. Shangguan Hong's scheme of bitter meat may not have touched Liu Feng's heart, but the windmill irrigation diagram she drew for him would benefit Kashgar Qing, who has backward production conditions, more. However, she only drew half of it. Liufeng is the blessing of the people, but it is the sorrow of Shangguan Hong. Shui Linglong took out the other half of the drawings, sealed it in a brocade box and handed it to Zhi Fan: "Send it to Zhuge's house in Kashgar Qing."

Zhuge Xi had promised not to invite Leng Youru first, but that was Zhuge Xi's intention. Shui Linglong still went to Qingyouyuan to invite Leng Youru in person: "Concubine, let's have barbecue and hot pot by the lake tonight. If it's convenient for you tonight, Come together."

Leng Youru pressed her chest, she was so happy that she felt like vomiting again: "Are Xiao Xi and Yao Cheng coming too?"

Shui Linglong nodded: "Yes, I'm here."

Leng Youru looked at the blood swallows and Tianshan snow lotus on the cabinet, her eyes flashed slightly, and Yun Danfeng said lightly: "I'm vomiting badly, I can't eat those, so I won't go."

 In this way, she was not offended by both parties. Shui Linglong took a deep look at Leng Youru, her eyes a little complicated.

At nightfall, five barbecue stoves were set up on the open grassland, and three small round tables were set up. Old Taijun, Shui Linglong, Zhuge Yu, brother and sister were at the same table; Zhen, Prince An, Qiao Hui and Dong Jialin were at the same table. One table; one table for people from the Yao family. Leng Youru didn't come, and neither did Brother Hao. The prince was out on something.

　　The people from the Wang Palace sat down, and the people from the Yao Palace came stepping on the moonlight. Yao Cheng held Zhuge Xi's hand, like a loving newlyweds. Beside them were Sister Hui, Brother Ji and Brother Xin. Brother Ji held Zhuge Xi's hand, and Brother Xin held Yao Cheng's hand. Both of them looked very excited, shouting and jumping. The cute and cute Sister Hui followed quietly, placing her little hand on her aunt Yao Xin. in hands.

Yao Xin wore a plain white blouse and a green smoked skirt. Her hair was combed into a bun, fixed with a string of pearls, and she applied a thin layer of powder. Her eyebrows were particularly beautiful, unlike ordinary women's willow-leaf eyebrows. Her eyebrows were peaked. Sharp and somewhat heroic. Shui Linglong smiled at her and nodded, and she also smiled and nodded. However, her smile was very light, like a cloud that seemed to be there but not there in the clear blue sky.

"Oh! My great-grandson is here! Come and give me a hug!" The old lady stretched out her arms towards the two children. Brother Ji immediately threw away Zhuge Xi's hand and threw himself into the old lady's arms. "Grandma Great!"

The old lady was so happy that she quickly took out the secretly hidden "private money" from her purse and handed it to Brother Ji. Brother Ji took the candy and said with a smile: "Thank you, Grandma Zeng!"

Brother Xin was a little shy at first and didn't dare to come forward, but after seeing his brother get the candy, he plucked up the courage to walk up to the old lady and called out slightly: "Grandma Zeng."

 (End of this chapter)