Xiaoxiang Water Cloud in the Red Chamber

Looking ahead, it's New Year's Eve, and the Jia family's New Year's Eve this year is very cold. Everyone knows that their mother was demoted because of their heirs. This is a great sin. Not a keen sense of smell, more than half of the early postings sent by Jia's house were returned, and most of the people invited by Jia's house declined.Mother Jia was heartbroken when she found out.

On New Year's Eve, Jia's mother and all descendants of Jia's family went to the ancestral hall of Ningfu to worship their ancestors. After sitting in Ningfu, Jia's mother returned to Rongfu Jiamu's main room. .Pine and cypress incense and lily grass are burning in the local brazier.When Jia Mu returned to her seat, two or three old sisters-in-law had come in, smiled once and gave way once.After tea, Mother Jia only sent her to Neiyi Gate and then came back and sat down.Jia Jing, Jia Amnesty and others led all the children in and all saluted.Chairs were set up on the left and right sides, and then returned to sit and receive the ceremony in order of seniority and youth.The men, women, servants and maidservants of the two governments also saluted up and down according to their duties, scattered the old money, purses, gold and silver, and put on a carnival feast.Men from east to west sit back from east to west, offering Tusu wine, acacia soup, auspicious fruits, wishful cakes, and everyone gossiping.

Seeing that Jia Mu's ostentation was not bad at all, Jia Zhen didn't seem to be affected by the coldness of those officials at all, and suddenly smiled strangely. He knew that this year's local Zhuangzi had a poor harvest due to summer floods, and the rent they sent was higher than in previous years. Thirty percent less, and Jia's house suffered another bad luck, but none of the people in Jia's house thought about frugality, so they became narrow-minded, and said to Jia's mother: "Old lady, it's a new year now, Jia Zhen has I need to discuss it with the old lady."

Mother Jia hurriedly said, "Brother Zhen, what's the matter?"

Jia Zhen raised the corners of her lips with a smile, and said: "I borrowed 20 taels of silver from Cousin Lin for the visit of my mother, and this year it will be two years. Auntie sends the money over, and my guarantor will settle down quickly and make things easy."

At this time, all the men and women of the whole family were present, and the hall was full of laughter and laughter, and the voice was weak for a while.Even those who lived far away knew about it, and couldn't help muttering quietly.Mother Jia was very annoyed, what happened to Brother Zhen today, it's too rude to say such a heart-wrenching thing during the New Year's Eve, and it made everyone in the house feel so uncomfortable.His face darkened slightly, and he couldn't say anything else, so he forced a smile and said, "Brother Zhen, don't worry, I can't let you bear the burden."

Mrs. Wang froze and said: "Brother Zhen talked about some things during the Chinese New Year. Could it be that the eldest girl is demanding debt from you?"

Her words were very calculating, she obviously wanted to give Daiyu a bad reputation.Jia Zhen sneered and said: "I couldn't see my cousin when she was at our house, let alone not now. It's just because she thinks highly of me as a guarantor and because of my character, how can I not work hard. Today I'm just reminding you in vain, I'm afraid my aunt has too many things to forget."

Mrs. Wang blushed, Jia Zheng didn't look like he was busy and said: "What are you talking about during the New Year's Eve. Brother Zhen, don't worry, I was there at the time, and I won't dirty the eldest girl's money."

Baoyu was a little puzzled and said, "When did Sister Lin borrow our family's money? I don't know why. My sister is so noble, like a fairy in the sky, how can she care about those yellow and white turbid things? Besides, her money is just like our family's money. Is it the same? What else."

The faces of all the people present changed, which was really wonderful.Normally Mrs. Jia Muwang would like it very much, but this occasion is not right.The people in the whole clan are not all fools, and most of them can't help showing contempt when they hear this, whispering, this one said: "Hey, the phoenix eggs of Rongfu speak really interesting." The other said: "What? Interesting, I think it’s shameless, and I don’t even cover it up when I seek money from others.” Some people said: “Wrong, I heard that he is very naive, I’m afraid he doesn’t understand.” “Nonsense, he will be sixteen in the Chinese New Year , if you don’t understand, you will become an idiot.”…

Everyone in the Rong Mansion blushed when they heard this, and Jia Zheng scolded angrily: "Nie Zhan, what nonsense are you talking about, where are you reading all your usual books?"

Baoyu was speechless, so she moved quietly to Jiamu's side, and muttered in a low voice, "It's what it is. Sister Lin definitely doesn't care about these mundane things. Otherwise, she would become a beetle." Those who were close to him became more and more contemptuous.

Jia Zheng and others hurriedly said some happy words to cover up the matter, but in the end Jia's mother felt ashamed in front of the whole family, so she sat for a while and got up and went into the inner room to change clothes, and everyone dispersed.That night, incense offerings were made in front of the Stove King in various Buddhist halls. In the courtyard of Mrs. Wang's main room, there was a heaven and earth paper horse incense offering, and there was no one in the yard, but there were seven or eight small memorial tablets on the table, which were all killed by her The memorial tablet of the dead aunt and concubine, but this year there is another one, which is Qin Keqing.Mrs. Wang bowed a few times, but when she raised her head again, she was shocked. The tablet was burning for some reason, emitting a faint blue light.Soon there was only a piece of fly ash left on the table.

"There is a ghost!" Madam Wang screamed and sat down on the ground. The cold ground didn't wake her up at all, but it made her feel like there were countless snakes crawling on the ground, with a biting chill.Mrs. Wang became more and more frightened and screamed.

The women and girls guarding outside heard ghosts crying and wolves howling in the courtyard, so frightened they broke in. Seeing Mrs. Wang's pale face pointing at the altar table and howling: "There are ghosts, there are ghosts." Then they passed away.

The maids didn't know what to do, and rushed to carry Mrs. Wang in, and rescued her by pouring water and playing fans.Mrs. Jia waited for the letter soon and hurried to see, Mrs. Wang was already awake, still trembling, Jia Zheng reprimanded angrily: "It's New Year's Eve, what nonsense are you talking about, it seems to scare the old lady." Mrs. Wang was terrified. He felt wronged again, but he didn't dare to complain to Jia Zheng.

Mother Jia was even more displeased. It was not a good omen that such a fact happened on New Year's Eve, so she said a few words to Mrs. Wang coldly, so that she could take care of herself and then returned.When she came to the bedroom, Mother Jia stared blankly at the chiming clock, which had already struck twelve times. Mother Jia sighed, what is this? Why is this house so bad?

Since then, Mrs. Wang has been ill and suspicious all day long, and she can't even eat a family's New Year's wine.The entire year in front of Jia's mansion was deserted.The Jia Mansion is now completely defeated.But Jia Mu's eyes began to turn to Sanchun, which is a later story.

At this time, the Beijing Palace is full of excitement and warmth.Concubine Bei Jing waited for a family reunion when she returned from the palace to participate in the sacrifice.Concubine Beijing specially made a banquet for Yifei and Daiyu according to Jiangnan taste.The family is very happy.

But Daiyu saw that Shui Rong looked at her from time to time, with a look of depression on her face, she said quietly: "What's wrong, Brother Rong."

Shui Rong smiled dryly, put the wine glass to his lips in a disguised manner and said, "It's nothing serious."

Daiyu tilted her head, glanced at the glass, and suddenly smiled mischievously. She raised her eyebrows, which seemed to be frowning but not frowning. She smirked and said, "Who are you kidding? Your wine glass is dry. You drink it." something, there must be something."

Shui Rong let out a cry, and blushed in embarrassment, seeing Daiyu's coquettish and angry face, his heart skipped a beat, and he said with a smile, "Don't be angry if you tell me."

Daiyu's eyes sparkled and she listened, Shui Rong suddenly frowned and said: "Don't talk about it, I will tell you alone later. I have a gift for you today."

Seeing that he refused to speak, Daiyu was a little disappointed, and sat back with her mouth pouted.Concubine Bei Jing saw the two of them talking together, she was amused, and said with a smile: "What are Rong'er and Yu'er whispering, let us listen too."

Daiyu's pretty face flushed, but Shui Rong smiled and said: "Since mother and concubine know it's a whisper, how can you hear it, you have to listen to it and ask your father, how many times you can't hear it, I'm afraid you will get tired of it."

Concubine Bei Jing rolled her eyes, and scolded with a smile: "The brat's wings are stiff, and he is getting better at teasing me."

Shui Rong was a little proud, and couldn't help turning her head to look at Daiyu, but she saw Daiyu coughing gently with her head down, her heart tightened, and just about to ask, she saw that her ears were covered with glowing shadows, as if she was wearing a dewy flower, suddenly, she realized It was originally to tease the mother and concubine, but she didn't want to respond to the questioning of the mother and concubine with the matter of the father, the queen and the concubine, but she also let Daiyu into it.Seeing that Daiyu was not angry, she was relieved just now.Yifei and Prince Beijing couldn't stop laughing at it, but they didn't dare to let them talk anymore. You need to know that some things are fun when you can't stop talking, but after that, you will be jumping like a dog, so you quickly diverted the conversation .

After the New Year's Eve dinner, the whole family gathered together to gossip and play cards. Shui Rong didn't like to play these things. There were already faint sounds of firecrackers and fireworks outside. I have already approved the fireworks, why don't I set them off now, so that parents, queens, and concubines can see it fresh."

Concubine Bei Jing couldn't stop laughing, there's no use for ordinary firecrackers, he set it off himself, and said with a smile: "You still have such filial piety, I want to see, the ones from Jiangnan must be the best."

Daiyu pretended she didn't understand, and sat there asking her nose and mouth, Shui Rong smiled when she saw her like that, and said, "Dai'er, come and set off the fireworks, this kind of fireworks is very safe."

The concubine hurriedly stopped her and said: "Just look at it, this thing is not just for fun, Yu'er is better off sitting down."

Yifei smiled and said, "Auntie, don't worry, this kind of fireworks is specially made by Yulin Villa's collection of folk folks, and it's very safe."

Daiyu was also eager to try, and said with a smile: "Don't worry, Auntie, Yu'er also played when she was a child, it's fine."

Only then did the concubine feel relieved.Shui Rongzao drags Daiyu away.The concubine smiled and watched the pair of jade couples go out before she said to the prince: "Yu'er is due to get married this year, let's hurry up and set a date for her two marriages, such a good daughter-in-law can't be snatched away by others."

Tai Wang smiled and said: "What are you worrying about, anyway, the imperial decree to grant marriage has been issued long ago, but it has not been made public. Yu'er will definitely not be able to go to another house."

The concubine smiled and said: "I just want to make the imperial decree public even if the wedding date is uncertain. Otherwise, how many people will miss Yu'er. We have a vinegar bucket in our house. I haven't seen Rong'er holding it all the time lately." His face is awkward, if you don’t bother me, I’m holding my breath while looking at it.”

Taiwang laughed and said: "The fate of parents has already been made. Ruhai didn't let it be made public in the past because he was afraid that the two would grow up and have no feelings for each other. Now it seems impossible. If you are in a hurry, the ready-made principal is here. You are too old." Urging me."

Concubine Tai slapped her head, turned to Yifei and smiled: "But I'm confused, my good nephew, I know, Brother Lin Xian asked you to take full control of Yu'er's affairs, as long as you agree. Good boy, look at Yu'er Fifteen, if you don't get married, you will become an old girl, then your brother is incompetent."

Yifei didn't know whether to laugh or cry, and said: "My nephew also asked my father for instructions, and my father said that he will come in person when my younger sister is born this year, and I will ask the emperor to announce his will at that time, you can rest assured."

The concubine was overjoyed, and said: "Brother Lin Xian is coming, you have kept it a secret, it seems that the Jiangnan matter is over."

Taiwang laughed and said: "This is a secret. Ruhai is really good. Not only Jiangsu and other places, but even Jiangxi and Hunan are all in his hands. Only King Zhongshun is still kept in the dark. That's all the old fox knows. It was the Nanyue Kingdom that ruined the alliance with him. I really didn’t say that King Zhongshun’s strategy was good, so why is the news network so poor? I don’t know what Ruhai did, but he became the elder brother of the Nanyue Kingdom’s national teacher. From what the king said, it seems that as long as he goes to South Vietnam, he will enjoy the same status as the national teacher. When you come back, you have to ask him carefully, this old fox has not seen him for a few years, but he is very capable."

The concubine couldn't help laughing: "You just don't accept it. Lin Xiandi has always been capable. Let him take care of everything in the south of the Yangtze River. Your capital is still such a pot of porridge, but it's far behind. Hehe, he is the teacher of the Nanyue Kingdom. This title is not bad, but it sounds a bit nagging. He is a scholar who has become a wizard. Let's keep the news of his return and give Xiao Yuer a surprise when the time comes! Hey, look , The fireworks outside are so beautiful, even better than those in the palace, we are all very lucky."

Shui Yue hurriedly said: "Don't talk nonsense, he just got that kind of treatment, he is not really a teacher of the state, otherwise he would not be a traitor." The concubine stuck out her tongue, and Shui Yue and Yifei looked up, only to see fireworks rising into the sky outside the window, colorful , just like the splendor of a hundred flowers blooming together, and the beauty of silver butterflies flying, it makes people feel a little ecstatic, and they want to sigh: what a dream-like prosperity!

Shui Rong protects Daiyu by his side, watching Daiyu smile like a flower, his clear eyes reflect the bright fireworks in the sky, and he is very focused. He looks at it, and suddenly there is infinite tenderness in his heart, just like this continuous fireworks, gradually When it's hot, the family is by the side, what more can a husband ask for, so the radiance all over the sky can't match the pair of watery eyes in front of him.

"Dai'er, what do you think of these fireworks?" The voice of Shui Rong was a little deep and full of emotion.

Daiyu smiled, and said joyfully, "'The ingenious art in the world is amazing, the refining medicine and lighting the lamp are the same day and night. The catkins are flying and the ground is white, and the peach blossoms are full of red. At night, I will turn the flowers on the brocade, no worries. Chaotic to the east wind.' It's exactly the same as when I was a child. Thank you, Brother Rong."

Shui Rong smiled and said, "Dai'er never needs to say thank you to me." His eyes darkened, and he said, "Dai'er is so nice, but sometimes I feel uneasy."

Daiyu was startled, and looked at Shui Rong suspiciously, with deep love on that handsome face.Shui Rong's complexion sank and he said: "Today, King Zhongshun actually asked the emperor to marry you for Lu Jingyuan at the palace banquet."

Daiyu's complexion changed, she clenched her teeth and said, "Brother Rong, what do you mean, does it mean you don't believe me?" Or why she was uneasy.

Seeing that Daiyu was displeased, Shui Rong hurriedly said: "Dai'er, that's not what I meant. The matter of King Zhongshun just made me angry, but you don't know that many young talents have been motivating their families to beg the emperor for you in the past few months. Well. I believe in Dai'er, but everything is unpredictable. In ancient times, many couples could not get together due to external forces. I am really afraid that something will happen in the future. Dai'er will be 15 years old during the Chinese New Year. Let's hurry up and get things done. Settle down."

Daiyu blushed, rolled her hands and lowered her head, her voice was like a mosquito, and said in a low voice, "That's what I should think about, you should go and tell your father and elder brother."

Shui Rong was overjoyed, couldn't help hugging Daiyu lightly and said: "Dai'er didn't know that Uncle Lin asked the emperor to make an order, as long as you agree to the imperial order, it will take effect."

Daiyu was ashamed, pushed Shui Rong and said: "Why didn't you tell me, hum, you just kept it from me."

Shui Rong endured it for a long time, how could he let go, said with a smile: "Uncle Lin is afraid that you won't like me in the future, this decree is just to prevent others from plotting against me. If you don't like me, it will be invalid at all."

Daiyu was slightly taken aback, it turned out that her father had done so much for her silently.Thinking of her old father far away in the south of the Yangtze River, Daiyu felt deep thoughts, but forgot to break free from that warm embrace.

In the fireworks rain, the people who embrace each other are like poetry and picturesque.