[Red Mansions] The Road to Empress Dowager

However, in May of the sixth year of Qianyuan, Xinke Scholars were also assigned positions by the Ministry of Officials one after another. Those who ranked higher or had a better relationship became editors or Shujishi, and those who were not close or ranked lower were assigned to remote places. Go to be the county magistrate, county magistrate, and county lieutenant.

Jia Huan, Shi Cong, Tan Qian, etc. all entered the Hanlin Academy as sages, but Shi Li's ranking was low, and the sages were not selected, so they might not have the opportunity to enter the cabinet in this life.But he has a good relationship now, but he has sought the post of magistrate of Chang'an County in Jingdou. If his political achievements are good, he will have no problem being an official.

After Yingchun married Sun Shaozu, Mrs. Xing and Wang Xifeng were also worried. Unlike Su Fuer, who was completely in charge of the Xing family, Yingchun had a family after all, and Xing Xiuyan naturally couldn't get past Mrs. Xing to find her husband's family for Yingchun.

On the eighth day of the fifth lunar month, the Shi family held a wedding ceremony for Shi Hui, the lady of the mansion and the "Lord of Hemin County" personally proclaimed by the Holy Master, which was just in time for a lot of excitement.

Although Shi Bai's official position is only from the fourth rank now, he obviously won the sacred heart. On the day of the "Hemin County Monarch" and Ji Dali, the eunuchs in the palace came to pass on the decree of the imperial concubine and empress, congratulated and encouraged her, and gave him generous rewards.

Shi Hui wore a gorgeous and exquisite dress, like the scorching sun in midsummer, she was envied by many officials and women.Shi Wan'er was watched by the foster mother, and sat on the side, seeing her little aunt so beautiful and rich, her balance became more and more unbalanced, her handkerchief was almost torn to pieces, but there was nothing she could do.

She always thought that if she was allowed to see the imperial concubine, she would be able to perform well, flatter her to make her feel comfortable, and get her favor.But she is suffering, God does not give her a chance.

Let's not talk about these flowers and brocades, but after the big ceremony lunch, all the distinguished guests left one after another, only Wang Xifeng stayed.

Mrs. Shi Zhang has been really exhausted recently, and several gray hairs have grown.Wang Xifeng was shrewd and knew that it was beneficial to stay with the Shi family. Seeing that her aunt was so tired, she didn't take Joe, and took care of all the follow-up trivial matters.

Meanwhile, Sister Qiao and Brother Rong played in Shi Hui's yard first, and were served by mothers and maids.Shi Huiyuan is also the housekeeper, but today she is the protagonist, and of course other people did these things.

The rules of the servants in Shifu are much better than those in Rongfu, and there are fewer people in Shifu, so Wang Xifeng found it quite easy to deal with it.

In the evening, Wang Xifeng finished work and went to Shi Zhang's yard. Shi Bai was still away from the official circles, so Shi Zhang asked Wang Xifeng to sit and eat together.

After the meal, the two chatted about homework.It's the "marriage season" now, so it's natural to mention this. Wang Xifeng also talked about the crisis of Yingchun. She said that a good girl almost married Zhongshan wolf by mistake, which is really dangerous.

Shi Zhang had just proposed marriage to the youngest daughter of Li Xun's family for Shi Rui, and the Li family had already agreed to the marriage.Shi Rui had been a concubine for three years, got married a month later, and then he was going to be released.Next is Shi Cong, who is a little frustrated after Daiyu's engagement.

The Shizhang family knew that Yingchun was a good idea, but Jia She was originally her younger sister's husband-in-law. The Shi family didn't like Jia's mother's partiality and harsh treatment of Shi's back then, but they never considered marrying Jia's daughter.

The two chatted deeply, and Wang Xifeng thought of Baochai and Tanchunlai, who had also reached their age.Baochai has been very flattering to her since last year, and Aunt Xue also asked her to see her in private.But Baochai was born in a merchant family, his father died early, and his elder brother was incompetent. It was really difficult to find someone who surpassed Baoyu in status, let alone the requirements of talent, learning and temperament.

Baoyu then embroidered pillows, at least he knew some poems and books, and he was the grandson of the Duke.Mrs. Wang regards Baochai as a spare, but Baochai also regards Baoyu as a spare.The two spare tires spent another half a year like this, but seeing Baoyu's madness about Daiyu's betrothal, Baochai also has the pride of her daughter's family, and she really dislikes this spare tire in her heart.

Wang Xifeng talked about Baochai's embarrassment, this cousin is absolutely good-looking, Shi Zhang couldn't help but feel moved.

She thought of Shi Li. Shi Li failed to marry Su Fu'er before, and felt very disappointed. However, other ladies from official families in Beijing have good looks and family background. Shi Li is definitely not a good candidate for those ladies.Shi Li is 32 years old after all, and has a daughter under his knees, and his father is only a prefect in a place like Qiongzhou.

As for the poor appearance, Shi Zhang could see it, Shi Li would not consider it.Back then, marrying his original spouse was not very satisfactory, the Shi family was demoted, Shi Li was still a scholar, he lived in the remote Qiongzhou border, he could only look for the tall ones among the dwarfs.But at this time, the high school Jinshi continued to marry, and he wanted to marry a stunning woman, so Su Fu'er was the only one he fell in love with at that time.

The eldest son of the Shi family can only entrust this matter to her for help. This kind of condition makes Shi Zhang very difficult, and it is even more difficult to choose than her own daughter-in-law. Son of Jinshi in high school at a young age.

If we talk about girls with good looks and talents, it's really strange, all the girls who have some relationship with Jia's house seem to be outstanding, and they are outstanding.Shi Zhang, the precious hairpin, has also seen it. She really has the appearance of Concubine Yang, and she is well-read, generous and decent, and she is only stuck in her status.

Even if she had a quarrel with the three Taoyuan sisters, she was actually not sharp in speaking, but Tanchun was young and self-important, and she competed with their sisters to help Baoyu.The little things of the teenagers will naturally pass away, so there is no need to worry about it. Who has never been young and ignorant, and fell ill in the second year of middle school.Is it possible that those who have suffered from the second disease will never be able to stand up again?No one is so clean in that mortal world.

Shi Zhang asked Baochai for some details, and knew that she had the demeanor of an elder sister when she was in Jia's mansion, so she couldn't help thinking of Shi Wan'er, and really felt that Baochai was very suitable for Shi Li.But her situation is that her natal family has no foundation, and Shi Li has to figure it out, if such accounts are settled after marriage, the family will be in trouble.

When she wanted to ask, Mrs. Shizhang thought that Baochai was Mrs. Wang's niece. Mrs. Wang raised and abandoned Jia Lian, Mrs. Shizhang had to care about it, and Mrs. Wang did not know if Mrs. Wang had touched the dowry of Shi's family. Ma'am, but if there is no evidence, don't mess around. After all, Wang Ziteng is not dead yet.Furthermore, uncles inciting nephews and aunts to fight among officials and officials in today's society are not good-looking. Others will look at your family style, which hinders official communication and children's marriage. You should not be too shallow.

The Shizhang family had conflicts for a long time, but seeing Wang Xifeng by her side, they suddenly realized that Brother Feng is still Mrs. Wang's niece, and now she is still facing her husband.After a woman gets married, her husband and aunt naturally favor her husband.

As for lack of foundation, even Su Fu'er, whose parents died early and who has the power of the Xing family, would not consider Shi Li.It can be seen that there is a radish and a pit. Of course, a stunningly talented woman with such a good foundation will marry a better man. When will she get a stone ceremony?

So Shi Zhang discussed with Wang Xifeng and expressed his thoughts.

Wang Xifeng also felt very good, if she could facilitate this marriage, the Xue family would at least have a lot of money now, as a matchmaker, she could always earn 2000 taels of red envelopes, so she could save the dowry for Sister Qiao.

However, this matter needs to be discussed privately with the two families.

……

Although Jia Amnesty took over the Rongxi Hall, the Xue family's mother and daughter still lived in the Lixiangyuan. After all, there was Wang Xifeng in the big house, who was Xue Baochai's first cousin.

Before Baochai finds a better family, she can't take the initiative to throw away Baoyu's spare tire. Living in Lixiangyuan has a chance to be close to the water.

The next day, after breakfast, Wang Xifeng and Mrs. Xing went to greet Jiamu, and then went to Lixiangyuan.

She and Aunt Xue were talking in the room, and Wang Xifeng told about Shi Li's reunion.When Aunt Xue heard that Shi Li was 32 years old and had a daughter under her knees, she was slightly displeased. Could a daughter with such a good looks be the only one to renew?

Wang Xifeng was very good at reading people's faces, and said: "I have seen that cousin of the Shi family, even though he is over thirty, he is also very good-looking. He just got a Jinshi and has been appointed as the Chancellor of Chang'an County. Although his rank is small, he is still the son of heaven. The officials under your feet are all fighting for their heads. However, it is natural that there are some shortcomings in continuing the strings, and it is normal for Auntie to hesitate."

Aunt Xue hurriedly said: "Brother Feng, we are our own people. If there is anything wrong with Auntie, don't take offense. You must know that it is very difficult to be a stepmother, and Brother Feng is also a mother. Know my heart."

Wang Xifeng smiled and said: "That's reasonable, but how can there be a perfect family? Therefore, what should I do, my aunt can think about it and tell me clearly. In two days, I will go to Shifu again and ask my aunt what she said. Look, we are so picky about others, but my cousin is also the grandson of the Tai Tuo back then, and now he is a Jinshi, so he is also picky!"

Aunt Xue also repeatedly said yes, Wang Xifeng can grasp people's psychology, but people will look down on things that are easy to get. Aunt Xue heard that the man may not agree to this matter, so she also felt a little bit worried about gains and losses.

After Wang Xifeng left, Aunt Xue told Baochai about it.Baochai is a little self-sufficient, but I think that a girl who can write the poem "good wind sends me to Qingyun by force", how can she not have a little hope for the future?

However, the reality is the reality, either Baoyu's embroidered pillow is better than the name of the grandson of the Duke, gentle, young, good-looking, and married as the original partner; or Shi Li's continuation can only consider her.

No matter how good she is, how can she compare with Lin Daiyu?

Baochai wiped away her tears and said, "I'm almost nineteen years old. I'm older and younger this year. Now even my aunt doesn't talk much about her marriage with Baoyu. Baoyu is definitely not destined for this title. I always think about it." If you don't study, it's not as good as the Shi family's marriage. If it happens, someday my daughter will still look like a phoenix crown."

The Chancellor of Chang'an County is a seventh-rank official, and his wife is only a child of imperial order, without a phoenix crown and a rosy robe.Madam Gaoming is the wife of an official of the sixth rank or above.

Although the mother and daughter were full of emotions, they replied to Wang Xifeng on the third day, and if the man agreed, they would close the post and set a date without any hindrance.

Shi Li also listened to Shi Zhang's talk about the pros and cons, and the emphasis was on being both talented and beautiful, virtuous and generous, and rich in family resources.

Shi Li thought to himself that brother Xue Baochai was ineffective, that is to say, he could not borrow much power from his wife and family. Generally speaking, in the capital, he relied on his third uncle and first wife to open up the situation in the officialdom.

And the third uncle and the first room now have the Li family, the Minister of the Ministry of Officials, as their in-laws, Lin Ruhai, a scholar of Wenyuan Pavilion, as their best friend, and the imperial concubine as their support. He is not the kind of poor scholar who depends on his wife.

How can he ask for a girl who is good in everything? At that time, he wanted to ask Su Fuer, but he was surprised by surprise. He also saw that she had no father or mother, and he was worthy of it.

Among the multiple-choice questions of his wife having a good family background, his elder brother being successful, and his wife being both talented and beautiful, Shi Li obviously wanted the latter, so he answered after a little consideration.

When the Xue family got the news, they hurriedly bid farewell to Jia Mu and Mrs. Xing and moved back to their own home. Jia Mu pretended to stay for a while, but the Xue family had decided to go.

Xue Pan was released last year by virtue of the great kindness of the Supreme Emperor to amnesty the world. He originally lived in Xue's house in the capital.He arranged for the servants and servants to move out together. Aunt Xue, Baochai, and even Baoqin who was waiting to be married in Beijing also moved out together, but after two or three days, they settled down again in their own home.

On the third day after the Xue family's mother and daughter went home to live in, Shi Li asked the Iceman to come to propose marriage, and the Xue family agreed, and then Na Cai, asked the name, Na Ji, Na Zheng, and the request for a date were completed within ten days.The wedding day is also very urgent, it is set on June [-]th, everything will be fine.

Recently, Baochai was naturally making her wedding dress with the embroiderers in the house, but when Aunt Xue and Xue Pan were preparing Baochai's dowry, they also lamented that the situation at home was not as good as before.In the past, it was "a good year with heavy snow, pearls like earth and gold like iron", but now Xue's shops are only half of what they used to be. Moreover, many shops are not profitable at all, and Xue Pan can't hold back those shrewd and cunning old shopkeepers.

Because the situation is not as good as before, and she feels that money is precious, Aunt Xue can't help but think that Mrs. Wang has borrowed a total of [-] to [-] silver from her in the early years.When she first came to Beijing for the small election, Aunt Xue gave money to Mrs. Wang, which was [-] yuan, but the money was spent, but nothing happened.After that, the two sisters privately let Baoyu marry Baochai on purpose.

After this incident, Aunt Xue felt that this was her sister and her in-laws, that is, a family. Yuan Chun was in a difficult situation in the palace, and Mrs. Wang herself was short of money, so it would be alright for her to lend her some money.

In the future, Baoyu will inherit the Rongguo Mansion, and the treasures in the public house and Jiamu's private house will all belong to him. As long as Baochai marries him, he will not lose money in the end.

Now that Baochai has decided to get married, and they are not in the same family, the 10,000 worth of money is not going to be pursued. It is clear that the loan to her is [-]+ taels.According to Grandma Liu, a family from a poor family in the countryside spends only ten taels of silver a year.

No matter how soft-tempered Aunt Xue was, she couldn't forget such a huge sum of money. Mrs. Wang also issued an IOU at that time.Originally, if she didn't pay back, with this IOU, Baochai's marriage to Baoyu would be equivalent to an extra 10 taels of dowry. Otherwise, what if Baoyu said her dowry was thin?

Aunt Xue discussed with Baochai and always asked Mrs. Wang to get back the money, but it was definitely not easy to do.Aunt Xue is Mrs. Wang's biological sister, so she understands her kindness on the face, but she has always been ruthless and greedy for money.

After all, Baochai is more successful than her mother, and this is directly related to the thickness of the silver at the bottom of her dowry box - the Xue family can no longer produce such a large amount of cash in cash at this time.No matter how virtuous and generous a woman is, when it comes to her life for the rest of her life, how can she look like a normal person?

Baochai said: "This matter doesn't bother the two masters. Why don't we talk to Sister Feng about how to speak? Let's talk to my aunt in private. I'm afraid we won't be able to tell."