Old things in the Red Chamber

The fact that the Xue family married a daughter-in-law has something to do with the Wang family, so Wang Xifeng will naturally join in the fun. She has always been well-rounded and is especially good at dealing with others. Since Wang Xifeng learned of Xue Pan's marriage, she has been visiting Xue's house every day.

But the relationship between him and Mrs. Wang has become worse and worse over the years, and the two aunts and nephews hardly speak.

The relationship between Mrs. Xue and Mrs. Wang is very close, and they are not the same, so Wang Xifeng had to associate with some female customers.

Fortunately, she is very versatile, and there are many people who want to associate with her, so she doesn't feel embarrassed there.

After traveling around for several days, Wang Ziteng's wife finally arrived at Xue's house. Her purpose of coming here was mainly to talk to Wang Xifeng.

Even if it is a community of interests, because everyone has different preferences and personalities, everyone's closeness and distance are different. Wang Ziteng's wife and her husband's two younger sisters have not been getting along well for a long time. Some sister-in-law's conflicts.

So over the years, except for the necessary meetings, I seldom communicate in private.At this time, Wang Ziteng's wife finished what she had to say, and chatted with Wang Xifeng.

"You also know that your uncle wants to go back to the capital now, the money has been sent out, and many relationships have been entrusted, but now the official department has not given any approval. We have been away from the capital for a few years, and we don't know which temple to burn incense. inside."

What she said about burning incense did not really mean going to the temple to burn incense, but she was talking about trusting people and trusting people, where to go and which mountain to worship.

Wang Xifeng can't help with this kind of thing, the men in their family don't deal with the government, so naturally they don't know what the big shots think.

But Wang Ziteng's wife doesn't think so.

"I heard that Jia Hou of the Ministry of War has a good relationship with your father-in-law over the years. Is it as rumored outside?"

Wang Xifeng thought about it for a while, and it was true. The family's Zhuangzi's fields were all entrusted to the other party.Even the father-in-law entrusted the two sons to each other. The brothers must trust each other to this extent.

Wang Xifeng nodded, "Shouldn't you go to the Ministry of Officials to ask for help? What can the Ministry of War do?"

"The Ministry of Officials does not allow people to come back, but what if the Ministry of War wants to transfer people back? I heard that there is a war now. At this time, the words of the Ministry of War will be more effective than the words of the gentlemen of the Ministry of Officials, and will be more trusted by the emperor."

When Wang Xifeng thought about it, it was true. It was about her own uncle, so she had to do her best no matter what. Besides, since her parents passed away, she was also taken care of by her uncle and aunt, so it was her duty to help her uncle at this time.

"Although I can't guarantee this matter, I can still persuade my father-in-law to intercede with Jia Hou. You can just listen to the news at home."

Wang Ziteng's wife breathed a sigh of relief and nodded in agreement.

At this time, Wang Ziteng's wife was in the mood to ask about the marriage of her nephew Xue Pan.

"Your uncle said when he was in the capital that if the Xue family wanted to leave the merchant family, they had to marry a girl from a scholar family. They all said that marrying a good wife would make three generations happy. Pan'er himself is a fool. If you don’t marry a more virtuous girl, what will your family do? Why are you marrying a businessman’s girl instead?”

"Hey, you don't know, the big brother of the Xue family said before that he must marry a stunning woman as his wife, otherwise how could he delay until now. It was just a few days ago when he passed by the door of Xia's house and saw her girl After getting out of the carriage, I felt that there is no one more beautiful than this woman in the world after just one glance, so I came back and begged Aunt Xue to go to their house to hire her."

Wang Ziteng's wife sighed, "Your second aunt is also confused. Marrying a wife is a matter of marrying a wife and a virtuous person. I also heard that this girl has no brothers or uncles. If something happens in the future, I can't count on it." Over there in their family, besides, marrying a daughter-in-law is not just marrying someone in, but also marrying in their family relationship, such an extinct account..."

She didn't go any further.

At this time, the two of them heard some people in front of Mrs. Wang and Mrs. Xue, praising the marriage, and they used Lin Daiyu as an example, "Isn't there only one girl in the Lin family in Gusu? Up to now, they have lived peacefully and beautifully. Mrs. Xue just Just enjoy the blessings at home, wait a year or two to have a big grandson, the big thing will be done."

Mrs. Xue also said with emotion, "Bring my daughter-in-law in and hand over this family. Even if I die, I can close my eyes. I will have something to say when I meet the ancestors of Xue's family underground. No Ask the daughter-in-law and sister Lin who come in to be as virtuous, as long as they live a good life."

Wang Ziteng's wife whispered to Wang Xifeng, "You aunt is confused. How can his daughter-in-law compare with the Gusu Lin family?"

Wang Xifeng didn't take it seriously, she just heard that the Lin family had a lot of money, but she didn't know how much. At this time, she persuaded her aunt, "The cousin of the Lin family is also a relative, even if you think about it, she won't get angry. My aunt and aunt will be happy now, not to mention that she is not in the capital right now, such gossips are not listenable, let my aunt and aunt be happy."

She called Mrs. Wang Aunt according to the relationship of her natal family, and Mrs. Xue called Aunt according to the relationship of Jia's family. Although it was a bit confusing, for Wang Ziteng's wife, she could tell what she said Whoever it is.

"How to compare? I said there is no way to compare. If you don't take it seriously and don't believe it, you will believe it when I tell you. If you say that she has no natal family, Gusu doesn't care about her. Are you his relatives? Hou Is the mansion his relative? What relationship do they have when they come to this Xia family?"

After all, in Wang Xifeng's heart, she still felt that her aunt looked down on the Xia family. Wang Xifeng thought about it for herself, and it was true. Home.

In addition, sitting here for a long time, the ones who came to flatter me were the wives of some shopkeepers, or some people who had business dealings.In addition, Wang Xifeng saw that her aunt was a little tired, so she took the initiative to invite her to her home, "Sister Qiao is learning embroidery these days, why don't you see how her needlework is doing, and go and give pointers."

Wang Ziteng's wife really didn't want to stay here, so she took Wang Xifeng along to bid farewell to Mrs. Xue.

When we arrived at Wang Xifeng's courtyard, it was just from the backyard of Rongguo Mansion to the east courtyard of Rongguo Mansion, and the distance was fairly close.However, the feeling was completely different. There was a lot of noise in Xue's yard, but Wang Xifeng's yard seemed quiet.

Sister Qiao was holding the tea, and obediently served tea to the elders, and sat quietly on the side, listening to them talk.

"I can't tell you about this publicly. Our housekeeper is here. In two days, I will ask the housekeeper to bring a gift to visit your master. What kind of regulations is this?"

Wang Xifeng knew that before the housekeeper of the Wang family came to visit, she would have to talk to her father-in-law first, and if she allowed it or not, the Wang family would not be caught off guard.

And this matter must be done, Wang Xifeng was already thinking about buying some antiques in her heart to win Jia She's favor.

Sister Qiao listened for a while, then interrupted them, "Otherwise, when my brother comes back, my mother will take him to talk to my grandfather about it. Also, in four or five days, the fourth sister of the Hou Mansion celebrates her birthday, and my uncle and grandmother If my mother and I can send a few children's things to their home, they won't gossip about the fourth sister's birthday."

Wang Ziteng's wife and Wang Xifeng looked at each other, and they both thought this method was good, so they discussed it for the time being.

So after two or three days, Jia She went to the Hou Mansion to discuss the matter with Jia Gu, and Jia Gu knew the reason.

"I didn't expect that it was the two women's families. It's not impossible to find a way to go my way. It's just that I can naturally talk about it in ordinary matters. Even if I am generous, I don't care about the relationship between Wang Ziteng and Wang Ziteng back then. Dirty, I will help if I can help. It's just that Wang Ziteng shouldn't be returning to Beijing at this time, especially the family of the Zhongcheng Palace can't sit still anymore. Wang Ziteng's mistake was when the emperor ascended the throne, he swayed from side to side Maybe, the emperor has always kept this in mind."

"You mean that the one who won't let him return to the capital is not the gang of officials who are officials, but the emperor."

"Yes, the emperor is worried that he is colluding with those traitors when he comes back at this time. Why does he have to come back?"

Jia Amnesty thought about the reason, and was suddenly surprised, "You mean that they really colluded together, and Wang Ziteng is also a loyal pawn of the palace, and he is also waiting to go to Beijing to rebel and make a fortune at that time. It doesn't make sense. , Others are for the family, but he, Prince Teng, has no son. What is he working so hard for? For his nephew? That little thing is simply not a person. The family is in trouble."

Jia Gu shook his head, "I've been thinking about it for a long time, but I can't figure out why he must come back at this time. It stands to reason that since the official department does not allow him to come back, then wait for a while, and then start again after the chief officer of the official department is changed. After entrusting you with the relationship, you will come back when you come back, why do you have to come back at this time?"

"Then how do I tell Fang'er his mother when I go back?"

Jia Gu stood up in embarrassment, and turned around in the study a few times, "I'll help you ask the emperor about this matter, the emperor has never let Prince Teng come back, just because he was worried that he would rebel, if Wang Ziteng really participated in the rebellion, then Pressing him is not a matter, but it will make the other party notice something. You go back and tell them like this first, just say that I am thinking of a way now, and as for whether the matter will be completed in the end, I will definitely give them an answer. "

After hearing this statement, Wang Ziteng's wife immediately felt relieved, as long as someone runs for her family.

These days, she has given out countless gifts and found many people, but no one will give a specific answer, which makes her feel uneasy. She doesn't know who the master has offended, and she will trip him up on the matter of returning to Beijing. son.

Now Jia Jiagu is finally willing to give her a promise, she is naturally very concerned about this matter, and also very concerned about the fourth girl of the Hou Mansion who is about to celebrate her birthday, and has prepared many toys that children can use early on. Food and beautiful clothes, on the day of the child's birthday, I came to the door in person, showing that the relationship between the two families is very close.

In fact, Jia Gu asked the emperor about it shortly after Jia She told him about it.

"You also know that Chen's elder brother and Wang Ziteng can be regarded as relatives-in-law. Now their family has found Chen through his elder brother, and I just came to ask if there are other arrangements for Wang Ziteng in the coming year. So I can give his wife an explanation and send her back early. It’s not a good idea for his wife to spend a lot of money in the capital and trust people everywhere like a fly without a head. "

The emperor thought for a while, "It's not that there are any arrangements for him. It's just that there are many old generals in the capital. A military officer like Wang Ziteng who is in his prime should go out to practice. Since he doesn't want to stay outside, he wants to go back to the capital. It's okay, but there are no fat jobs anymore, you go back and tell Wang Ziteng's wife, let him ask Wang Ziteng, if he really wants to stay in the yamen, then hand over the booklet, and I will allow him to come back."

When Wang Ziteng's wife came to the door in person, the emperor's words were relayed to her through Mrs. Tong.

After hearing this, Wang Ziteng's wife was overjoyed, "Our master naturally wants to come back. Although his ancestral home is in Jinling, he grew up in the capital. Thanks to Lord Hou, I will write a letter to our master right now, and when our master returns to the capital, I will come to thank you Lord Hou."

When a major event was settled, Wang Ziteng's wife was very happy, and wrote a letter overnight, asking the housekeeper to find a suitable person to send her away, and devote herself wholeheartedly to Xue Pan's marriage.

Xue Pan's wedding was held a few days ago, but marrying a wife is completely different from taking a concubine.

To marry a wife, from the negotiation between the two families to the final return, the delay in the middle is too long, and the wedding is not over until the last step.In comparison, the woman carried in a small sedan chair has never visited the hall or relatives, and the wedding is extremely simple, which is concubine taking.

On this day, Wang Ziteng's wife was waiting at home for Xue Pan to bring his new wife to visit his uncle's house.

Although Wang Ziteng's wife was dissatisfied with Xue Pan's marriage to a girl from a merchant's family, in the end it was someone else's business and had nothing to do with him.

I heard early that this girl is beautiful, so today before they came, Wang Ziteng's wife prepared some hairpin jewelry for women, specially selected some exquisite ones and put them away, and prepared to give them to the new couple later. young married woman.

When the new daughter-in-law came to her home to visit her relatives, she was agile and seemed like a generous girl.However, when he received the gift, he pouted in front of his face.

Obviously, he was extremely dissatisfied with the gift, or it was due to the lack of tutoring. Children who were educated in normal homes would accept the gift even if they were not satisfied.Rarely does it show when it's in the hands.

However, Xue Pan didn't notice the behavior of the new daughter-in-law.Even because his daughter-in-law is beautiful, he is very happy these days, and he has a feeling of being proud of his horseshoe.

Then again, because this woman has little relationship with his family, Wang Ziteng's wife didn't take it seriously. She received them happily, but after seeing the performance of the new daughter-in-law, she also felt that it was boring. Some stayed and they sent people away after lunch.

On the way back, the new daughter-in-law Xia Jingui dumped all the jewelry from the tray on Xue Pan's head.

"What are you talking about relatives who are officials, rich people who have been rich for several lifetimes, I'm sorry. You can send beggars, you go and find out if I use such things. A gold hairpin is less than one or two weights, so it's embarrassing to say how many lifetimes. of wealth."

However, Xue Pan himself is a rough person, and he also thinks that the thicker and heavier the gold jewelry, the better, and he has been deceived by his wife's beauty these two days.I feel that even if my wife is a bit more aggressive, she is still a unique beauty.

Hurry up to restore the beauty's mood, "Our family has plenty of gold. Since you don't like the things my aunt gave you, you can take the gold yourself and find someone to beat some yourself."

Xia Jingui turned his anger into joy at this moment, and asked Xue Pan deliberately pretending to be gentle and careless, "How much gold, how much silver does our family have now? How much copper coins?"

"For the gold, silver, and copper coins in the house, you can ask your wife, who holds the key."

Xia Jingui's willow eyebrows stood on end, thinking that even if I want to move the money, I need the old woman's consent.

At that time, I was thinking about how to get the key.

Deliberately pretending to be virtuous, "My wife is old and has worked hard all her life. Why don't you give me the key and I will share some of it for her. Besides, she should enjoy the blessings, like the old lady of the Jia family next door, and be an old lady." It’s also a beautiful thing.”

Xue Pan drank some wine at the banquet, and started to feel sleepy. He didn't think about what his wife said, and promised him vaguely, "You have the final say on this matter."

Xia Jingui was satisfied and thought about going back, how to get the key out of her mother-in-law's hands, "People say that there is a lot of snow in a good year, and the Xue family's money will never be spent in a few lifetimes, I want to see if it is richer than our Xia family. "

I have this idea in my heart, when I get home.Find someone to help Xue Pan back to the room, and she went to talk to Mrs. Xue by herself.

Mrs. Xue was still waiting for them. Her son and daughter-in-law went to visit her natal family, and Mrs. Xue also got news that her brother would be back after a while.When the elder brother came back, their Xue family would have another one to rely on, so they thought about the daughter-in-law coming back and asking the sister-in-law what she was doing at home and what their family was lacking, and then they could make up for them.

Before Xia Jingui came back, Xue Baochai went to Mrs. Xue first.

"It's still the same words. Our wife sent me to borrow some money from you. What she means is that she said that in the past few days, we will pay you back when our family can turn around."

Mrs. Xue didn't take it seriously, "Such a trivial matter is not worth your return. Send someone to tell me, and I'll ask someone to send the money to you. After talking, I'm going to get the key to let someone open the cabinet and get some money." Give the silver to Xue Baochai."

Xue Baochai sighed, "Mom borrowed 100 taels today, 500 taels tomorrow, and 1000 taels the day after tomorrow. When will it be the first time? Even if our family has money, we can't support two families with the money of one family. "

"Look at what you said, kid, didn't I just want to make your life better..."

Before he could finish his sentence, the door outside was kicked open with a bang.

Xia Jingui rushed in with fire-spitting eyes, and threw a gun and stick at Xue Baochai. "Everyone talks about how the Rongguo Mansion is, and now I have seen it. It used to be based on borrowing money from relatives. People also said that the Xue family went to the Rongguo Mansion in the autumn, but I didn't expect that the entire Jia family would be supported by the Xue family. , What a great prestige."

Even if this was true, Xue Baochai was still very ashamed, her face was so red that she was about to bleed.

But she is the most able to bear it, "So my sister-in-law is back, and I met my aunt today, what did my aunt say?"

"Grandma, please don't talk to me like that. If my aunt doesn't come back a few times, I will be Amitabha."