By Jia Xiuzhen

Taoist Cangpu took out a black cloth basket from under the stone platform, threw the wooden sign into it, and covered the outside with a piece of linen.Dot a few thin sticks of white wax on the four corners, sit cross-legged, and mutter something.But he was reciting the "Soul Calling Mantra" unique to his teacher.

This set of rituals was originally prepared for if a direct disciple dies outside, I am afraid that there is a wish in his heart that has not been fulfilled, and the meeting with the soul can help him fulfill his last wish in this world, and help him to be reincarnated without any worries.Who knew that this time he had been recruited for half a day and still disappeared, Taoist Cangpu couldn't help feeling suspicious.

Then he got up and changed the candles, lit new ones, and added a heavy curtain outside.But still no reaction.If the enemy's family hit a heavy hand, and their souls were scattered, the wooden sign should also be smashed.Now that the wooden sign is in good condition, it means that his soul has not been damaged, could it be that he has already reincarnated?Not so fast.Or is there not enough Yin Division ghosts nowadays, and this dead ghost has been coaxed into reincarnation?It's just that the corpse is still there, the earth soul looks at the corpse, why can't it bring it back?

The more he thought about it, the more confused he became.Again, I tried several times, but still got nothing.When I came back this time, I came here for this matter, but I didn't know it was the result.So there was no further delay, and I was secretly glad that the disciples of Guanzhong should not be in a hurry to bury the body after they got it back that day. I originally wanted to wait for the younger brother's last wish before performing a grand burial, but now it seems that this question may be more serious on the corpse.He greeted the disciples and grandchildren brought along, and rushed to the capital again.

At this time, the Grand View Garden was bustling with activity, and it was a coincidence that several relatives rushed to a place northward, met on the way and made friends, and happened to arrive at Jia's mansion together today.Li Wan learned that his widowed aunt and her two daughters were among this group of relatives, and hurriedly followed them to the room to meet each other.

Jia Mu is old and the most lively, especially she has always liked girls who are born neat and bright.Among the people who came back now, not to mention Li Wan's two cousins, there is also Xue Baochai's cousin named Baoqin, and Mrs. Xing's brother's daughter named Xing Xiuyan, all of them are very handsome.According to Baoyu's evaluation in his heart, he is no worse than his sisters in his family.

Especially Bao Qin, she is young, she looks as bright as a rose in spring, and she has a delicate and naive energy, which makes Jia's mother happy.For a while, he couldn't care less about other things, first he forced Mrs. Wang to recognize her as a goddaughter, and then asked people to pack up their things and bring them with them to raise them.This Xue Baoqin originally went to Beijing with his elder brother Xue Biao to prepare to marry, and he was going to join Aunt Xue's family. Now seeing that Xue's family is also staying with Jia's family, and seeing that Jia's mother stays with her like this, she doesn't refuse and just lives in the house. to Jiamu's place.

Jia's mother also kept Aunt Li Wan's family with Xing Xiuyan, only saying that the house is big, so it would be nice to let their girls' house be lively and lively together.Aunt Li didn't want to stay at first, but she saw that Jia's mother was struggling to stay, and it would be unsightly to resign, so she had no choice but to follow.Naturally, their family lived with Li Wan.

Xing Xiuyan is a relative of Mrs. Xing's side. Sister Feng made some calculations and arranged her with Yingchun.Mother Jia asked another girl and woman to be added, and so on.

Besides, it took Li Wan and others a long time to recognize their relatives at Jiamu's place to reminisce about the old days, and it took them a long time to think that they were very tired after coming from a long distance.Seeing that Sister Feng had made arrangements, she led her back to Daoxiang village.

When I got to the place and took a look, Aunt Li smiled and said, "It's interesting here."

Li Wan also smiled: "There are also many places to see in this garden. After you rest today, I will take you around tomorrow."

That's all for Aunt Li, her two cousins, Li Wen and Li Qi, were very happy when they heard this.Aunt Li's family was strict, and although they were happy in their hearts, they didn't dare to show it on their faces, and they all thanked Li Wan in unison.

Because Daoxiang Village was built in imitation of a village back then, although they are not completely similar, there are many more houses than the few exquisite houses nearby.After asking Aunt Li what she meant, Li Wan arranged all three of them, mother and daughter, into a house next to the branch of Shishan Mountain.There are three rooms, one bright, two dark, Aunt Li lives in the east room, Li Wen and sisters Li Qi live in the west room, and the middle room is for guests.

Sister Feng sent someone to pack up the bedding, quilts, curtains and other things and bring them over. Mother Chang took Suyun and Biyue to tidy up.They walked around with their waiters close to them, and told them about the rules and so on, without going into details.

In the evening, Jia Mu held a banquet in the flower hall to cleanse the crowd. After the banquet, she stayed with Baoqin, and the rest also dispersed.Li Wan looked at the newcomers, and saw that although Xing Xiuyan came from a humble background, he spoke and acted in a very harmonious manner. Although he was in this rich and beautiful place, he did not show any embarrassment or admiration.I can't help feeling a little pity in my heart.

When he was able to return to the garden, he specially stayed a few steps behind and asked Yingchun: "Is it going well for the Xing family's sister to be placed with you?"

Yingchun smiled and said: "How can she be our wife's niece, although these slaves are naturally snobbish, they dare not be too unruly."

Li Wan nodded, she knew in her heart the methods of the servants in this mansion, and she was afraid that there would be no way out when she wanted to trample others overtly or secretly?Only Yingchun, like her, has a careless temperament, and I'm afraid it's hard to take care of her.She still has a few shrewd nuns here, and Yingchun probably only has Siqi embroidered oranges available.

Then he said to Siqi: "When you have any difficulties in your place, you don't have to bother the second grandma. She has a lot of things in a day. Just talk to me, and I can help if I can, and there is no need to make everyone noisy. You know, it’s not pretty.”

Siqi and Xiuju are no fools. Hearing what Li Wan said at this moment, they all understood what he meant, and said with a busy smile: "If you have any troubles, you must go to ask grandma. Only grandma will not complain when the time comes." We'll be fine."

Li Wan just smiled.

Turning back, she told Bi Yue: "Let Miao Er inquire about the second girl's affairs, and if there is anything, please let me know."

Mother Chang and the others laughed and said, "Grandma is really too. She is so calm on weekdays, and that little screwdriver was nicknamed 'Big Bodhisattva'. Now an unreliable relative Girl, take care of yourself. I'm not afraid that my sister-in-laws will find it interesting if they find out!"

Li Wan said with a smile: "How can we talk about the fate of people and people! Look at the old lady, even Sister Lin and Baoyu just packed up a green gauze cupboard or warm pavilion for them to live in. Now Xue The second girl, it hurts so much that she didn't even let the house be tidied up, and she just moved to the old lady's room. Let her sleep on the old lady's bed at noon. You should talk about it!"

Nanny Chang also laughed: "It means to learn from others, so we have nothing to say!"

Li Wan asked why his aunt came to Beijing this time. Aunt Li sent Li Wen and Li Qi to the back first, and then said to Li Wan, "Your two sisters are not young anymore. Your uncle is gone, and neither is your father." Now, there is no decent person in the family who can take care of things. After listening to a few words earlier, I actually put my mind on these two girls! How can this be possible! Although I am only a woman, I can’t Let people calculate like this.

So he thought about taking them to Beijing.Although my parents are gone, my two brothers are fine.After all, there are many talents in Beijing, and we don't seek wealth and illustriousness. We only want to find two people who are down-to-earth and motivated.It's worth it to pay them all the money of the family. "

Li Wan nodded and said: "I think it should be the case. In this case, Auntie might as well stay here for a longer time. There is a lot of business and entertainment in this mansion all year round. It is easier to find the right person."

Aunt Li had a troubled expression on her face: "Our... even if we are relatives of our natal family... I'm afraid you won't be able to do it well."

Li Wan comforted with a smile: "Auntie, don't worry. Our old lady likes to be lively. She always said that the family is small now, and it is not as lively as before. Therefore, our wife's sister, Aunt Xue, is here. , so she stayed and was not allowed to leave. Now she lives in the courtyard of a detached courtyard at the back of the mansion. Her daughter lives in this garden with us. On weekdays, when relatives come and go, they all take care of them like their own girls. It’s gone. It’s Miss Xue Er this time, it’s not the same pain or something. Auntie just stay at ease, only good.”

Aunt Li thought that if she didn't live in Li Wan's place, she would go to join her brother, where her sister-in-law was also in charge, and getting along with the same relatives might not be much better.She had the intention to rent a yard by herself, but the widowed mother brought two girls, a family of female relatives, and did not bring a few strong servants of the family, so it was not safe.Hearing what Li Wan said, he simply put his mind at ease, and lived here first to see if there was anything wrong, it would not be too late to move out.

Then Li Wan talked to her about the trivial matters of the two families and gossip about Jia Lan.Aunt Li heard that Jia Lan had been studying in Liancheng Academy for many years, and sighed: "When the news of your place spread to the south, I was also sad for you. Fortunately, you have an older brother who is struggling, and finally there is It's just a hope. Unlike me, I have to make plans for these two girls. It's just that in this world, women's life is not easy. No matter how I plan, it still depends on my destiny, but I can't."

Li Wan had to comfort her with words, and the two of them talked until late at night before breaking up.

Two days later, Biyue whispered to Li Wan: "The women and mothers at the second girl's house all complained that Miss Xing gave little rewards, and they always shirk and slack off when they give orders. But Miss Xing is very easy-going. These days I only went to Changcui Nunnery a few times, and I seem to be an old acquaintance with Miaoyu." After saying that, he secretly looked at Li Wan's face.

Li Wan noticed it, and said with a smile, "What else do you want to say?"

Bi Yue blushed: "No... I think, since Miss Xing is so close to Master Miao, Grandma doesn't like her anymore."

Li Wan laughed: "How do you say that?"

Bi Yue said: "Grandma doesn't like Master Miao? Miss Xing is very close to Master Miao. My brother said that like attracts like, maybe it's not the temperament Grandma likes..."

Li Wan laughed and said: "Your words make sense at first glance. How can you say that it's just about getting along with people? For example, you hate eating stuffed black bean paste, but Miaoer doesn't like it." I like this taste very much, so you ignore her and don't love her because of it?"

Bi Yue said: "What's the matter, she can eat it if she likes it. Next time I get some black bean stuffing, I'll give her all of it too. It'll be good if I make it twice."

Li Wan said with a smile: "That's it! Why did you say it just now! Miss Xing has an old relationship with Miaoyu, that's their business. How can I not like her because of it? You are a child. A gang?"

Bi Yue nodded and said, "Sure enough! I said Grandma definitely doesn't like Master Miao!"

Li Wan was stunned, and Fang remembered that he had fallen into this girl's trap.Looking at Biyue with a suddenly calm face, I am afraid that the person who played the trick didn't know that he just played a trick on his master, and coaxed her to admit that he really didn't like Miaoyu.God knows, she never said that!

Put this head down, and turn around to think about Xing Xiuyan.This poverty is the hardest to save.First of all, as the saying goes, "Poverty is not the cause", this poverty is just a result, and I don't know what is the reason behind it.As long as the reason is still there, no matter how much you throw it, it will be like throwing it into the water, and there will be no movement.Secondly, there are many people in this world who are ashamed of being poor.You stretched out your hand to help him, but you slapped him in the face. If you really feel shame and hatred because of this, wouldn't you be wronged.

Li Wan thought about it, but didn't do anything.Only this day, Nanny Chang sent a large box of green money to Yingchun, telling her that it was the bonus money from the workshop this year.Seeing this, Yingchun smiled secretly, and asked Siqi to share half of it with Xing Xiuyan, and said: "Take it as a reward. This thing is for this purpose. It should be scattered around the yard, and you don't have to go with me." polite."

Xing Xiuyan knew that it was her good intentions, and that she really didn't have the money to reward everywhere according to their rules, so she thanked Yingchun and asked the girl to keep it for daily use.Seeing her acting like this, Yingchun also liked her a little bit in her heart.Pulled to talk, but I didn't expect that at such a young age, Xing Xiuyan would gain a lot from studying Buddhist scriptures, and the two chatted more and more speculatively.Later, even Xichun joined in, making it even more lively.