The oil bottle of the Red Chamber

The third sister You got pregnant within a year of marriage, which caught the two unprepared people by surprise.

Especially Liu Xianglian, her parents died when she was young, and she has no siblings in her family. Although Liu's family still has some in-laws, they don't communicate frequently.That's why Liu Xianglian developed the temperament of wandering around at a young age.Over the years, although close friends and friends are spread all over the world, after all, they are not married.Only after marrying the third sister can I feel the benefits of having a family.

Now Third Sister You is pregnant again, and after a few months, he will be able to become a father.

Since then, the feeling of having a bloodline of flesh and blood is very delicate.Liu Xianglian's eyes were red with excitement, and she was stunned for a long time before she came back to her senses, and carefully helped Third Sister You, who didn't even show her belly, to sit on the bed, and asked the doctor about the woman's pregnancy. Things to avoid while pregnant.He even laid out paper and ink to write several sheets of details, and then called up the cook in the mansion and the maid who served Third Sister You and gave them detailed instructions.

You are not allowed to eat this one, you are not allowed to drink that one, and you are not allowed to go there... The third sister You leaned on the Babu bed and looked at Liu Xianglian's chattering appearance, and couldn't help laughing: "It's so precious anywhere. Don't be so sloppy." The sting of the scorpion made me nervous."

Liu Xianglian turned her head and said with a smile: "This is the first of our Liu family's generation, so don't be nervous. Besides, it's my first time being a father, so I'm naturally nervous. Wait for this to happen a few more times in the future. Maybe I'll be better."

Liu Xianglian was very excited when she got this good news suddenly.He didn't even choose to speak.

Third sister You laughed straight away.The maids and women standing in the yard listening to the training also pursed their lips and smiled.But Liu Xianglian didn't care, and still ordered the accountant to reward the servants, servants, maids and wives of the whole family with three months' monthly money, which can be regarded as the same joy and joy.

Seeing this, all the maids and women in the yard ran to the yard to kowtow to the old man and wife to congratulate him.

Liu Xianglian couldn't close her mouth from ear to ear, and hurriedly wrote two more letters home, and ordered people to send them back to Chang'an as quickly as possible.Inform the You family and the Chen family.

The third sister You looked at such a silly Liu Xianglian, she couldn't help but touched her still flat belly with a smile.

This is my first child.He was still so small that his still slender figure could not be seen at all.

Such a fragile life deserves the best cherish and protection.

Thinking of this, Third Sister You suddenly felt a hint of motherly love in her heart.

In order to ensure that she can raise her baby with peace of mind, Third Sister You even let go of the business in Xihai Bieyuan, and just stay at home to eat, drink and take care of her body.

In Chang'an, thousands of miles away, the elders of You and Chen's family were also very happy after receiving Liu Xianglian's family letter.

If it wasn't for Brother Bao to take care of at home, Mrs. Chen would have prepared a car and horse to go to Xihai Yanzi to take care of the third sister.

Even if she couldn't come in person, Mrs. Chen still asked her elder brother to invite two nuns who are best at protecting the fetus from the palace and send them to Xihai. At the same time, she searched for many old clothes that Brother Bao wore when she was a child and sent them over.

Because children's skin is the most tender, even if new clothes are made of the softest cloth, it is very easy to get red marks.It will be different if you wear clean old clothes. Not only are the clothes comfortable, but also wearing Baijia clothes is a good sign for accumulating good fortune.

It was two months later when the nurses, clothes and other items prepared by the Youchen family were delivered to Xihai Yanzi.

At that time, Third Sister You had been pregnant for five months, and her slim figure had become plump, but there were no other changes.Not as bad as some women.I can eat and sleep, and my life is more leisurely than when I was not pregnant.

Compared with Third Sister You's leisurely, Liu Xianglian is much more busy with official duties.As the story of Xi Haijun escorting sea merchants to the feudal country for trade and luring the skilled craftsmen of the feudal state with high-ranking officials and generous salaries spread in foreign countries, Xihai Yanzi gradually gathered many talented people who came from thousands of miles away.

Some of these people have real talents and real learning, or some are fake, some were lured back by Xi Haijun for profit, and some came here spontaneously after knowing the news, all to fight for a future.

Capable people from all over the world gather in Xihai, and there is still a steady stream of people who come to contribute.Regardless of whether these people have real skills or not, when they come to work, they are all equipped with skills that can make the court treat them differently.Not to mention the ability to make chime clocks, which everyone was envious of before, craftsmen who made large pieces of glass, such as the craftsmen who Liu Xianglian valued most, built strong ships, sharp guns and various firearms.

There are also some people who bring various formulas that they have designed all their lives, but they cannot get the support of the superiors in their own country, and they are even ridiculed.Hearing that the imperial court intends to recruit talented people, they all came to work with a glimmer of hope.

Liu Xianglian did not refuse anyone who came, and the future people were divided into several waves, some were sent to the shipyard, some were sent to the general prison, and some were placed in several newly built workshops in Xihai Yanzi.Most of the latter's main research and development are Western machines, including ornaments, large pieces of glass, full-length mirrors and other things that can make money.

In order to encourage research and development, Liu Xianglian even promised a lot of money. As long as these craftsmen can tinker with things and sell them at a good price, the court will not be stingy with rewards.

Because of these trivial matters, the busy Liu Xianglian never had a chance to accompany Third Sister You.Many times when Liu Xianglian returned home wearing stars and moons, the third sister You, who was pregnant, had already gone to bed.When Liu Xianglian got up early to go back to the camp the next day, Miss You still hadn't woken up...

Liu Xianglian was very ashamed in her heart.But when I think of the sage's importance and my own responsibilities, I don't want to neglect my duties.

Fortunately, hard work paid off, and Liu Xianglian's official affairs progressed very smoothly.The reason why those skilled craftsmen defected to the imperial court was only for fame and fortune.Now Liu Xianglian promised them gold and silver in official positions, and there must be brave men under heavy rewards. In just a few months, these craftsmen who came here with their own unique skills have made great progress.At least the large pieces of glass and the golden chiming clock that made the whole court covetous came out.

The remaining matters such as inlaying gold, inlaying treasures, designing patterns and other matters were assisted by the local craftsmen of the imperial court. After combining these things, the gold Ziming bell that was finally tinkered with was even more exquisite and luxurious than the tribute from foreign countries.

And this year's taxes on Xihai Yanzi have also increased by at least five times compared to last year because of Liu Xianglian's various measures to encourage maritime trade, as well as the gold chiming bell workshop and glass workshop bought by the imperial court.

It is simply the sum of the taxes paid by the king of Nan'an County for five years when he guarded Xihai.And one-third of this year's court tax.

When the people sent by Xihai Yanzi to pay tribute arrived in Chang'an, the civil and military officials of the Manchu Dynasty were shocked by the changes in Xihai Yanzi.I knew that Liu Xianglian was invincible in naval battles, but I didn't expect Liu Xianglian to have such a talent in economic governance.

Sure enough, it's not a family, so don't enter a family.

The civil and military officials sighed for a while, and then brought the topic to Chen Gui, Minister of the Household Department.

And when Liu Xianglian dispatched soldiers to escort taxes and tributes to Chang'an, she also brought a gold Ziming bell designed by a skilled craftsman as an annual gift to His Majesty.This gold chiming bell is three feet long and wide. It imitates the three-dimensional model of a sand table. The Qinzheng Hall of the Daming Palace is carved out of gold and jade. The figures inlaid with gold and treasures are lifelike.And after the golden bell was wound up, the music box device in the body can naturally imitate the ritual music played in the Daming Palace when the imperial court received foreign envoys.The emperor in dragon robes stood high above, and all civil and military officials in official uniforms sat down. Foreign envoys either stood outside the hall waiting to be summoned, or sat inside the hall to enjoy singing and dancing.And in the center of Qinzheng Hall, there are musicians and dancers playing music and dancing. The characters are so vividly portrayed that they seem to come alive.

When this exquisitely crafted, luxuriously shaped gold-inlaid treasure "Wan Bang Lai Chao" Gold Ziming Bell was sent to Chang'an, it immediately aroused the pursuit of many wealthy people in Chang'an City.

The sage was overjoyed when he saw this, and as soon as he received this golden chiming clock, he gave it to the old sage who lived in the harem to play with.At the same time, the imperial court's intention to establish a shipping department in the West Sea was also put on the court's discussion.The sage personally decreed that he would send officials to Xihai to set up a city shipping department after the spring of the next year.

In order to commend Liu Xianglian's meritorious service, the sage decreed that Liu Xianglian, the commander-in-chief of the original Xihai Division, be promoted to be the governor of Xihai.

Liu Xiangliannian and Ruoguan are in the second-rank high position, and the civil and military officials of the whole court are jealous and envious.But I have to admit that with Yiliu Xianglian's current achievements, it is of course not for her to be the envoy of Xihai Jiedu.

Not to mention how the civil and military officials in Chang'an City think, because the third sister You's body is heavier and it's not easy to toss, and Liu Xianglian was appointed as the governor of the West Sea for the first year. The saint personally ordered Liu Xianglian to guard the coast of the West Sea. No need to go to Beijing to continue working.

So the husband and wife spent a new year on the coast of the West Sea.

Although there are only two people, the civil servants and generals of Xihai Yanzi and the families Liu Xianglian has befriended also need to reciprocate.And because Miss You's body is too heavy to visit her, and Liu Xianglian is a high-ranking official now, so all the officials and nobles along the West Sea took advantage of the New Year's Eve to visit her. In the twenties of the first lunar month, people came every day, and they didn't feel deserted even though they were busy.

After the age passed, Liu Xianglian's official duties became more and more busy.You have to worry about the operation status of various workshops along the West Sea, even the cooperation with the Ministry of Households, and the shipping department that will be established after the New Year, as well as Liu Xianglian's most important thing, building strong ships and sharp guns, and various other things. The matter of firearms, as well as the inspection of the coastal defense by the West Sea Navy, and the training of soldiers... There are so many things waiting to be done, and sometimes when the busy Liu Xianglian comes to the house, it is already two or three o'clock in the middle of the night.

The third sister You stayed at home all day to raise her baby, and seeing Liu Xianglian working so hard, she simply learned the way of medicinal food, preparing to nourish Liu Xianglian's life.

The days flowed like this, and it was July again in a blink of an eye.

Third sister You started.

At that time, the third sister You was having breakfast with Liu Xianglian, and the general had two mouthfuls of porridge.My stomach suddenly hurts.

The bursts of pain made Third Sister You burst into cold sweat instantly.The whole person couldn't bear to fall down.Liu Xianglian immediately jumped up from the chair in a panic, took a strong step forward, and carried Third Sister You horizontally into the delivery room that had been prepared long ago.

But he was pushed out by four stable women.

Liu Xianglian panicked and was at a loss.Hearing the screams coming from the delivery room, Liu Xianglian was anxious like ants on a hot pot, running around under the window and in front of the door.In the end, I couldn't bear it anymore, and stood under the window and shouted loudly: "Don't be afraid, third sister, I'm right outside. I'll stay with you outside..."

The midwives and maids who brought hot water in the delivery room couldn't help laughing when they heard this.

Only the third sister You twitched in pain, her mind was muddled, and she instinctively listened to what Wen Po said.I don't know how long it took before I heard cheers from all over the room, and Granny Wen announced the good news loudly: "Congratulations, Mrs. He Xi, you are a healthy and smart young master..."

Only then did Third Sister You breathe a sigh of relief. Immediately, her eyes went dark, and she felt that all the strength in her body had receded like a tide. She was lying on the bed like a salted fish, sweating profusely all over her body, and she was struggling to breathe. Son.

Liu Xianglian, who was guarding outside, was ecstatic, and hurriedly stopped the nanny who came out of the delivery room and asked, "How is the third sister? How is brother?"

The nanny said with a smile all over her face, "Don't worry, master. Both mother and child are safe."

Only then did Liu Xianglian breathe a sigh of relief, and quickly said, "Can I go in?"

"It can't be done." Mammy stopped her in a hurry, and said, "I just gave birth to my brother, and the room is very messy. It needs to be tidied up."

Liu Xianglian nodded numbly, thought for a while, and shouted through the window: "Third Sister, take a rest, I'll go out and hang the bow and arrow first. I'll be with you later."

After finishing speaking, he dragged the maids and women in the corridor to give them good instructions, and ordered the kitchen to deliver the meals. After chatting for a long time, he took the boys out to hang bows and arrows.

At the same time, he sent his servants to wait for the good news everywhere.

When Liu Xianglian came back again, Third Sister You was lying on the bed with her brother.

The little brother was wrapped in a big red swaddle, and was sleeping peacefully with a bright red face.The third sister You was lying beside her brother with her arms pillowed on her pillow, gently patting the swaddling baby with one hand.

Seeing this scene, Liu Xianglian felt her heart melt.

He walked lightly to the edge of the bed and sat down gently, holding the hand of Third Sister You and whispered, "I'm tired."

Third Sister You smiled slightly, and replied softly, "What are you talking about?"

Liu Xianglian said again: "I have already sent people to deliver the letter to Chang'an City as quickly as possible."

Third Sister You nodded, and asked with a smile, "Have you thought about a name for my brother yet?"

Ever since the third sister You was pregnant, Liu Xianglian would read the book every day, saying that she wanted to choose the best name for her brother.It's a pity that several months have passed in the blink of an eye, but Liu Xianglian hasn't decided on a name yet.The children are all born now.I don't know if Liu Xianglian has a charter.

When Liu Xianglian heard the words, she smiled and said: "Think it over. There was a poem in "The Songs of Chu" saying that Huaijin held Yu, and our family's brother is called Huaijin, and his nickname is brother Jin. What do you think? ?”

"Brother Jin, Brother Jin..." Third Sister You said it several times before smiling, "I think it's very good."

The meaning is good, and the sound is also good.

On the third day after Third Sister You gave birth to Brother Jin, Mrs. Chen hurried over from Chang'an.

She came here in anticipation of the due date of Third Sister You's delivery.In addition to wanting to see the third sister earlier, it is also to help the third sister with the full moon ceremony and daytime.

After all, both of Liu Xianglian's parents died, and there was no reliable elder in the family.Before Third Sister You was preparing for marriage, she was taken care of by Jigu's old mother in the palace, but now that the child is born, it would not be appropriate for the old mother to help with the full moon.

And the third sister You just gave birth to her brother, and she still has to confine her.I really can't be tired.

The mother and daughter haven't seen each other for many years, so naturally they have something private to say.The Chen family looked at her grandson first as if she was a rare treasure, and lived in the same room with Third Sister You that night.Instead, Liu Xianglian was pushed into the guest room to live.

"...Your uncle's family, except for the old lady and the old man who is too old to be tired, the rest have also rushed here. Brother Jin will definitely be there before the full moon. Your eldest sister and second sister can also come. You The fourth younger sister got married last year, so she should have come here from Jiangnan. I was in a hurry to leave, so I didn't bring Brother Bao. Brother Bao had a lot of trouble at home, so I had to follow. In the end, it was your master After sending a message, he came here with your master. Both your master and your uncle took a two-month leave. If the saint hadn't looked at the face of your uncle and son-in-law, I'm afraid they wouldn't be able to accept this vacation..."

The night was as cool as water, and the third sister You of the Chen family lay side by side on the bed, and the third sister You slowly fell asleep in the unhurried voice of the Chen family, as the Chen family babbled about the family affairs in Chang'an City.

Everyone in the Chen family and You's father and son really dared to arrive at Xihai Yanzi when Brother Jin was full moon.At the same time, Chen Gui also brought a long life lock inlaid with gold and emerald green that the sage bestowed on Brother Jin.

Chen Ling was bouncing back and forth with Jin Ge'er, who was so big, and while looking at Jin Ge'er's eyebrows, he smiled in front of Liu Xianglian and said, "No wonder people say that my nephew looks like an uncle. Look at Jin Ge'er's eyebrows, eyes and nose." , It really looks like me."

Seeing Chen Rong's appearance, Liu Xianglian was almost speechless.

I don't know if it's because of the family background or what, when Chen Wei was young, he still had a bit of a gentleman's gentleness and restraint, but now that he is getting older, this temperament is getting closer to his father Chen Gui.And because he was born as a Hanlin scholar, besides, he is the son-in-law of Xu Zichuan, a famous scholar in the Qing Dynasty, and he has also been influenced by some of his father-in-law's great Confucian demeanor, and his whole person looks more and more bright like a bright moon.

Even the saint couldn't help but praise it a few times.It is only said that Chen Rong is "the green comes from the blue and is better than the blue."

He even praised Chen Gui as "there is a successor."

Liu Xianglian was naturally very angry with such an uncle who inherited her uncle's temperament.

Because of Liu Xianglian's high position and authority, Chen Gui and his son who came to participate in the full moon ceremony of Jin Ge'er were even more in the heart of the emperor, and Jin Ge'er's full moon ceremony in Xihai Yanzi was also very lively.

The guests are like a cloud, and the crowd is like a city, and there is an endless stream of people who come to express their congratulations.Especially the high-level generals of the Xihai Navy and the civil servants above the fifth rank in Xihai County are all here.

Chen Gui looked coldly at the impressive group of people at the full moon banquet, and was horrified to think of the King of Nan'an who supported himself by the West Sea.

Chen Gui has always had a temperament of planning ahead and being cautious.What he has always sought is the long-term foundation of the family, not the momentary glory.

Although it is well known that saints are not suspicious and ungrateful people, Xihai Yanzi is thousands of miles away from Chang'an. Now under Liu Xianglian's governance, it has strong soldiers and horses, and abundant food and money.In particular, the strong ships, sharp guns and various firearms that Liu Xianglian valued the most, became famous all over the world as the Xihai Navy repeatedly defeated the pirates who came to the border in the past year.

There are a lot of people in the court who are jealous of the fatness of Xihai Yanzi, and they all speak in front of the saint.

Although there is Chen Gui who is constantly mediating for Liu Xianglian to protect the saint, but as the soldiers and horses in Xihai Yanzi become stronger and stronger, the tax is getting richer, and those who are interested in slander, I really don't know the saint. Will there be suspicion.

Chen Gui thought of this, and took advantage of the full moon banquet to call Liu Xianglian into the study.Ask him bluntly, "You have been in Xihai Yanzi for three years. Have you ever thought about what to do next?"

Chen Gui originally thought that he would hear two kinds of arguments, one was that Liu Xianglian was reluctant to part with the foundation she created and did not want to leave here.One is that Liu Xianglian has a long-term plan and will think of a way to appease His Majesty.

But he never expected that after Liu Xianglian groaned for a while, she would ask, "Uncle, if I want to hang up my seal and leave... what do you think?"

Chen Gui was horrified when he heard the words, and asked incredulously, "What did you say?"

Liu Xianglian was silent for a while, and said: "Actually, I have planned this for a long time. Uncle, you also know that I am lazy by nature, and I have never considered becoming an official in the court. The reason why I have today's achievements is all because of my third sister. Because of my son. But I found that..."

Liu Xianglian narrated how she couldn't be with her when her third sister was pregnant because she was busy with business, and even had to work hard for her to make medicinal meals for herself.In the end, he said sincerely: "I am now a high-ranking and powerful person, and I have not failed His Majesty's trust. Even if I retire and return to my hometown at this time, it is not a half-way. Besides, with my current ability, I can also guarantee the third sister, mother and child. Don’t be oppressed by others, don’t worry about money and money. If that’s the case, why should I love power and position...Life is short, if you can’t stay with the one you love for the rest of your life, it’s a great achievement, what’s the use of it.”

Chen Gui was speechless.Never expected that Liu Xianglian would have such thoughts.

It saved his tongue.

It's just that although Liu Xianglian's idea is to stay with the third sister, it is still inappropriate after all.

Just because today is not a heroic figure of "the cunning rabbit dies, the lackey cooks, the birds are exhausted, and the good bow is hidden".Since the saint came to the throne, as long as he has assisted him and made no serious mistakes, he is now a person of high power or enjoys honor.

Liu Xianglian is so highly valued nowadays, even at the time when he was weak, he must have placed hope in Liu Xianglian.

Now Liu Xianglian is leaving in order to be able to stay with his first wife and keep the seal. Those who know will say that she has a good character, but those who don't know will just guess that a saint is too much to tolerate.

Chen Gui wanted to keep his family safe forever, but he didn't want to hurt the saint either.So he remonstrated with Liu Xianglian: "When I return to Beijing this time, I will advise the saint and transfer you back to Chang'an... Now the matter of building strong ships, sharp guns and firearms in Xihai Yanzi has achieved results. The saint intends to let the provinces Follow the example of Xihai Yanzi. He also intends to build a firearms battalion in Beijing. It just so happens that Mr. Yang, Minister of the Ministry of War, is old and feels that his energy is not good. The post of Shangshu is now vacant. I can suggest to His Majesty that you take over the Ministry of War and take charge of the newly built Firearms Battalion. The saint will definitely agree..."

"When the time comes, you will bring Sanjie and Brother Jin back to Chang'an. The Minister of the Ministry of War will have almost nothing to do on weekdays except during the war. You can also relax."

This idea hit Liu Xianglian's wish.He readily agreed.

It's just that Jin Ge'er is too young now, so he can't help running around and working hard, hoping to wait until Bao Ge'er is over one year old before returning to Chang'an.

This is also a reasonable thing.What's more, Liu Xianglian served as Jiedu envoy in Xihai Yanzi, and he was transferred after five years, which was more in line with the court's rules.