Prequel to the Red Chamber: I Am the Second Wife

After returning home, Zili told her mother that she was tired. Mrs. Tang saw that her complexion was not good, and sighed, "You have seen what happened today. The emperor wants to protect King Wei because of the deep love between father and son. However, the grandson and The queen has always been reluctant to let go of the king of Wei. Your grandfather and father are not easy to intervene, and asking your son-in-law to be that seat is just because of his old father-in-law. I have pity on you." Madam Tang lowered her voice and pulled Zili in a low voice. several times.

This is at home, what is there to hide?Zili was a little surprised by Mrs. Tang's attitude, but just as the question came to her lips, she suddenly understood with a shudder that the emperor's eyes and ears are all over the world, and the Wang family is not monolithic.Eunuch Wei, beside the emperor, is in charge of the world's criminal investigation, so maybe their family has the emperor's eyes and ears.Going a step further, Zili wondered if there were mysterious people around Jia Zheng and Jia's family?Zili nodded: "Don't worry, mother, we will deal with it carefully. We always do things for the court, where the law is, and we can't mess with the rules."

Mrs. Tang looked at her daughter and said reluctantly, "You are leaving and don't know when we will see you again." Zili comforted her mother for a while: "Mother, don't worry, our family will be reunited again, please take care of mother and father. Body." The mother and daughter comforted each other for a while before they separated.

Zili returned to his yard, and when he entered the door, he saw a lot of things, "Where did they come from? I don't think they were rewarded by the empress and Emperor Liang." On the table were children's things, Among them were some delicate toys, Zili picked them up and took a closer look. One was a delicate Luban lock, made of emerald jade, delicate and delicate.There is also a big box, lacquered mother-of-pearl and open it, there are square-inch-sized plaques, one by one are written and classified according to the sound and rhyme. They can be used as literacy cards for children. When they get bigger, they can also be used as rhyme card boxes. For writing poems.So delicate, so elegant!I can't put it down as an adult. "It was sent by the Lin family. The Lin family also said that their old lady heard that the second master and the second mistress were coming to the capital, and invited the second master and the second mistress to come over as guests." Mingqian brought the girl up to help Zili change clothes.

Jia Min is married to Lin Ruhai, who is also in the capital.Jia Zheng and Zili brought a lot of things to Jia Min when they came to the capital, and now that they have received the things, they will naturally return the gifts.Zili thought that Jia Zheng would not be able to stay long in the capital this time, and she would have to fight everyone Lai. If she didn't want her to take Jia Zhu back to Jinling, she would naturally not be in the mood to visit the Lin family.It's just that the Lin family has already invited her. Jia Min is Jia Zheng's biological sister. It's not easy for a married daughter in this era to see her natal family once. Now that the Lin family has expressed their attitude, they have to go and see

"Where are the people from the Lin family? Are they still there?" Zili asked about the people of the Lin family, and they didn't know how Jia Min's life was in the Lin family. Zili had asked Mrs. Tang about Jia Min's situation during this visit.Mrs. Tang said that she did not have close contact with the Lin family. Although she met several times, she did not have much in-depth conversation.Jia Min looks pretty good, she should be doing well.

The people of the Lin family sent things and passed on the news. They heard that grandma had entered the palace, and the second master was not at home, so he left.They said that the second master and the second grandma had decided on the time, so they asked someone to inform them first, and they also prepared a banquet for entertainment.Now that their family is gone, does grandma want to wait for the second master to come back to discuss it?Xiao Ai served the tea and reported the situation back and forth.

Let's wait for the second master to come back.Before Zili could say a word, Jia Zheng came back.Looking at Jia Zheng's dusty face, his clothes were stained with dust: "Where have you been, you are leaving in a few days, why do you still want to go out for a horse race?"

"I greeted the old man on the mountain. It's just that the old man is meditating and he doesn't want to see me. I don't want to stay on the mountain, so I hurried back. You went to greet the empress and it went well." Jia Zheng looked disappointed and said directly He picked up Zili's teacup and poured it down in one gulp.He was completely at a loss as to what the emperor meant by putting him in Qingzhou. Today, being forced to do nothing, Jia Zheng simply went up the mountain to pay Wang Changchun's peace, in order to ask the old man for advice.Mr. Neil didn't see him at all, and Jia Zheng's heart became more and more uncertain.I just think that Qingzhou is a dangerous place, if there is a trouble, it will capsize.

"You man, what can you do later! I followed my mother into the palace today. The empress looks good, and I saw the grandson Liangdi and the eldest son. The empress likes Zhu'er..." Zili saw Jia Zheng. The anxious face did not add fuel to the fire, but slowly talked about the situation in the palace today.

"That's something for later, no wonder I don't know how to live now." Jia Zheng interrupted Zili depressedly, staring at the teacup on the table in a daze: "Today, after receiving the letter from Mr. Zhou and Mr. Shan, they directly I’ve gone to Qingzhou.” Without the staff and counselors and the guidance of the elders, Jia Zheng, who had just become an official and made some sense, found a big problem.

"This is not something that will happen in the future, don't you understand? The emperor loves the king of Wei and can't bear to see his grandson and son fight each other, and his own family kills each other, but the grandson and queen have already made love to the king of Wei—" Zili said. A decisive gesture continued: "Since the emperor asked you to go to Qingzhou to be the prefect, it is probably to see that you are serious about things, and it is also to test my grandfather and father's intentions. If you used to carry out the emperor's will with peace of mind, it naturally shows that my grandfather and father My father has no dissent. It was probably when my grandfather went to Shangshu to fight for the throne, the emperor was worried that my grandfather would make trouble for a minister of meritorious service."

The queen is naturally on the side of her grandson. I am so unlucky that both sides force me!Jia Zheng immediately understood the current situation and complained to his wife in annoyance.

I figured it out, in fact, you don't need to care about the emperor's intentions, let alone the Taisun's face, you go to Qingzhou to see what the king of Wei wants.You don't have to worry about him being a prince in peace, the emperor and grandson are at ease.I'm afraid that King Wei himself was confused and wanted something that didn't belong to him.At that time, you only need to act in accordance with the court's laws.If the king of Wei had to make a fuss first, the emperor would not tolerate it anymore.By the way, the third sister's family sent something and asked us to go there.can you goZili asked Jia Zheng about going to the Lin family.

This is of course necessary, not to mention that my brother-in-law and I are also friends of the same year.After hearing Zili's words, Jia Zheng gradually felt at ease.Some things are better faced together than alone.

The next day Zili and Jia Zheng went to visit the Lin family.After meeting the old lady of the Lin family, after exchanging pleasantries, the old lady of the Lin family looked at Zili and Jia Zheng with a smile and said, "It's rare for relatives to meet. I am very happy to hear that you have come to the capital. I have always heard that the second master of the Jia family is young and capable." Why, seeing you today is really well-deserved. Now that you’re here, let’s go after dinner. My family, Lin Hai, has been talking about you. Please ask the second uncle to talk outside. What we women and Taoists say are all parents’ short stories, and you don’t like to listen to them .” Jia Zheng stood up, apologized to Mrs. Lian, and followed Lin Ruhai out.

Zili has been quietly looking at the old lady of the Lin family. She has long heard that the old lady of the Lin family is a capable person. When she met a real person today, she couldn't help sweating for Jia Min.This old lady is unusual.Back then, Lin Ruhai's grandfather was gone, and only Lin Ruhai's father had a son. Some offshoots of the Lin family coveted their orphans and widows and wanted to carve up their family's property and title.

Unexpectedly, the old lady of the Lin family was not an old lady who was bullied by anyone. She took her son who was still a child, and even ran to the palace to sue the emperor.In the end, of course, the old lady won a big victory, embracing the title and property of the Lin family.Zili used to think that the old lady of the Lin family won the lawsuit by relying on her status as princess.Only when she met the real person today did she realize that just relying on her status, she might not be able to have such a city and a heart.

While Zili was looking at the old lady, the old lady was also looking at Zili.Let's exchange pleasantries first, when the old lady of the Lin family asked about the situation of the Jia family, Zili answered them one by one. "At the beginning, my master was ordered to go to the south of the Yangtze River on business. I didn't expect to get married. I like your aunt very much. Since she got married, the family has become much more lively." Mrs. Lin's tone is very sincere, but the words are in Zili's ears Here, it seems that Jia Min has climbed the Lin family.People still look down on it a bit.

Although Zili is not as enthusiastic towards Jia Min as before, after all, she is a girl from the Jia family, and she can't write two characters of Jia in one stroke. Zili said with a smile: "My girl has been spoiled and spoiled since she was a child. There are whole families who regard her as the apple of their eye. In fact, I don’t blame others for loving her. No matter her appearance or character, she is really attractive. Although our aunt and sister-in-law haven’t been together for a long time, they are better than their own sisters. My family Thinking about our coming to the capital, my wife specially asked to see my younger sister. My wife also said that she was weaker since she was a child, and asked the old lady and the wife here to take care of it. Waiting for our old lady's filial piety period to pass, She also has to go to the capital to visit her in-laws and wives in person." What Zili said was that Jia Min is also her parents' heart, and even though she married far away, it doesn't mean that she will follow you to bully her.Listening to Zili's words, the old lady of the Lin family showed no expression, but the look in her eyes that looked at Zili was no longer contemptuous or ignorant.

"Don't dare to work on your wife. I treat this granddaughter-in-law like my own granddaughter. It's a pity that my family is weak, and Lin Hai doesn't have any brothers and sisters to help. Now that we are married, the Lin family has an additional relative." Mrs. Lin He expressed his hope to have a good relationship with Jia's family.Just talking about the girl's voice outside: "Grandma is here." Zili stood up and took a few steps to the door, and saw Jia Min coming with a strange girl with her head down.

Waiting for Jia Min to approach, Zili discovered that the girl behind Jia Min turned out to be the joy of being married as a dowry. In the past, not only Jia Min was beautifully dressed and magnificent, but the girls around her were also dressed better than those from a well-off family outside. The girl is fine.The two big girls with a tael of silver around Jia Min were all covered in silk and jewels on their heads.When did you see Xile Ankang wearing muslin clothes, with just a touch of makeup on her face, and a jasper hairpin on her head, without even a pearl.

Jia Min also lost the sophistication and luxury of being at home. Although she has not lost her dignity, she has become very plain in terms of the color and style of the fabric.When Jia Min looked up and saw Zili froze, she turned around and stepped forward excitedly, her eye circles turned red before she could open her mouth as she held Zili's hand.Surrounded by the servants of the Lin family, Zili hurriedly interrupted Jia Min's sadness and said with a smile, "Your old lady was still talking about you just now, but you have come here. Compared with the third sister at home, the complexion is much better."

Jia Min understood, forced a smile and said, "My sister-in-law is here. I am very happy to hear that my sister-in-law is coming to the capital. I heard about the old lady, but unfortunately I can't go back. It's nothing to tell the old lady to love me!" After talking about Jia Min, he dared to cry justifiably, and Zili hurriedly comforted Jia Min: "Your second brother and I are also very regretful, and we couldn't see the old lady for the last time." A girl from the Lin family came over and said, "Please invite the second grandma Go and sit." Jia Min hurriedly wiped away her tears and Zili went over.

Madam Lin said: "Your natal family is here today, so you don't have to follow the rules and come down and talk." Jia Min didn't dare to sit down, she looked at Zili as if she had something to say.Seeing that Jia Min was like a mouse to a cat in front of the old lady of the Lin family, Zili felt anxious and knew that Jia Min must not be very comfortable on weekdays.She hurriedly stood up and said to Mrs. Lin: "I don't dare to bother you too much. Why don't we ask my third sister to take me to see the wife. I won't disturb the old lady's rest." Zili didn't want to talk to the old lady either. In vain, he made excuses to be alone with Jia Min.

How could the old lady not know what Zili meant, she smiled and said to a girl next to her, "I'm getting old, and my spirit is getting shorter and shorter. Please don't be offended by Second Mistress, let me rest my old bones. Cui Zhu, hello, accompany the second grandma to see your wife." A girl came out and agreed, and Jia Min and Zili left.

With a tail behind him, Jia Min could only swallow back what he had been wanting to say for a long time.Cuizhu, on the other hand, had a humble face and led a group of maids and women to surround Zili and Jia Min towards Mrs. Lin's yard. The atmosphere was awkward along the way, and Jia Min stared at Zili pretty well, but because of the surrounding She was like a dull gourd as a servant, unable to speak a word.Zili looked at the situation, but she couldn't do anything in other people's house, she just walked with her head depressed.

The weird atmosphere made everyone feel uncomfortable, but Cuizhu talked to Zili calmly, talking about the origin of this house, pointing to a small Taihu stone and saying: "This Taihu stone has a history, it is said to be The relics left by Song Huizong Hua Shigang were dedicated to Emperor Taizu, and Emperor Taizu gave it to our old lady's father. Later, when the old lady got married, she brought it here as a dowry. The hole in it You can still see the original inscription inside." Zili listened to Cuizhu flaunting the relationship between the house and the royal family, she echoed, admiring from time to time.But Jia Min beside him looked indifferent, a sneer and mockery flashed in Cui Zhu's eyes.

When they arrived at Mrs. Lin's main room, they exchanged pleasantries. Mrs. Lin was an extremely gentle and honest person. She first said hello to Mrs. Jia, and then expressed her condolences for the death of Mrs. Jia's family.After exchanging pleasantries, Mrs. Lin said to Jia Min: "Since your sister-in-law is here to see you, you can take her to talk about yourself." Jia Min's eyes lit up when she heard her mother-in-law's words, and she hurriedly stood up In response, Zili stood up and resigned, Mrs. Lin followed Jia Min.

At the door, Zili saw that Cuizhu still followed them and didn't want to go back, she stopped and smiled at Cuizhu: "I'm new here, I don't know anything, please trouble me."

Cui Zhu hurriedly said: "What orders does Second Mistress have, I am a servant who can't afford to be a troublemaker, so please don't trouble me."

"When your grandma was at home, she liked to eat the exquisite dim sum in the south. Our wife loved her girl so much that she asked to bring something. There were fresh pigeon eggs in it. I was worried that the servants would break them clumsily, although the pigeon eggs It's worthless, but it's also the wife's wish. Please ask Miss Cuizhu to go over and tell them. I won't abduct your grandma and run away, right? I know your old lady, the wife likes her, and I'm afraid I will abduct her. That's why I told you to look at me." Zili looked at Cuizhu with a half-smile, and made it clear that she didn't want her to poke her in front of her.

Cui Zhu frowned, and hurriedly said with a smile: "Second Grandma is such a witty person, both the old lady and the wife like Grandma. I'll give her a little grievance. I'll just go and watch the servants pack their things. If Second Mistress has any orders, just call me. This is my duty as a servant." Cui Zhu took a look at Jia Min and left.

Back in Jia Min's room, Jia Min pulled Zili's eyeballs and they fell off.Seeing Jia Min crying sadly, Zili thought how much abuse she had suffered in the Lin family.Unexpectedly, Jia Min cried for a while, choked up and said: "If you know how to marry, I would rather you stay at home and never get married." Zili could only hehe when he heard Jia Min's words.Two girls, Xi Le and An Kang, came over and complained to Zili: "Their family rules are very strict, and the girl is pitiful. She has to serve the wife and the old lady every day. The old lady in their family is the one who doesn't rub the sand in her eyes. The girl stood over there for an hour, staring at serving tea and handing things. When the old lady talked, the girl had to listen attentively. If she just listened and did not make a sound, the old lady would say that the girl was not paying attention. Studying, or losing face. If the girl interjects too much, she will be disgusted." Ankang and Xile babbled, talking about small things in daily life.Zili listened to the complaints of the two girls one by one, while Jia Min was choked up with grievances. She knew that Jia Min was really used to being pampered at home, and she couldn't adapt to being a wife at all.The old lady of the Lin family came from a noble background, with a big air and many rules. Mrs. Lin is a temperless person, or her temper has long been worn out by the old lady Lin.

Jia Min has always been spoiled, she even forgot how Jia Zheng and Jia She's daughter-in-law served the old lady and Jia Mu when they were in her natal home. "Don't say a word. My aunt is here alone and she wants you to explain it to me. What about you? You complain all day long. You instigated me to spoil my aunt when she was fine. Since you are a daughter-in-law, it's your duty to serve your parents-in-law. It’s no longer right for you to complain in private, but you dare to say it out loud so that people will think it’s your master complaining about your parents-in-law and elders behind your back. How can you girl hold your head up in front of others if this reputation spreads out!” Zili ruthlessly He gave Ankang and Xile a hard look. The two girls thought they were in Jia's house, but they were girls' girls at that time.Who doesn't give them some face, Ankang Xile is just the dowry girl of the young mistress when they arrive at the Lin family. The Lin family and the Jia family have different habits and customs.Being a servant in Lin's family might not be as comfortable as Jia's, Ankang Xile complained first, and whispered in Jia Min's ear.The arms couldn't twist the thighs. Didn't their instigation intentionally prevent Jia Min from adapting to the life of the Lin family as soon as possible?

After being taught a lesson by Zili, both Ankang and Xili shut up, and Zili turned to comfort Jia Min: "I know you came here alone, their family's customs are different from ours, each family has its own habits, since you have married , I think your mother-in-law and brother-in-law treat you well. Don’t let them down, get used to their family life as soon as possible, and get used to it slowly for a few days. But don’t hold back any grievances you have, I am sad alone. Men are careless. You don’t have to carry it all day when you and your brother-in-law are in private. Considering that she comes from a tall family, and she is the only son who can support the family for so many years, she must be serious. You just have to worry about it. Old people have a bit of a weird temper. You are a junior with a sweet mouth and bright eyes Just keep your feet up and make the old lady happy. Being a daughter-in-law is different from a girl, so don’t be shy sometimes, just tell some jokes with a cheeky face, and everyone will pass with a smile.”

Zili taught Jia Min the tricks of being a daughter-in-law. Jia Min was really a princess in her natal family, and it was because others looked at her. She suddenly came to the Lin family and married a woman. She really couldn't adapt to the change of status all at once.Think about how others were holding her and looking at her face in the past, but suddenly it became the face of Jia Min looking at others, she stood when others were sitting, and she stood when others were eating.Compared with before, it's a world of difference, not to mention that Jia Min would go crazy if he changed someone casually.Jia Min listened to Zili's words in silence for a long time, she is a smart person, she can quickly understand who is right.

"The second sister-in-law is sincere to me, and it's my fault that I was too self-willed before, so I didn't think of this. From now on, I will definitely not complain about myself and live a good life." Jia Min wiped the corners of his eyes with a handkerchief, and talked about homely things with Zili talk. "Why don't you see Zhu'er? I heard that my second elder brother and second sister-in-law are very happy to have a little nephew. Anyway, I was free, so I made some clothes for him." Jia Min asked the girl to bring up some bellybands and clothes she made herself. Small clothes, the patterns on them are exquisite and extraordinary.Zili said: "I originally wanted to bring Zhu'er here, but Zhu'er got a little hot in the morning and dared not take him out for a shower. See you later. I accept your wish, this kind of flower is you It can be embroidered. I advise you to take a break and ask an imperial doctor to take care of your body. You have been married for a while, but there is good news. I specially prepared a few catties of high-quality donkey-hide gelatin for you. The girl melted the rice wine with rice wine and drank a spoonful of it every day to nourish the blood. You are always weak, so don’t do things that you can’t do yourself. The important thing is to take care of your body and have a baby.”

The Lin family has been passed down for several generations, and the population is small. The pressure on Jia Min can be imagined.Hearing Zili's words, Jia Min's face flushed slightly, and he faltered, "Sister-in-law will make fun of me." Judging from Jia Min's reaction, the relationship between Lin Ruhai and his wife should be good.Zili also had selfish intentions in preparing supplements for Jia Min's health. Of course, she hoped that Jia Min would give Sister Lin a brother or something. Even if Lin Ruhai and his wife were gone, Sister Lin would still have something to rely on.If Sister Lin had something to rely on, she wouldn't have to be sentimental about her life experience all day long, and she wouldn't regard Jia Baoyu as the only one to rely on and push herself too hard.Then Bao Dai's tragedy would not have happened, and things would have changed completely.

"There are three ways to be unfilial. After all, heirs are a big deal. I know that the third sister understands in her heart, and it's just an exhortation to you." Now that Jia Min and his wife have a harmonious relationship, Zili is relieved.She changed the subject and talked to Jia Min about human affairs, and told Jia Min's two maids: "At first, my wife asked you to follow me because she trusted you, so that you could always persuade the girl. Naturally, you should fight for your lack of thoughtfulness. But what are you doing yourself? Their old lady runs the house rigorously, and many rules are different from ours. You can't do as the Romans do and complain in front of girls! This is the rules and principles you have learned !"

After Zili reprimanded her, Ankang and Xile both lowered their heads and did not dare to say anything. Seeing that the two girls had already realized their mistake, Zili slowed down her tone, and she took out a bank note and handed it to Ankang: "This money is mine. Give it to your girl's private house. With the bank note, you can go to the Hengsheng Bank on West Street, Beijing to exchange the silver immediately. The above is 1000 taels. If the girl lacks something that she can't open her mouth, you can buy it yourself with the money You good girls who are good at serving, after serving, your parents are proud at home, if you don’t serve well, it will be difficult for your parents to raise their heads at home.” This bank note was considered a wealth management account in that era Yes, it can accrue interest every month.Zili gave the money to the two girls in order to subsidize them.After a lot of kindness and power, the two girls said that they would not complain indiscriminately in the future, provoke the master, and must serve Jia Min well.

Seeing that it was getting late, Zili got up and said goodbye to Jia Min. Jia Min held Zili's hand reluctantly, her eyes were red again: "Sister-in-law, I don't know when we will see you again." Li wiped away the tears on Jia Min's face with a handkerchief: "Just don't worry, your brother will be able to go to Beijing to report on his work in a year or two anyway, and we can always meet. We are still young, and there will be more opportunities to meet in the future. You Take care of yourself here alone."

Speaking of Zili and Jia Min going out, they saw Cuizhu standing at the gate looking at them with a smile on their faces, and the servants in Jia Min's yard, no matter whether it was her dowry or the servants of the Lin family, seemed to be looking at Cuizhu. behavior is normal.Even Jia Min is commonplace, no surprise.Zili was shocked at once, the old lady of the Lin family was really amazing, she actually built the whole family like an iron bucket.She thought she had sent Cui Zhu away.Unexpectedly, she was standing at the door, so wouldn't she have listened to all the words she and Jia Min had said.That means that the old lady of the Lin family also knew those words!Seeing Zili's surprised face, Cuizhu stepped forward and asked her knees: "The old lady ordered the servants to serve the second mistress well, how dare the servants neglect the guests. The old lady asked the second mistress to stay for dinner, and has already set up a banquet in the garden. Let Second Mistress go over there."

Rolling his eyes in his heart, Zili complained, can he still eat this meal?Unexpectedly, seeing the old lady of the Lin family again, the old lady's attitude towards Zili eased a lot.There was no critical scrutiny and contempt in her eyes anymore, but the real kindness and kindness in her eyes.Seeing Jia Min standing aside, the old lady of the Lin family said, "Your natal family is here today, so you don't need to wait on me. Cuizhu, please move the chair for your grandma to sit down." Cuizhu promised to move the chair and put it next to Zili , Jia Min dared to come and sit down when he saw that he could not shirk.

"I like your sister very much. It's just that she is introverted, and she doesn't show what she thinks on her face. I'm not the kind of unreasonable person. Although I'm usually strict, I still listen to bad advice." Lin's elder The wife looked at Zili with the wine glass and smiled slightly.

"Don't dare, we are juniors, please take care of me, old man. I will do it first as a respect." Zili hurriedly stood up and did it. "Well, I was a straightforward person when I was young. I like straightforward people like you the most!" The old lady of the Lin family smiled heartily and drank the wine in her glass.The unhappiness between her husband's family and her mother's family just now is over.

During the dinner, Zili looked at the dishes on the table, the dishes were completely different from Jia's.Most of Jia's dishes are fat, sweet and delicious, either because the raw materials are precious, delicacies from mountains and seas are complete, or because the cooking procedures are complicated and a good way to show off the cook.Although each dish is delicious in color, flavor and taste, it is over-processed, with a bit of cheesy and ostentatious nouveau riche.On the contrary, the dishes of the Lin family focus on the original taste, and the vegetables are fresh and elegant in season.Compared with Jia's dishes, Lin's dishes are more like an idyllic poem, with a natural fragrance.It's no wonder that Lin Ruhai, who is a Tanhualang, is really a family background.

After dinner, the little girl came in with a basin in her hands.After washing his hands, he saw a girl coming in with a silver cup. Zili took the cup and found that it contained a cup of clear water. Although it was clear, it exuded a faint mint smell.Another little girl came over with a rinse bowl.It was only then that Zili discovered that the Wang family and the Jia family rinsed their mouths with tea after a meal was really weak. The Lin family has a special mouthwash, okay?