Prequel to the Red Chamber: I Am the Second Wife

Aunt Xue and Zili were gossiping that day, firstly the parents who didn't have much nutrition were sloppy, Zili remembered the matter of Xiangling and asked casually.Aunt Xue showed some satisfaction on her face: "I've been looking at that girl well, but now she's all right. Pan'er doesn't run out all day. She can stay at home peacefully every day. Speaking of which, Xiangling really She is a rare one. Although she was born as a girl, she is better than ordinary young ladies. Pan'er likes her, but she doesn't rely on her master's favor to become light and light. On the contrary, she is still so gentle and docile. If she can come from a more decent family, Being my daughter-in-law is what makes it so." A few days ago, Xue Pan just set out the wine and announced that Na Xiangling would be the housekeeper, and she was still on the fresh head, so Xue Pan was naturally reluctant to go out.

An idea suddenly popped up in Zili's mind.This Xiangling's background is indeed pitiful, she can be regarded as a girl from a good family in Suzhou, and her father seems to have been a petty official.If she can find out her real life experience, it would be good to be Xue Pan's wife, at least there will be no disturbance like Xia Jingui.In fact, Xue Pan also slowly began to change his ways later, but because he was not in harmony with Xia Jingui, he was noisy all day long.The man didn't want to go home and the husband and wife talked and laughed. Xia Jingui was not a fuel-efficient lamp, so he made Xue Pan so noisy that he just wanted to go out to avoid it. As a result, he caused trouble outside and was charged with capital punishment, cutting off the incense and friendship of the Xue family. Aunt Xue's last hope.Regardless of whether Xiangling will fall out of favor in the future, at least she won't have such a violent fight with Xue Pan.Zili's heart moved and he said to Aunt Xue: "I heard the servant talk about Xiangling's life experience. She was abducted by a kidnapper since she was a child. From her character and behavior, I guess she must come from a good family. Why don't you call People quietly inquired about Xiangling's life experience. That girl was also pitiful. What was it like for her parents to lose their sweetheart all these years. If she could find it, it would be a matter of accumulating virtue and doing good deeds for the children. If Xiangling's family background is good, you can have a good relative, right?"

Aunt Xue was also a little moved after hearing Zili's words.It is true that the Xue family is rich, but after all, it is smeared with a business name. The capital has a high vision, and no serious official lady would marry a merchant's family.Even if it is an imperial merchant, what can it do?If she is exhausted, she will be a concubine young lady.Seeing that Xiangling's personality is very good, her biological parents must not be bad, maybe they are from a scholarly family of several generations.At that time, they would definitely be grateful to the Xue family, maybe Xiangling's father could help Xue Pan because of his official position.Even if it is an ordinary family, if Xiangling is not lost, and she is still an innocent girl, the Xue family may not be able to ask for such a daughter-in-law.

Thinking of this, Aunt Xue's heart moved: "It's just that I have to trouble my sister. The girl in Xiangling was bought in a lawsuit. The kidnapper who kidnapped her is already dead. But the confession is still there. For this, I have to ask my brother-in-law to come forward and pull out the case file." See if there are any clues in it. If Pan'er can marry a virtuous daughter-in-law, I can close my eyes even if I die." Aunt Xue couldn't help but sigh when she thought of all the absurdities of Xue Pan.

Zili comforted her younger sister, and the topic followed the child's train of thought. Aunt Xue leaned over to Zili and said in a low voice, "I have something to ask my sister. Please help me with the conversation." See Xue The aunt's face was serious, and Zili's heart moved slightly. It seemed that Aunt Xue wanted to betroth Baochai to whom?

"Just talk and listen. If I can help, I will try my best. I just declare in advance that I will not interfere in official affairs." Zili pretended to think that Xue Pan had caused trouble.

"It's your niece's lifelong event. I have spent half my life with only Bao girl and Pan'er as a pair of sons and daughters. Seeing that Pan'er is just like that, don't ruin the family business of my ancestors in the future, and I will be blessed by the Buddha. Only Baochai and me Don't worry, she is only a stepping stone in the palace draft with this background, so it's better to find a good family in peace. I think Shixiang—" Aunt Xue stopped talking, and only looked at Zili.

It turns out that the Xue family has taken a fancy to Shixiang!A trace of disappointment welled up in my heart, why didn't Baochai take a fancy to Baoyu?It is really the love of parents in the world, even though Baoyu is not a good boy in Zili's heart, but at this juncture, she still feels wronged for her son.Although Baoyu is not good at reading, but he is good at talking about love, and it is not bad to be a caring and warm husband.But what Baochai wants is not a caring and warm man, but potential stocks.Wang Ziteng's youngest son Shixiang, the son of his own uncle!Good at reading, with a strong family background, good-looking, sunny and cheerful personality, Baoyu pales in comparison.From Zili's point of view, Shixiang is like a luxury car, while Baoyu is a cool sports car. No matter how cool it is, it lacks practicality and cannot be put on the stage.

After calming down a little bit of disappointment, Zili said with some embarrassment: "You don't know the temper of the elder brother. Shixiang is still young, and he wants to be the number one scholar. He definitely won't ask his son to get married so early." Shixiang is indeed The Xue family has grown up, Aunt Xue is just the daughter of a concubine, but Wang Ziteng is the eldest son, the Xue family is an imperial merchant, and Wang Ziteng is the emperor's favorite.Shixiang is younger than Baochai, and has a bright future. No matter how good Baochai looks, no matter how magical the golden lock is, it is still not enough.

"I think so too." Aunt Xue frowned in embarrassment, and then sighed: "But in the capital, my eyes are darkened, and no matter how good Baochai is, she is raised in a deep boudoir. Can I still have a society?" Ways. I can’t bear to wrong Baochai. Ever since her father passed away, Baochai has been with me day and night, comforting me. If it wasn’t for her, I don’t know what it would be like now. Anyway, I don’t want to wrong my daughter.” Aunt Xue loves her daughter dearly, so naturally she has to think about her daughter's future. Shixiang has a future, regardless of family background or appearance and personality.

Hearing what Aunt Xue said, the Xue family really wanted to marry the Wang family.Zili was a little embarrassed, she never dreamed that Baochai had thoughts on Shixiang, she was a little embarrassed and said: "This matter has to be done slowly, I can't talk to my brother first, if he refuses, I'll just talk to you." There is no room for change.”

"That's why I asked you for advice." Aunt Xue immediately shifted the responsibility to Zili. "I will entrust the important affairs of Bao girl's life to my sister. You are the biological mother of the crown prince, and you and your elder brother are siblings." Brother and sister, he will definitely listen to what you say. Aunt Xue immediately sang praises to Zili and kept saying good things, but Zili became tired of listening to it, feeling like she was being calculated. There was no emotion on her face, just a false response A few times were temporarily perfunctory.

At night when Jia Zheng came over for dinner, he found that Zili was absent-minded: "What's wrong with you, I know it must be because I often come to disturb you to rest." Zhuo Zili became more and more caring and considerate.Seeing that Zili was not in good spirits and seemed to have something on his mind, Jia Zheng immediately became nervous.Zili and Jia Zheng told Aunt Xue that she wanted to marry Wang Ziteng, but Jia Zheng frowned immediately after hearing this: "Well, you talk about Bao girl all day long, but this daughter-in-law is not suitable for Shixiang. In the first year, Bao girl is a bit older, and her background is too low to match Shixiang. Not suitable, not suitable! Shixiang is going to be an official in the future. After marrying your niece, in terms of family background It's just a bit short, let alone a brother-in-law like Pan'er, who can only hold back. Back then, your father and grandfather decided to marry the Xue family. That was the situation at that time. What was the situation of the Xue family at that time, and what is the situation now. The status is very embarrassing. I advise you not to enter this muddy water." Jia Zheng is definitely a defender of the three views of the feudal society, and he attaches great importance to his family background.In Jia Zheng's eyes, scholars, farmers, businessmen, the Wang family is a big family, and Shixiang is a rare seed for studying. How can he marry the Xue family?

Zili listened to Jia Zheng's words, and she was convinced. She was just worried that she had no excuses to refuse Aunt Xue's request. Since Jia Zheng said so, she could act like a virtuous wife, "My husband doesn't agree." Best excuse ever.

"In that case, I'll listen to you and don't cause this trouble." Zili smiled at Jia Zheng as he picked up a piece of food with his chopsticks.Jia Zheng's hand holding the rice bowl softened and almost threw the bowl on the table. How long had it been since Zili smiled at him like this.Seeing that Jia Zheng was wiping the spilled soup with a handkerchief, Zili said helplessly, "If the children see you like this, where should you put your face?" Jia Zheng threw down the handkerchief and looked at Zili stupidly With a ignorant expression, he smiled and said nothing.In the past, life like this was boring and lacking in passion, but now Jia Zheng cherishes every knowing smile from his wife. People always cherish it when they lose it.

When the chosen day came, Daiyu Baochai and Shixiang moved in together. Baochai's house, Zili, was supposed to be tidied up, but within a few days Baochai returned the playthings and furnishings. .Zili knew that Baochai had such a temperament, so he didn't say anything.As for the marriage with Wang Ziteng, Zili didn't find a chance to refuse for the time being and could only delay it for now. Anyway, Wang Ziteng was outside, and Aunt Xue couldn't force her sister to talk about it all day long.

When Daiyu moved in, Baoyu was the happiest.Every day when she comes back from school, she spends most of her time at Daiyu's place, but Daiyu is not as enthusiastic towards Baoyu as before.Moving here, Sanchun and Baochai are all there, Zili has hired a husband, Sanchun and Daiyu are both in school, and the girls don't have much free time.Among them, Daiyu has the best talent, and the rest is Tanchun. Yingchun is introverted. She just listens to what the teacher teaches, and she can't tell whether it is good or bad. Xichun is still young and sometimes she can't keep up with the rhythm.She wanted to ask Tanchun, but Daiyu took the initiative to help her first, pointing out things she didn't understand.Xichun didn't expect Daiyu to be so warm-hearted, and warmed up to Daiyu.It is easier for the sisters to spend time together, and Baochai often comes to live with her, so the sisters don't look lonely when they are together, Baoyu's company is so important.Another thing is that Baoyu comes to talk to Daiyu every day, but today I went outside to see something novel, so let me do my sister's rouge.Something new happened to someone's family, anyway, it's all gossip without nutrition.Daiyu thought it was interesting at first, but gradually she just found it boring and unnutritious.

In fact, Daiyu really wanted to talk to Baoyu about what books she read today, but what the gentleman explained was different from what she understood.It's a pity that when Baoyu heard something about the Analects of Confucius University, he felt as uncomfortable as when he saw a leprosy. How could he calm down and talk to Daiyu about this.Baoyu definitely brainwashed Daiyu first: "My sister is a clean person like a fairy, why should I read those useless things like the Naxi country thief Lu Wo?"

If Daiyu wanted to persuade Baoyu to study and improve, she could only hold back.She actually wanted to refute Baoyu's words, but she changed her mind. Baoyu told me that he believed that I would not sue my uncle and aunt.So Daiyu just pretended not to hear, and since she didn't hear, she didn't say anything.But Baoyu thought that all these people in the family persuaded me to study for the imperial examination, which would make me a mediocre and incompetent person.Only Sister Lin never advised me like that, which shows that she understands my heart.On the contrary, he regards Daiyu closer than Sanchun.Zili looked coldly at Baoyu circling Daiyu like a fly all day long, and couldn't help crying and laughing in his heart.

Baochai didn't seem to know Aunt Xue's plan to marry the Wang family, and she still learned the rules from Madam Yin every day, and the rest of the time was just joking with her sisters and doing needlework in her free time.However, from Zili's point of view, Baochai's interest in learning the rules is much less than before. The nun who teaches Yin has been serving in the deep palace for many years. She has already seen that Baochai has no intention of being elected, so she doesn't How to care.Later, he simply asked for leave under the pretext of family affairs, but the Xue family didn't want to keep him, and still paid according to the previously negotiated figure.

Baochai didn't need to learn the rules, and she had a lot of free time, but she didn't say that she would go to school with the girl from Jia's family and Daiyu.Zili knew that Baochai was already very knowledgeable, and she always regarded herself as an older big sister in front of Sanchun, and she always spoke in a pointy tone.Speaking of the things taught by Mr. Baochai may be more thorough than Mr., so naturally there is no need to learn from him.So Baochai came to greet Zili every now and then, and talked with her.

The days passed by without any waves.That day, Baochai and Zili had a conversation before leaving. Zili suddenly remembered that he hadn't seen Shixiang for a long time: "I remember that today is not the day when Shixiang goes to school. I haven't seen him for half a month. Him." Zili asked what Shixiang was doing.

Zhou Rui's family happened to be answering in front of him. Hearing Zili ask, he looked around and said in a low voice, "I just came in and happened to meet Second Master Shixiang going out. He said he was going to ride a horse in Xishan. I saw that Second Master was on his way. Who are you hiding from? Didn’t your wife notice? Miss Bao came to invite An more frequently than before.” Zhou Rui’s family looked meaningfully at the direction of Lixiangyuan where Aunt Xue lived.

"A few days ago, I heard the magpie complain that Miss Bao often went to sit in their yard and talk to the little girl when she had nothing to do, but she was waiting for the second master Shixiang to come back, but she left without sitting. Why didn't the wife Thinking of this?" Zhou Rui's family lowered their voice and said all the gossip they heard.Zili felt uncomfortable after hearing this, as if someone had wiped his heart several times with a very dirty rag. nausea.

"Ma'am, this matter should not be underestimated. The second master Shixiang is young and doesn't know much about the relationship between men and women. Uncle is willing to entrust his son to his wife because he trusts his wife. If there is something wrong, what will the wife do in the future?" How about seeing the uncle? I advise my wife to make it clear to Mrs. Xue as soon as possible, and stop that unreasonable idea as soon as possible. Don’t make troubles so that everyone’s relatives can’t do it.” Zhou Rui’s family used to think that Baochai was stable and generous, but after a long time, she My heart muttered more and more.Girl Bao is indeed stable and mature, but whether she is honest or not is open to question.It's not appropriate for a girl's family to go to her cousin's room to sit and talk to girls from time to time.Even though Baochai can find out the high-sounding ones every time, people can't find faults, but Zhou Rui's family has followed Zili for many years, and his eyes have been tempered very viciously.She is a person who knows her master's mind very well, and she knows very well whether the balance in Zili's heart is tilted towards Wang Ziteng or Xue's family.

Since Zili is not optimistic about things, Zhou Rui's family is particularly concerned about the interaction between Baochai and Shixiang.Soon Zhou Rui's family discovered some small loopholes.That's why she reminded Zili not to do anything wrong. In the end, for the sake of the Wang family's Xue family and Jia's family's reputation, Wang Ziteng admitted this marriage with a pinch of his nose. The relationship between the Wang family and the Jia family is at odds.

Zili was also shocked by the reminder from Zhou Rui's family. She lost her mind and said to Zhou Rui's family: "You asked someone to invite Shixiang back. I have something to say to him." Seeing Zili's serious face, Zhou Rui's family hurried out Ask someone to find Shixiang and come back.

It took a while for Shixiang to come back with the hustle and bustle outside. Zili saw that Shixiang's sleeves were bulging, his boots were covered with fine loess, and the corners of his robe were also stained with a lot of dust. She knew that Shixiang was not at all. It's not about Xishan riding a horse.The child may have wandered in that lively street market.Zili beckoned to Shixiang to come over, and wiped the dust on Shixiang's face with a handkerchief: "You are a real kid. Although I won't stop you from going out, you should be careful. You are still young." Little, Ping doesn’t hang out all day, so what if you don’t know the road well, or you meet bad guys. Where do you go to talk to Zhou Rui in the future? If Zhou Rui isn’t here, you can talk to Fang Sheng. Bring more people with you. Follow him out. Where have you been shopping?" Zili glanced at Shixiang's sleeve, wondering what kind of rare thing this child bought and kept it so hidden.

Haha, I originally wanted to go horseback riding in Xishan.Unexpectedly, when I left the city, I saw the Biyun temple fair in Xishan.It was very lively there, so I just walked around casually.My aunt knew that there was something good about that place, but it was just something that wasn't well-written—it wasn't that good, so I begged my aunt to give it to me.Shixiang dodged for a long time but still couldn't escape Zili, and watched helplessly as a delicate box hidden in his sleeve was found.

Zili gave Shixiang a look like you want to fight with me, a little brat, and studied the spoils he had seized.The box is not big, just the size of a book, with exquisite Kuilong patterns carved on the outside, it seems to be the outer packaging of a book!It's still a hardcover book, after experiencing Baoyu's little yellow book incident, Zili immediately rang the alarm bells, and adolescent children are the most troublesome!Zi Lili suddenly became nervous, and she gave Shixiang a hard look: "You child is not good at learning from Baoyu, you must learn to fail!"

"Aunt misses the point, it's not that thing—" Before Shixiang finished speaking, Zili had already opened the box. Inside was not a book, but a few jade sticks the length of a book, the best suet white jade. The sanding is very thin, and this delicate pattern is carved on it.It turned out to be a book pick used to make bookmarks and turn pages of books, a very delicate small object for literary play. "So it's this one. Really! I'm so worried about you child!" Zili let go of his hanging heart for a moment, closed the box heavily, and threw the thing to Shixiang who was holding back his laughter and blushing.Tell this kid to read a joke, it's really embarrassing!

"Don't, aunt, be careful that this thing is polished too delicately and is easy to break. I still want to give it away—I still want to play with it." Shixiang nimbly caught the box that Zili threw over, and smiled at her .Showing straight teeth and a pair of dimples.What are you giving away?Don't give it to Sister Bao.Zili's heart that had just been let go hangs again, it's not that she doesn't like Xue's family background, it's because Baochai and Shixiang are not suitable.

"That's right. I heard that your elder sister Bao cares about you very much. You should thank her too. She doesn't like any flower fans, which is just right." Zili didn't directly hold Shixiang's ear to order you not to do anything, but It was to make indirect remarks first, and ask Shixiang what he meant.

Hearing Zili mention Baochai Shixiang couldn't help frowning, he immediately said: "I'm at my aunt's house, and I've been taken care of by my aunt and uncle and my cousins. If you want to thank me, you should also thank your aunt and uncle. As for Sister Bao, she Like me, I live here. Is there anything I want to thank her for? Today, since my aunt asked, I might as well talk to my aunt. I am going to give this thing to Sister Lin. She likes to read poetry , but there are often sisters who come to talk to her, and a book will be turned upside down when it is there. Give this to her, and Baiyu can feel at ease and ward off evil spirits. As soon as I see this for sale, I will buy it immediately."

As expected of Wang Ziteng's son, Shixiang expressed his feelings to Zili directly and boldly.People fell in love with sister Lin.Zili didn't know how to praise Shixiang for his foresight.You should still worry about your nephew's tendency to be abusive.Lin Daiyu is the kind of girl who likes to quarrel with her boyfriend and like to do something to make her boyfriend coax her.Shixiang has a bright personality, and he doesn't know if he can enjoy Sister Lin's little work as much as he likes.

"You silly child, you think about this at such a young age! Be careful, I'll tell your father!" Zili tapped Shixiang's forehead angrily. A kid who is still in junior high school wants to fall in love, get married and have children That? !no!Puppy love must be caught!

"My father already knows! He made an agreement with me that if I can get a good name this time, he will propose marriage to Mr. Lin!" Shi Xiang's face was full of confidence, and Zi Li was so scared that he almost threw the teacup out of his hand.Prince Tengzi actually kept her in the dark about such a big matter.