Daiyu's wife in the Red Chamber

In the twinkling of an eye, it was the second day of February. Early in the morning, the four Quanfu wives of the Wei family and the official mediator Zheng went to Rongguo Mansion with the book of ceremonies, dowry gifts, etc., and the dowry money filled the hall. .

First, Yingchun came out of the pavilion, and the betrothal gifts were already quite a lot. I never thought that the Wei family would send more. After a rough calculation, the number is more than one hundred thousand.

The ordering of the dowry and other matters were all done by Jia's mother herself, and she did not pretend to be someone else.

After the ceremony book and dowry gifts were presented, Mrs. Quan Fu, the head of the Wei family, opened the gift box herself, took out some delicate jewelry, put them on for Daiyu with a smile, and praised her several times before the ceremony was completed.

At that time, Daiyu was about to arrive at Jiji, and she had already grown into an adult. She had been taking care of her for several years, and she had not seen any of the insufficiencies of the past, but she had a delicate appearance. It has been a year or two since she was a child. Daiyu is gone, see you now, suddenly like a fairy worshiping Tiangong, indescribably graceful and graceful, like poetry and picturesque.

Zheng official matchmaker sighed in his heart, he has been a matchmaker countless times, and among the noble and humble women he has met, none of them can stand shoulder to shoulder with Daiyu. They used to say that she is not as good-looking as she is, but after she grows up, she realizes that her appearance and bearing are all the same .

She is wearing a bright red double-breasted gown today, making her look even more coquettish and charming.

After accepting the levy, it is time to apply.

Zheng's official media came again and brought Wei Ruolan to ask Qin Tianjian to choose the auspicious date, which was the sixth day of April. Wei Ruolan originally planned to get married in late February, but Qin Tianjian calculated that April would be better, so he decided to It was delayed for more than a month.

Mother Jia agreed, and although there were only less than two months left, Daiyu's dowry was already in place, so there was no need to worry about it.

The wedding date was set, and the empress sent someone to send Daiyu's dowry to Rongguo Mansion. There was the dowry sealed by the Lin family in the Ministry of Households that had been rearranged, and the dowry that the Ministry of Rites ordered for Daiyu according to the rules. The extra dowry was prepared, and the dowry was also added by the concubines after seeing this. A red dragon tied with red silk stretched to the gate of Rongguo Mansion, which attracted the envy of many people.

After finally counting the dowry one by one and storing it in the east and west rooms of the main courtyard of Rongxi Hall, Jia Zheng and others breathed a sigh of relief, and respectfully sent away the officials from the Ministry of Rites and the chief eunuch who delivered the dowry and other items.

Because the corridor of Rongxi Hall leads directly to the gate, and there are not enough rooms in Jiamu's courtyard, the dowry is placed in the main courtyard of Rongxi Hall.

The day before Daiyu's wedding, relatives and friends will come to add makeup. Sister Feng has taken care of her sister's wedding, so she is very clear about this, and she also feels that it is safe to put it in Rongxi Hall, and it is convenient to transport it out. She and the betrothal gifts given by the Wei family moved into the East and West Wings of the main courtyard of Rongxi Hall. She kept the keys herself. The bookcase in Daiyu's hand took up more than half of it. The book of ceremonies and various house title deeds were placed in Daiyu's dowry, and the dowry money and box of silver were also in the ear room of Jiamu's courtyard, not together with the dowry.

Jia Zheng was not used to common affairs, so he sent the officials away and went back to his room. After eating a cup of tea, he said to Mrs. Wang during the break: "My niece is very happy. As uncles and aunts, you and I should do our best. Although Daiyu's There is a lot of dowry, after all, it is not from you or me, I have a lot of things in my pocket, you pick out some elegant things, and add makeup to Daiyu when the time comes."

Mrs. Wang lowered her head and thought for a while, and said: "Young lady is so elegant, the master will give you a few authentic calligraphy and paintings by famous artists. I also prepared four sets of gold-headed noodles, a pair of jade ruyis, a pair of agate pillows, and ten bolts of silk and satin. , two bolts of satin less than the old lady."

Jia Zheng said with satisfaction: "It's so good, we must not pass the old lady."

Mrs. Wang's complexion was calm, and she mentioned Tanchun, and said: "Last year, there were quite a few people who proposed marriage to the third girl, including the official media and Baoshan, but I looked at them coldly and found that these people were not suitable, so I declined one by one. , just wait for the master to come back. The master will celebrate the New Year when he comes back at the end of the year, and I have never been idle for the whole first month, but I forgot to tell the master."

Jia Zhengwen was from those families. When he learned that he was either the concubine son of a high-ranking official, or the concubine son of a colleague of the same rank as himself, he twirled his beard, nodded and said: "Madam is right, these candidates are mediocre. It may not be worthy of Sanya's appearance."

Seeing that Jia Zheng didn't blame him, Mrs. Wang smiled and said, "It's enough for the master to know my heart."

In the evening, when Jia Zheng stayed in Aunt Zhao's room, Mrs. Wang's expression remained unchanged. After sending Jia Zheng away, she asked Yu Chuan'er, "Where are the two girls that the master brought with him when he returned to Beijing?"

Jia Zheng ordered a school trip to go to Beijing, Mrs. Wang did not accompany him to take up the post, and Aunt Zhou Zhao also stayed in the mansion, so Jia Zheng came back and brought two girls dressed as young daughters-in-law, one is Tao Hong and the other is Liu Cui, both of whom are well-groomed. They looked like Jiangnan daughters, Madam Wang didn't take it seriously, but suddenly changed her mind and ordered someone to arrange for them to live in a side room.

Yu Chuan'er replied: "If you go back to your wife, the two girls are still living in the side room, and each has two little maids to take care of them. The monthly rules are the same as Aunt Zhou Zhao's. They are all two taels of silver, and the maids are five hundred."

Mrs. Wang said: "Tell them to learn some rules, and when they are done with their work, take them to kowtow to the old lady."

Yu Chuan'er was stunned, and then agreed: "Understood, tomorrow morning I will ask someone to find the old lady in the mansion to teach them, so as not to be rude and offend the masters of the mansion."

Mrs. Wang was very satisfied, twisted the beads, nodded and said nothing.

But he said that Jia Zheng did not go to the room of the two maids who served him in office, but went to Aunt Zhao's room. , Seeing that the wedding date has been set, and the fourth girl keeps their filial piety without mentioning it, it is pitiful that there is only one third girl left in the house. How many people have been matchmakers last year, all of them are excellent brothers from excellent families, and the partial wife does not agree. It makes me feel so restless that I can't sleep well at night."

Jia Zheng frowned and said, "I don't think those people are appropriate. Why are you in a hurry? Your wife and I are not in a hurry. Besides, Baoyu hasn't married yet. When Baoyu makes an appointment, it won't be too late to talk about the third girl's marriage."

Aunt Zhao said anxiously: "Why don't you rush? The third girl is only less than a month younger than Miss Lin. Baoyu is the elder brother, and the old lady said that he should not marry early in his fate, and the master and wife dare not go against the old lady's wishes." How long will the third girl have to wait to get engaged to Baoyu? In another month, the third girl will be 15 years old, and she will be picked out by any good family."

She hoped that Tanchun would settle down for life as soon as possible, so that she could talk about Jia Huan's marriage, otherwise, all the good girls would be picked up by others, and Jia Huan was only one year younger than Daiyu Tanchun. They started discussing marriage, unlike now, no one mentioned him a word at all, and all the good girls said tightly to Baoyu, and they couldn't decide.

Jia Zheng glared at her, and said: "I already have an idea in my heart, and I have the benefits of Sanya. Are these people good in your eyes? Don't think about Sanya."

Aunt Zhao didn't dare to refute, she was obedient, so she had to serve Jia Zheng and rest, without saying a word all night.

Early the next morning, Baoyu Tanchun and Jia Huan came to say hello to his parents. Jia Zheng took the school exam himself and saw that Baoyu's homework had improved a lot. But Jia Huan hadn't made much progress yet, but Jia Zheng didn't care about his trivial character and wild manners.

Baoyu breathed a sigh of relief, went out of the main room, and hurriedly told Daiyu the good news.

Daiyu put down the house deed and land deed sent by Wei Ruolan, and bought it recently, with intentions but no good land ahead. After listening to Baoyu's words, she said with a smile: "Second uncle is busy at home, and I am also thinking about husband and wife, father and son." Zhi Tianlun, after this time, there will be plenty of time for you to take the school exam. Fortunately, you almost made up your homework last spring, otherwise it would be to your benefit."

Baoyu said dejectedly: "Listening to my sister, I have to work hard to deal with the master?"

Daiyu said: "Review your homework more, write more, and do a few more articles. You are always prepared. It will also prevent you from getting angry with your lack of homework."

Baoyu sighed and prepared to go back and study hard.

Daiyu suddenly remembered something, stopped him and asked, "Years ago you asked about Zhizhi'er, how is it?"

Baoyu stood still, and said regretfully, "Smart child visited Qin Zhong twice and was expelled by Mr. Qin. After that, he went back to Mantou Nunnery. Fortunately, she and us often joked. After going back, she didn't suffer any hardships. I just pitied her. Putting all your heart into the water, even if Qin Zhong has the intention, how can Master Qin and the world tolerate it? You can’t even see each other. Smarter is still in the Mantou Nunnery, and I have been teased a few times. My name is Mingyan When inquiring, she tearfully said that a few aunts who often arranged things were arrested by the Yamen, and they didn’t have to be abused like before. Every morning, the bells and the evening drums, the blue lanterns and the ancient Buddha, the life is a little cleaner.”

Daiyu nodded slightly, and said, "I see, you can go." Xichun also remembered Zhizhi'er, and learned of his whereabouts from Baoyu, so she could tell Xichun when she turned around. Daiyu herself didn't ask about these things.

Seeing that she had nothing to explain, Baoyu went out of the wing room and told Jia Mu that she would go back to Yihong Courtyard. Unexpectedly, when she entered the door, she saw Baochai holding a book, with a very disapproving expression on her face, and said, "Brother Bao, What kind of books are you reading? Where are these books that you should read? Tell my aunt and uncle not to be angry if they know about it?"

Seeing the words "The Peony Pavilion" on the cover of the book, Baoyu snatched it away and said with a serious face: "Sister, where did you find this book, I don't even know what it is."

Baochai said, "Brother Bao, do you still say you don't know the book you found on top of your bed?"

Baoyu didn't say anything, but tightly clutched the book in his hand.

Xiren saw that the expressions of the two of them were not as good as before, so he hurried up and pushed Baoyu, and said, "Miss Bao is kind, what are you doing? I thought it was the first month, and the master had to test your homework again." , I just tidied up the books in the house, I didn’t want to see many hidden on the top of the bed, so I asked Miss Bao to see what kind of books they are, so I can put them away.”

Baoyu said angrily: "I've never seen you so virtuous before, why are you so busy today? I know my book, so I don't need to ask outsiders to tell what it is?"

Xiren's face turned pale, and he dared not speak for a long time.

Baochai said earnestly and sincerely: "Brother Bao, Xiren is sincerely for your own good. If you do this, how can you be worthy of her painstaking efforts? These books are not serious things. After reading them, it is easy to change your temperament. Throw them away." , Burn what should be burned, don’t keep it, read more Four Books and Five Classics is the most important thing.”

Xiren looked at Baochai gratefully, thinking that he was right to see Baochai.

Unexpectedly, Baoyu said: "I know right and wrong, right and wrong, and I don't need Sister Bao to say it." I didn't want to do my homework again, and went to the study outside with my book in my sleeve. After sitting for a while, I couldn't calm down, so I went to wander outside.

Xiren looked at Baochai, and said apologetically, "Baoyu is such a character, girl, please don't argue with him. Dare I ask you, are these books really bad? Help me, a good girl, and pick out all the bad books." Come out and put it away, I will keep it in mind, so as not to let others know and tell the master."

Baochai sighed: "How can I argue with Brother Bao about these things? But these books are really not good. They are all crooked books. They were banned in the boudoir long ago. Baoyu is a man, so I don't worry about him reading it once or twice. I’m afraid that the girls will see it, that’s a big deal.”

After hearing this, Xiren hurriedly asked her to help pick and clean up. After packing, he personally sent Baochai out.

But he said that Baoyu wandered outside for half a day, and went to visit Xiangling's house again. Once he saw their mother and daughter were safe, he was very relieved. How to describe the viciousness of the old lady of You's family? After Xiangling left with her mother, the old lady couldn't give Zhang Hua a wife. If the house is troubled, the old woman spends money to buy a girl to ration Zhang Hua."

Daiyu was startled, and said: "They actually did such a thing? How innocent is that girl!" Everyone's fate has undergone a huge change, and they did not expect it to affect others. Zhang Huayuan took Jialian after suing Jialian They took Sister Feng's money and ran away without knowing whereabouts or fate. Now that those things haven't happened, their father and son are still staying in the capital, running amok.

Baoyu sat down and took a sip of tea, and said, "I think so too, and I can't wait for it. A character like Zhang Hua, who is like a mud pig and mangy dog, is worthy of a clean and white girl? Second Sister You doesn't want it herself. There is no harshness at all, it is a bit vicious to abuse other girls just for oneself. It is a great blessing that Xiangling has escaped from the sea of ​​suffering. Oh, and now she has changed her name to Yinglian. Thinking of others being hurt, I am helpless."

Before Daiyu opened her mouth, the attacker came over, still the same as before, with a trace of guard against Daiyu in her eyes, pulling Baoyu and saying, "I just said that the second master is here, and my wife asked the second master to talk to him."

Baoyu threw away, ignored her flushed face, and bid farewell to Daiyu.

When I got to Mrs. Wang's room, there was nothing important, but husband and wife, father and son had dinner together. Tanchun Jiahuan's sister and brother were also present, and Aunt Zhou Zhao and two young daughters-in-law dressed in gold and silver were beside her. Bok Choy soup.

Baoyu took a look and knew it was the girl in Jia Zheng's room. She didn't dare to look more, but she sighed in her heart.

A few days later, Mrs. Wang took Taohong and Liucui, who had learned the rules for a few days, to greet Jia Mu, and said with a smile: "Originally, the master devoted himself to taking care of him and being an official, so he wanted to send them away. I thought they would serve the master after all." One day, there is no shortage of two mouths for them to eat at home, although the master does not go to their room, he still stays and puts them in the room for the time being."

Jia Mu nodded and said: "Very well, you have always been virtuous, what can I say? You and your master are people who know what they know, so I won't talk too much. I just don't allow your master to imitate the old master." Give it to two girls and tell them to go down.

Mrs. Wang responded with a smile and mentioned Daiyu's birthday.

This year is Daiyu's 15th birthday, the year of Jiji, and after Dading, it is bound to be a big deal.

Jia's mother said: "It should be so, Yu'er must be careful when making gifts, I have already posted a post asking the old sister to come over to be the guest of honor, the likers are waiting for you to ask which sister Yu'er invites to be the guest, please post the post earlier. "

Mrs. Wang thought for a while, and said: "Bao girl and the three girls are all good, but the fourth girl can't come out because of her filial piety, and girl Qin is also good."

Jia Mu glanced at her and said hurriedly: "Don't let people see the joke, what is Yu'er's identity? What are their identities? If you don't invite Miss Qianjin outside, I don't know what the outside world will say about our family. I ask If Mrs. Wei came over to be Yu'er's guest of honor, we can't ask our sisters to be the praisers."

Daiyu didn't care. Compared with the daughters who had never gotten along with outsiders, these sisters who got along day and night were better. She didn't care about those identities. After talking to Jiamu, Jiamu refused.

In desperation, Daiyu had no choice but to post posts to Shui Lian, the younger sister of King Beijing's Shui Rong, and Huo Ling, the younger sister of King Nan'an.

The two are not engaged yet, neither has a title, although Daiyu is not led by an elder and does not often walk around outside, but every time there is a banquet in the palace, the queen calls her over and places her in the banquet for the daughters of the princes and counties.She is not frivolous, and has a smart nature. She has a more dignified title than those girls in the palace, and she is also favored. She is very familiar with those who come and go.

Considering that the Beijing Palace and the Nan'an Palace are old friends with the Rongguo Mansion, and the two families have a close relationship, Dai Yufang chose Shui Lian and Huo Ling, and their status was very similar. The Lord's friendship is better.

Shui Lian and Huo Ling immediately replied to the post, agreeing to be likers and Yousi.

When Mother Jia learned of the identities of the two, she was very satisfied, and said with a smile: "This is the match with my Yu'er, and it won't make people laugh when we salute. As for the spectators, I have invited our family's family friend, Nan'an Concubine Wang, Concubine Beijing, and the wives of the princes of all countries have all agreed." He also asked Mrs. Wang personally whether the crown and other things were ready.

Sister Feng is the most attentive, and the breakfast is well prepared, and everyone who comes to watch the ceremony feels at ease.

Shui Lian and Huo Ling accompanied Daiyu to wait in the east room. Seeing Daiyu picking clothes and shoes, she felt more and more like a kind of clear water coming out of hibiscus, which was naturally carved and elegant. Shui Lian smiled and praised: "I haven't seen you in a few months." , my sister is more provocative."

Daiyu smiled and said, "I just saw you last month, and you still need a lantern for me."

Shui Lian also smiled when she thought of receiving a banquet in the palace during the Shangyuan Festival, and suddenly saw Tan Chunchaiqin and others coming in, looked at Tan Chun a few times, and before she had time to speak, she heard the music outside.

Daiyu was surnamed Lin, not a daughter of the Jia family, so the ceremony was not held in the ancestral hall of Ningguo Mansion, and it was changed to Rongxi Hall.