He gave his son pocket money again, and after the others left, Ning Yanting ordered the only taels of silver he had left, and sighed faintly.
Besides having to make up for his two younger brothers and buy things for his children, he recently had a new trouble, which was how to raise a dowry for Ning Qing.
This matter should not have been up to him to worry about, but he had already promised Ning Yanwen. He has always been a man of his word. Even if he was taught a lesson by his wife, he still thought about this matter in his heart.
It's just that the dowry is not an ordinary gadget, he can take it out as soon as he can, and what Ning Yanwen can ask for is not an ordinary gadget. If you have the support of your wife, with the huge net worth of your wife, you will be able to take it out easily, but those are A Nuan's...
Thinking of his daughter, Ning Yanting felt a little sour in his heart.
Of course he listened to what his wife said.
It was precisely because of this that he could not help but think of Ah Nuan and what his wife had said to him when he saw that the people in the house were beaming with joy for Ning Qing's marriage.
If it weren't for Ning Qing, Ah Nuan's reputation would not have been bad. Ah Nuan was a few months older than Ning Qing. She was the eldest daughter of Ning's residence, and her condition was even better than that of Ning Qing. , the marriage must be better than Ning Qing, but now...
Ning Yanting sighed in his heart.
Now the people who come to propose marriage are not people who can satisfy him. His A Nuan is so good, how can he marry such a person? Even he can't look down on him, A Nuan has always been arrogant, how can he look down on him
Although he also loves his niece, after all, her daughter is his biological daughter. When he thinks of her daughter's future being returned by Ning Qing, he still has to find a way to prepare a dowry for Ning Qing here, and Ning Yanting feels uncomfortable.
It's just that he had already promised Ning Yanwen, and he never regretted what he had promised. He could only apologize to A Nuan in his heart, thinking about how to compensate her more in the future, and soon, he began to worry about how to raise the huge dowry.
Ning Yanting was thinking about things in his heart, and it was not until a maid outside the house knocked on the door that he finally came back to his senses.
"Master, the old lady is calling you over."
Hearing the old woman calling him for something, Ning Yanting hurriedly stood up, he answered and hurriedly walked outside. Following the maid to the old lady's yard, he stepped into the door and roamed the room with his eyes. Seeing that no one else was here, he breathed a sigh of relief and completely relaxed.
For some reason, he was actually a little afraid that his younger brother would appear here.
Ning Yanting raised his smiling face and walked towards the old lady: "Mother, I heard you called me?"
"Sit down." The old lady pointed to the seat next to her.
When he sat down, the old lady said: "Qing'er has already decided to get married, you already know about it, she is going to marry the son of Zhou Da's family, the minister of ritual, you know who the Zhou family is, it is very Rare conditions.”
"Naturally I know that." Ning Yanting said with joy on his face: "I have already congratulated the second brother, Ning Qing was able to find such a good family, and her mother must have contributed a lot."
The old lady smiled: "It's also Qing'er who is excellent, so that Young Master Zhou can be attracted to him."
Ning Yanting nodded: "That's natural."
"Qing'er is about to get married, as an uncle, don't you have to show something?" The old lady pointedly said: "In our Ning family, she is the first daughter to marry, and she is married again. It's the Zhou family, but you must not treat her badly, if Qinger Fengguangguang gets married, the rest of the girls can find a good family."
Ning Yanting then nodded: "My son knows that my mother will not treat Ning Qing badly. Mother is in charge of everything in the family, and everything is up to her."
Hearing what he said, the old lady glanced at him, then quickly averted her eyes with a worried expression on her face.
On weekdays, the eldest son always looks at his face, but today she said it so clearly, how come she still doesn't understand what she means
Ning Yanting didn't understand, so she could only point it out directly: "On weekdays, your second brother has also helped you a lot, but now that he is in trouble, you should reach out to help him if you can help. I have always asked your brothers to help each other on weekdays, have you forgotten?"
Ning Yanting panicked and hurriedly said, "Of course my son didn't forget it."
He paused, then wondered: "What trouble did the second brother encounter? Did he come directly to his mother?"
"It's not about Qing'er."
"Ning Qing? Didn't she just promise her? Or is it the Zhou family? How can there be trouble when the second brother is the happiest now?"
The old lady increased her voice and said, "Only you have the highest official position in our family. Although Yan Wen is very good, his salary is lower than yours, and he has so many people. In terms of money, he can't afford it..."
Ning Yanting understood.
This was asking him to help prepare Ning Qing's dowry.
Ning Yanting nodded and said, "Mother, don't worry, the second brother has already told me about this. The third brother and I are both Ning Qing's uncles, and we will naturally support her when the time comes."
The old lady is even more worried: "The third child's salary is lower, and he also has to support so many people, why don't you be considerate to him? On weekdays, your two younger brothers have helped you a lot, but now they have encountered difficulties, don't they? Do you just leave it alone?"
"Mother, what are you talking about, do I look like that? The second brother and the third brother are good, I have always remembered that on weekdays, if they have any needs, I will try my best to agree, why did I come to you? In his mouth, am I such a cold-blooded person?" Ning Yanting felt aggrieved.
Recently, his life has been getting worse and worse. The two younger brothers are the happiest when they reach out to him, and his wife has cut off his finances. Don't look at him going out now, outsiders still see him as a courtier. Zhongming Guan is also the head of the Ning family, but only he himself knows that everything in his house has been taken for granted. Most of the money that was bought ended up in the pockets of the two younger brothers.
If it is said that he is the one who regrets the most, he has not regretted the two younger brothers.
But suddenly being accused by his most respected mother, Ning Yanting only felt that his heart was more bitter than eating yellow lotus.
The old woman glanced at him, and said softly, "I know, you are the most filial, do you still remember that when you were a child, in the winter and twelfth lunar month, you fell into the lake, and it was Yanwen who jumped into the lake. To save you, he was shorter than you at that time, and finally had a high fever and almost went. He tried his best to save you, although you are brothers, you must remember this kindness. "
"I remember, of course I remember."
"Mother isn't trying to force you. You are brothers. If you don't support each other, who else can help you? Isn't it?"
Ning Yanting nodded in agreement.
Over the years, he has always remembered the second brother's kindness, and he has not forgotten it even now. He has always been thinking about the brothers' need to support each other, so that he has such a good relationship with the two younger brothers. The three brothers of the Ning family have a strong and solid relationship, and they are each other's strong backing. If something happens, it must be everyone's concerted efforts, so the Ning family is growing stronger and stronger.
The old lady just smiled: "Yan Wen doesn't want to tell you, but my mother sees it and feels distressed. You also know that although Yan Wen strives, there are some things that are not as good as you, if it wasn't for saving you and falling down After the root of the disease, he later gave up his husband to you, he has always been smart, maybe his position is higher than yours, and he is still wasting."
Ning Yanting had tears in his eyes.
Yes, the second brother has always been excellent. Since he was a child, he has been praised by his mother everywhere. In comparison, although he is better in his studies, it is all because of a good teacher. If the second brother is also taught by the teacher, he will definitely Much more powerful than he is now.
It was he who delayed his brother!
"Mother, just relax, the second brother has a big favor for me, how could I forget these things? Don't worry too much, the second brother has already told me about Ning Qing's dowry, just like you always do. What I said, now my second brother gave me everything, and if the second brother is in trouble, I will also help him, and I will definitely take care of Ning Qing's affairs."
Although he didn't say anything to death, the old lady's face also showed satisfaction in connection with his previous actions.
"Since that's the case, there's one more thing I want to tell you about."
"Mother, say it."
"Before Qing'er got married, Jiang Yunlan went to her yard to make a scene and took away all her jewelry. Do you remember this?"
Ning Yanting's expression froze, and he nodded hesitantly: "Mother, I didn't take all of it, Yunlan told me, she only took half of it."
The old lady frowned: "If it was before, this matter will be over, but now Qing'er's identity is different, she will marry into the Zhou family in the future, if she doesn't even have any good jewelry on her head, it will make people look at it. Isn't it a joke?"
"Mother, what do you mean..."
"In the final analysis, Jiang Yunlan caused this incident. You asked her to return the jewelry, and you compensate her a little bit. Qing'er is relieved, and naturally she will forgive you."
"This..." Ning Yanting hesitated, feeling that something was wrong.
"What? Can't it?"
"No, mother, that's not what I meant, it's just..." Ning Yanting said hesitantly, "It's just that Yunlan has sold all those jewelry..."
Even if he wanted to pay it back, he still didn't come out.
The old lady's eyes widened: "What?! How dare she?!"
Ning Yanting, he didn't dare to say a word.
The old lady's chest heaved violently, and then she said angrily: "Those are Qing'er's jewelry, she is the eldest aunt, she was too embarrassed to take it, but she even sold it, why is our Ning family sorry for her, she actually To do such a thing?!"
Ning Yanting said quickly: "Mother, calm down, I will go back and talk to her."
"You?" The old lady squinted at him and said, "You still dare to say a heavy word in front of her?"
Ning Yanting: "..."
"Forget it, since she's sold, there's nothing to do." The old lady calmed down and said lightly, "It's just that Qing'er will marry the Zhou family in the future, which means it's our Ning family. If there is nothing precious on her head. On the contrary, it will make people laugh, although those jewelry are sold, but Qing’er can’t get married with an empty head, don’t you think?”
"Mother said yes."
"Since this matter was caused by Jiang Yunlan, then she has to return Qing'er's jewelry. If she sells it, she will buy it back. When Qing'er gets married, she can't be wronged."
Ning Yanting opened his mouth and wanted to say something, but the old lady's eyes suddenly made him forget everything he wanted to say, so he could only nod in agreement.
It wasn't until he walked outside, blown by the night wind, that he regained his senses.
What does the mother mean by asking him to make up for Ning Qing's jewelry
But how could he have so much money
Just that one phoenix butterfly and golden hairpin would cost thirty taels of silver, not to mention that the pile of jewelry was worth a lot of money.
But he has promised his mother, what else can we do
Not to mention that he also promised his second brother that he would give Ning Qing a dowry.
The night wind was very cold, and Ning Yanting's heart sank little by little.
…
Ning Yanting didn't tell anyone about the jewelry.
Before going to sleep, he saw his wife and opened his mouth to discuss this matter with Mother Ning, but when the words came to his lips, he swallowed again.
Needless to say, Mother Ning would never agree.
With A Nuan's matter ahead, even if the sky in the second room collapsed, Mother Ning's eyelids wouldn't move, and she might even applaud. What's more, everything in Mother Ning's hands was given to Ning Nuan, and Ning Yanting couldn't do anything like stealing his daughter's dowry and giving it to his niece.
He sighed, looked at Ning's mother for a while, and then turned around, his back was very heavy.
Mother Ning rolled her eyes behind him.
She had long heard about the old lady calling people away. Every time Ning Yanting went to the old lady's place, she would be coaxed round and round. There was no need to hang carrots in front of her. .
Let's talk about what happened recently, let alone, it must be about Ning Qing.
Ning's mother has lived in the Ning family for decades, and has a thorough understanding of the characters and thoughts of everyone in the Ning family.
Not long ago, Ning Yanwen had come to beg Ning Yanting, and the old lady wanted to call someone specially, not for this matter. Ning Qing's little girl, she stole her jewelry at the beginning, if she said she didn't hold grudges, it must be a lie, but she didn't move for so long, so she went directly to the old lady to complain.
Mother Ning snorted, her eyes rolled, and her eyes fell on the table where the front-facing vase was missing somewhere.
"Did you put a vase before this? Why did it suddenly disappear?"
Ning Yanting froze all over, and said hurriedly, "Perhaps it was put away. This vase is bumpy and easily broken."
He was afraid that Mother Ning would say anything, so he quickly changed the subject and took her to the back room: "It's getting late, let's go to bed..."
…
Before Ning Yanting found a way to raise money, Ning Lang had a day when he didn't have to go to the academy, but he got up early in the morning and went out in a hurry.
In contrast, Ning's mother was puzzled: "I don't see him so diligent on weekdays, he doesn't have to go to school today, and he doesn't have any money in his pocket, so what is he doing in such a hurry to go out?"
Ning Nuan knew that he was going out for an appointment.
It's just that she had promised Ning Lang before, and she couldn't tell Ning's mother about this anymore, so she could only vaguely say: "Maybe she made an appointment with a friend."
"Friend?" Ning's mother was surprised: "He doesn't have a penny in his pocket, so who else is willing to associate with him?"
Ning Nuan said again: "Maybe I met some new friends."
Ning's mother always listened to her words, and when she said it, she had no doubts, and her attention was quickly attracted by others.
On the other side, Ning Lang inquired all the way, and finally found King An's mansion.
He was afraid that the little servant would sue, for fear that Mother Ning knew that he was in a relationship with Chu Fei, so he didn't bring anything with him, so he knocked on the door of Prince An's mansion empty-handed.
Fortunately, the stewards of the palace have been warned before that there may be guests visiting today, so he made preparations early, and when he saw Ning Lang coming, he hurriedly welcomed him in.
It wasn't until he walked inside that Ning Lang really opened his eyes.
Just looking at it from the outside, he felt that Prince An's mansion was very imposing, and it was not until he entered that he finally understood what royal relatives were. In the palace, the pattern of Jiangnan was imitated, and it was the most graceful and graceful. The rockery pavilions were all available, and even the koi wagging their tails in the pond turned their worth in Ning Lang's eyes.
He only felt that everything in Anyang Mansion was fine. The fish was not an ordinary fish, and the flower was not an ordinary flower. Even if it was a small stone on the ground, it was not an ordinary stone.
By the time he sat down in front of King An, Ning Lang was completely stunned.
"What kind of fairy place is this, my lord, do I look like a country bumpkin with no knowledge?" Ning Lang touched his face and said happily, "I thought my house was luxurious enough. Well, I didn't realize it, the prince's family is so grand, before this, I really have short-sighted knowledge."
Chu Fei nodded slightly: "It's not very tall."
Ning Lang: "..."
"Our prince's house was specially rewarded by the emperor. The prince is the emperor's younger brother, and the emperor loves the prince the most. Every palace is chosen by the Ministry of Internal Affairs, but our prince, not only did he pick it himself, but also this The courtyard is made according to the lord's preferences."
Ning Lang said with deep sympathy: "Yes, my sister also likes this. She has to do everything herself. When others do it and send it to her, she is reluctant to ask for it."
Chu Fei looked at him.
He had not known Ning Lang for a long time, but he had mentioned his younger sister countless times, and it was always the younger sister who was the older sister and the shorter younger sister. Chu Fei couldn't help but feel curious.
"This king often hears you mention your sister, what's so good about your sister, that makes you miss it so much?"
"Does the lord have a sister?"
Chu Fei shook his head.
"Then the lord of course doesn't understand." Ning Lang said happily: "My sister is different from other brothers, my sister has been very good since she was a child, she is smart, lord, don't look at me stupid, my sister is very good at school. , even her husband has praised her several times. If she were a man, I'm afraid she would be the champion of high school by now."
Chu Fei was curious: "Really?"
"I don't know. My sister's literary talent is good. She likes Mr. Pillow's poems the most, but I can see that her poems are better than Mr. Pillow." Ning Lang said, scratching his head again, embarrassed Said: "It's just that I won't carry it."
Chu Fei felt amused: "Since you can't memorize it, how can I believe that what you said is true?"
"Then...then..." Ning Lang murmured for a while, then said, "Then you don't believe it."
This reaction was beyond Chu Fei's expectations.
"My sister's poems are also my daughter's poems. She has not yet engaged. Although the prince is a prince, he is also an outsider. If the prince finds out, won't my sister's reputation suffer?" Ning Lang said seriously. Said: "My mother is very fond of my sister's reputation now. If she knew that I recited my sister's poems to outsiders, I'm afraid I wouldn't even be able to enter the house today."
Chu Fei also remembered Ning's mother that day.
Seriously like a tigress, at first glance, she looks like someone who would drive her son out of the house.
Chu Fei smiled and put away the curiosity in his heart.
"I've heard you talk about your sister's long and sister's shortness, but I've never heard you mention yourself."
In fact, since returning from the academy, the information about Ning Lang has been presented to his desk, and he has already inquired about everything about this person. At first, he thought that this person was deliberately approaching him, and after reading the information, he had to believe that someone could be called a brother with only a straw sparrow.
It is so stupid that it is rare in the world, making Chu Fei really curious.
Hearing how good his sister was described in his mouth again, the full-point compliment fell into Chu Fei's ears, and he gave a discount first.
"Me? What does the lord want to know?" Ning Lang said, "I'm not good at school, and I'm not as good as my sister in other things. The only thing that's passable is this face. When I walk outside, there are many little ladies. I blushed when I saw it. But you have seen this face, my lord."
Chu Fei held his forehead: "Then why don't you talk about your sister."
Ning Lang's interest picked up again: "My sister, she is the best sister in the world! She is usually the most caring. I was hungry at night when I was studying, and she even cooked several meals for me in person."
"By the way, I beat those straw-woven animals back yesterday, and she really likes it. If the lord hadn't robbed me of sparrows, I could have brought them to my sister." Ning Lang said with guilt.
"Is that the king's fault?"
"No no no, that was my fault."
Chu Fei sneered and asked the steward to take out the things.
It is a bird made of only white jade, with a round belly and a naive expression. It looks more realistic than a straw sparrow.
"This king took a few grass sparrows from your sister, and now you have a few jade from your sister, can it be considered even?"