New Year's Eve, Reunion Year.
The kitchen started preparing the New Year's Eve dinner in the morning and was busy until dark.
Gu Jiu followed the eldest wife Zhang's side early in the morning, taking care of household chores.
There are more than two hundred servants in the Gu family. In addition, there are hundreds of people in the shop and Zhuangzi.
The servants have worked hard for a year, and they all look forward to a prosperous year this year.
Mrs. Zhang taught the girls, "This year's harvest in the Fuzhong is the same as last year, but considering that Erfang's family returned to Beijing from the northwest, the rewards for the servants in the Fuzhong this year will all be 10% more than last year.
This year's harvest in the shop is not bad, and the rewards for them are 20% more than last year.
Although Zhuangzi reduced production last year, he still had to give rewards according to last year's amount. "
Gu Zhen hurriedly asked: "Why does Zhuangzi reduce production and still maintain the amount of rewards from last year? Please ask my aunt for advice, my niece doesn't quite understand the truth behind it."
Mrs. Zhang smiled, and looked at Gu Jiu, "Xiao Jiu, tell me why."
Gu Jiu bowed slightly, "Let me just say, if what I said is wrong, please ask my aunt to enlighten me."
"It's okay, just say it."
Gu Jiu pondered for a while and said, "As far as I know, our Gu family has set up a total of twelve Zhuangzi outside.
The nearest Zhuangzi is two hours away from the capital, and the farthest Zhuangzi is in a water town thousands of miles away.
No matter how far or near these Zhuangzi are, what they have in common is that we have no way to manage them ourselves, so we can only count on the Zhuangtou and the stewards to be more attentive and think about the Fuchu.
To make the head of the village and the stewards work hard, it is not just a matter of lip service, but practical benefits.
If Zhuangzi's year-end reward is reduced because of a slight reduction in production this year, I'm afraid that next year, Zhuangzi's production will become less and less.
In the final analysis, it is to use a little money to maintain people's hearts. If people's hearts are not scattered, these Zhuangzi will have enough output if they are placed there, and they can provide a little harvest for the family every year.
In times of famine, the importance of these Zhuangzis is even more self-evident. With these Zhuangzi, even if there is a catastrophe for three years, there is no need to worry about the mansion running out of food. "
Mrs. Zhang nodded again and again, "Xiao Jiu is right. From now on, you will be your own stewards. At the end of the year, when you give rewards to the servants, you don't have to be too rich, but you can't be too thin, so as not to chill people's hearts. As long as you don't give a big Wrong, just follow the usual practice."
Gu Zhen looked taught, "Thank you for your teaching, my niece understands."
The eldest wife, Mrs. Zhang, smiled and said: "It's good if you understand. The rewards from the shop and the Zhuangzi have been handed out a few days ago. Today, only the rewards from the servants in the mansion are distributed. You follow me and watch more Learn more."
"yes!"
Because they were busy with the New Year, the servants of the mansion came to the meeting hall in batches to receive the rewards.
The eldest wife, Mrs. Zhang, personally delivered the sealed rewards to each servant, and took the trouble to remind them, hoping that they will work hard in the coming year.
The servants bowed in response, each with a smile on his face while holding the reward.
Of course, some people were a little emotional because the reward did not meet expectations.
Mrs. Zhang will comfort them with a few words, encouraging them to work harder in the coming year and strive to get more rewards.
Seeing Gu Yue, she muttered in a low voice, "Every servant has to meet one time, which delays things. When my mother was in the northwest housekeeper, she let the stewardesses distribute the rewards. It's quick and easy. Auntie's The way I see it is useless and wastes time."
Gu Shan whispered: "Auntie has a reason for doing this. I think it's not bad, although it's a bit time-consuming."
Gu Yue looked at Gu Jiu, "Second Sister, Eldest Aunt always praises you, saying that you are sensible and smart. Then tell me, is Eldest Aunt's approach good or bad?"
Gu Jiu smiled softly, and said: "There are a lot of servants in the mansion, more than two hundred people. But compared with the Hou's mansion, they are just average.
With such a small number of people, it is entirely feasible to spend some time meeting each of the servants, as long as there is enough time.
If time is tight, you can gather the servants together and give them a unified lecture.
In my opinion, as long as the method is easy to use and effective, use any method. You don't have to stick to one format. "
Gu Zhen nodded, agreeing with Gu Jiu's statement, "Second Sister is right. I've already finished all the things I should be busy with, and I only have to give rewards to the servants and have a New Year's Eve dinner. Take some time and talk to the servants." Nothing."
Seeing that everyone was against her, Gu Yue curled her lips with disdain.
After finishing this work, Mrs. Zhang asked everyone to go back to their rooms to rest and have a New Year's Eve dinner together in the evening.
Gu Jiu brought the maids back to Zhilan Courtyard.
She smiled and asked, "How many rewards have you all received? Let me open my eyes."
Qingzhu said: "Girl, don't be joking, the rewards that the servants have given, how can it open the girl's eyes."
Gu Jiu laughed, "Tell me, I just want to know the rules in the capital."
Qingmei smiled and said: "Since the girl wants to know, the servant girl told the girl to listen. The servant girl and Qingmei took one tael of silver as a reward. Xiaocui and Wang Yi took one tael of silver as a reward. The little maids from two It ranges from a hundred to eight hundred."
Gu Jiu nodded, and had a general understanding of the amount of silver rewards at the end of the year.
Then, she said: "This year, I also prepared red envelopes for you all."
The maidservants were stunned.
Qingmei took the lead and said: "Miss is not joking. We have already taken the silver reward from the eldest wife, how can we ask for the girl's silver reward. Besides, the girl does not have enough money, so she spends money everywhere. There is no need for reward money and so on. gone."
"That's right, the girl doesn't have a lot of money, so she doesn't need to reward the slaves with money."
Several servant girls have the same meaning.
Gu Jiu is still a poor person, so don't slap her swollen face to pretend to be fat. Saving up money is the right thing to do.
Gu Jiu smiled and said: "You guys, you underestimate me too much. Although I don't have enough money, I'm not so poor that I can't even give out the reward.
It's just that this year's expenses are high, and I finally earned some money, and I spent it all.
But until next year, I promise to give each of you a big red envelope, so that you can make a small fortune. "
"The girl really wants to reward the servants with silver?"
Gu Jiu nodded, she had already prepared the red envelope. Wrapped in red paper, there are four copies in total.
Qingmei, Qingzhu, and Xiaocui have the same number of red envelopes, two taels each.
Wang Yixin came and only got one or two.
Gu Jiu said, "Hurry up and take it, don't think it's too little."
"Slaves don't dare to think too little, the reward given by the girl is too much."
Qingmei was a little excited, her eyes were slightly moist.
Xiaocui burst into tears immediately, "I have done so many things that are inferior to pigs and dogs before, I never thought I could get silver rewards from the girl, and once I get it, it is two taels. Girl, the reward silver you gave to the slave girl is too big." If there are too many, slaves can’t take it.”
As Xiao Cui said, she was about to return the red envelope to Gu Jiu.
Gu Jiu blocked her hand, "You are not allowed to return it. There is no reason to take back what I gave away. You deserve it, and you can accept it with peace of mind."
Qingmei wiped the corner of her eyes, "This is the girl's wish, let's accept it. Come on, let's kowtow to the girl together, wishing the girl a happy new year and everything goes well."
The four servant girls knelt down and kowtowed to Gu Jiu.
Gu Jiu pulled them, "Get up, there's no need to be like this."
The four maidservants stood up, and Qingzhu said: "Girl, I will make you a lot of delicious food and beautiful clothes in the future."
Xiao Cui also said: "No matter what information the girl wants to inquire about, it will be covered by the servant girl. The servant girl is worthy of the name."
Ha ha…
Everyone laughed.
On the last day of this year, everyone is happy.
When it was time for dinner, the first room and the second room gathered in the flower hall. Even the aunts are out.
Of course, Mr. Gu is also indispensable.
It's winter, and it's snowing outside.
I didn't expect the snow in the capital to come so late this year.
Mr. Gu didn't think it was cold, so he came here wearing a thin coat.
"Where's the wine? Serve the old man quickly."
As soon as Mr. Gu arrived at the flower hall, he clamored for a drink.
Eldest Master Gu Zhiming frowned, and said, "Father, today's Chinese New Year, at least you have the appearance of an elder, just treat it as serving the younger generation for half a year."
Mr. Gu blew his beard and stared, "I want you to take care of what this old man is going to do? You unfilial son, idiot, get out of here, far away. When I saw you two brothers, I was so angry. You two brothers are the most unlucky thing in this old man's life."
Mr. Gu and the Elder Master Gu Zhiming were both filled with embarrassment.
Mr. Gu has a gloomy expression, he has not forgotten that he was kicked out a few days ago.
Today's Chinese New Year, he really doesn't want to get angry.
Master Gu sighed, and simply sat a little further away, out of sight and out of mind.
Gu Jiu whispered to the servant girl, "Bring two jars of wine to the old man."
After finishing speaking, she stuffed a purse into the maid's hand.
The servant girl got the benefit and hurried to get the wine.
Mr. Gu was arguing about drinking, but no one paid any attention to him.
Old man Gu was so angry that he smashed the table.
"All of you are unfilial children and grandchildren, the old man knows that you want me to die early, so that I can make room for you when I die."
Eldest Master Gu Zhiming frowned, "Father, don't make troubles during Chinese New Year today. Look at the children, they are all scared by you."
The boys and girls in the big house were not intimidated, they had long been used to it.
Everyone on Erfang's side was a little nervous. After all, I am not used to such things.
Mr. Gu picked up the wine glass and threw it at the head of Eldest Master Gu Zhiming.
The old man hurriedly avoided.
Mr. Gu chased after him, "I beat you to death for being unfilial."
Seeing the old man being beaten, the eldest wife Zhang couldn't sit still, so she immediately stood up and rushed to protect her husband.
At this moment, Gu Jiu shouted, "The wine is here, please drink, old man."
Upon hearing the drink, Mr. Gu stopped, and laughed.
He deliberately glanced at Gu Jiu, "The second girl is still filial."
Mr. Gu stopped making noise when he had a drink.
Elder Master Gu Zhiming covered his head and took a deep breath.
Mr. Gu is quite old, he didn't expect beating someone to hurt so much.
Master Gu asked with concern, "Brother, are you alright?"
Master Gu shook his head, "Second Brother, don't worry about me, I'm fine. It's getting late, everyone sit down and serve food quickly."
When the food and wine were on the table, Mr. Gu drank with the Eldest Master Gu Zhiming.
The two brothers are deeply in love with each other, and with such an incomprehensible father, they can only ask for blessings.
The eldest wife, Mrs. Zhang, asked Gu Jiu in a low voice, "Xiao Jiu, did you ask the maid to bring wine to the old man?"
Gu Jiu didn't deny it, and said frankly: "The old man is addicted to drinking. If he doesn't drink for a day, he will feel uncomfortable. Today is the Chinese New Year, so I thought, at least let the old man drink to his heart's content. He has a headache, so he won't bother everyone. .”
After observation, Gu Jiu can already confirm that Mr. Gu has severe alcohol dependence.
Fortunately, the alcohol that Mr. Gu drank was not high in alcohol, far inferior to the fifty or sixty alcohol in later generations.
The wine that old man Gu drank was estimated to be around 10 to 20 degrees.
It is probably because the alcohol content is not high, Mr. Gu has the strength to toss after drinking.
Mrs. Zhang said: "The old man will go crazy after drinking. Try to stop the old man from drinking in the future, and don't let him go."
Gu Jiu nodded, "I listened to my aunt. Today is my own decision, and I ask my aunt to punish me."
Mrs. Zhang said: "There is no need to punish you. You are also kind. Just don't do this in the future."
Everyone ate food and wine, and the atmosphere gradually became lively.
The second room and the first room toasted each other, and the juniors toasted the elders, making a fuss for a long time.
After the New Year's Eve dinner, the banquet was withdrawn, and everyone watched the New Year together again.
The grown-ups gather to talk, while the girls and boys entertain themselves.
Eldest Master Gu Zhiming said with emotion, "This year is rare, the old man actually only had one scene. In previous years, the old man would make a scene from dark to midnight at the New Year's Eve dinner."
The eldest wife Zhang echoed, "This year is really rare."
After the New Year's Eve dinner, Mr. Gu took a few concubines back to his room to indulge.
At that time, everyone looked relieved.
If Mr. Gu is like this in the future, then thank God.
Master Gu frowned, still feeling unhappy.
"When will the old man continue to make such a fuss? Brother, sister-in-law, can't you do anything?"
Eldest Master Gu Zhiming said: "Second brother, since you came back, the time when the old man is making trouble has been counted to be less.
Just ask the servants in the mansion, before your family returned to the capital, the old man would make a small fuss every three days and a big fuss every five days.
The whole house was so noisy, that scene, hehe, your sister-in-law and I don't know how we got through these years. "
The eldest wife, Mrs. Zhang, glared at him, "There is no need to talk about the past. The old man is getting older, and he spends his days drinking or hanging out with a few aunts. His body will be hollowed out sooner or later." Can't make a fuss.
Eldest Master Gu Zhiming nodded, "It's not filial to think so, but I still hope that the old man will grow old quickly and stop making trouble."
Even to say such unfilial words, the Eldest Master must have drunk too much.
The eldest wife, Mrs. Zhang, quickly poured the old man a bowl of hangover soup, and then complained: "After drinking two taels of cat urine, I started talking nonsense. That's the old man, the elder."
Some things can be said, but not done.
And some things can only be done, not said.
It's a matter of filial piety, how can the Elder Master talk nonsense in front of people and put it into practice.
Xie's eyeballs rolled around, and his mind had long drifted away.
Old man Gu's body has been hollowed out, does it mean that the old man is dying soon
Once the old man passed away, the first room and the second room would definitely have a separate family and could not continue to live together.
This mansion, without accident, was inherited by the Dafang.
Or learn the way of dividing the family in the Hou's mansion, divide the mansion into two, and build a courtyard wall in the middle.
Of course Xie wanted to continue living here. Not to mention anything else, the land of the Gu Mansion is a prime location in the capital, and even money cannot buy it.
However, if the mansion is divided into two, the space will be too cramped, and Xie is not happy about it.
Mrs. Xie thought, while the old man was still there and the two families hadn't separated, they should quickly use the money from the public office to buy a house outside, preferably not far from the Hou's mansion.
When the two families are separated, the second room can move there directly.
In addition, after the new year, she will have to take care of the house with Mrs. Zhang. Otherwise, Mrs. Zhang will be greedy for all the money in the public house, and when the family is separated, wouldn't the second room want to drink the northwest wind
Xie's small abacus was clattering, and he had already thought of which villages, shops, and servants he would want when dividing the family.
There are also valuables in the warehouse, such as calligraphy and paintings, which have to be carefully selected.
The big house has taken advantage of it for so many years, when the family is separated, the big house must not be allowed to continue to take advantage of it.
What to say, the second room needs to share a little more property.
Moreover, there are many children in the second room, whether it is marriage or marriage, it is a lot of expenses.
Xie's heart hurts at the thought of paying a large sum of dowry and bride price.
She gritted her teeth and made a decision. All the children's marriages must be finalized before Old Master Gu passes away.
Those who should be married should be married out, and those who should be married should be married quickly.
As long as the family is not separated, the public has to bear part of the dowry and bride price. In this way, the pressure on the second room will be much less.
Xie praised her wit, she really didn't miss anything.