Lu's guilty conscience didn't make a sound, and General Zhou became more and more suspicious.
Lu's guilty conscience didn't make a sound, and General Zhou became more and more suspicious.
Ever since the scandal happened at the palace birthday banquet, General Zhou was still worried that his ignorant daughter would cause trouble for him. Who would have thought that King Zhennan would send someone to call his eldest son over the next day? , and delegated errands. Although it's just a vain job from the sixth rank, it can be regarded as having a future anyway.
Think about the Chang family and the Yu family, in order to let their children have a future, they all sent them to the front line. The fight ahead was so fierce, it was like fighting for their lives, even if they could come back alive, it would be nothing more than a rank-6 military post.
Future is important, but life is more important!
Just like his elder brother, who lost his life on the battlefield before reaching the weak crown, the Dingyuan General's Mansion can only be handed over to him, a person who has never been on the battlefield.
Therefore, in those few days, although General Zhou was pointed at by others, he was still quite proud of himself.
But in just a few days, everything changed.
First, the eldest son's errand was inexplicably lost, and then the always honest and docile Wang family made a fuss about wanting a step-heir, and what surprised him even more was that the imperial concubine was clearly on Wang's side.
Otherwise, how could this gold-stamped post come at such a coincidence.
In the past, this post was enough to show off for a long time, but now it seems like a hot potato.
General Zhou looked at Lu Shi, narrowing his eyes slightly. He has been married to Lu Shi for many years, and at a glance, he could see that her expression was a little unnatural, and General Zhou realized it immediately.
"Foolish woman!" General Zhou looked like he hated iron for being weak.
The concubine's position in southern Xinjiang is becoming more and more stable now, the wives of any family are not busy trying to please her, but this foolish woman is so stupid as to offend the concubine!
General Zhou deeply thought that he had revealed the truth, and the concubine Shi Zi must not be helping the Wang family, but wanted to use this incident to show his family some color.
Hey, he planned it well. From now on, the eldest son will inherit the Dingyuan General's Mansion, and the second son will adopt the eldest son. Both sons have their own future and wealth, but they are disturbed by this foolish woman!
Originally, whether to adopt an heir, and who to adopt as an heir, was a private matter of the Zhou family, but if there was a royal concubine behind the Wang family, I am afraid that even the patriarch and elders would give the concubine some shame. At that time, it's not what I can say.
The more General Zhou thought about it, the more irritable he became, and he said impatiently: "This is something you caused yourself, you should find a way to solve it yourself!"
"Master! You misunderstood, this..."
Lu Shi wanted to defend himself, but General Zhou had already walked away.
Lu shi held the post tightly, and slumped on the chair weakly.
Why? !
The concubine Shizi looked down on her sister Hui, but she was willing to support that dull Wang and Zhou Roujia! Why? !
What should she do... Does she really have to bow to Mrs. Wang
The little maid stood aside tremblingly, seeing that the post was about to be crumpled, the little maid was about to cry.
But no matter what, this post was stamped with the gold seal of the princess, and it was finally sent to Wang who was punished to kneel. When he got the post with obvious wrinkles, Wang was always tense My heart immediately relaxed, and tears flowed down uncontrollably.
Yes, she did nothing wrong!
She has nothing but her daughter. For her daughter, she will not give in this time.
Even the crown prince is helping her now, what else can she worry about? !
"Mother." Zhou Roujia worriedly handed over the handkerchief.
Wang wiped her eyes indiscriminately, took her hand, and said firmly: "Sister Jia, don't worry, mother will not let them send you to the temple!"
Zhou Roujia nodded slightly, leaning on Wang's shoulder.
It's time for the eldest son to adopt an heir, and only with an heir can the mother be counted on.
Relying on this post with the princess's golden seal, the Wang family took Zhou Roujia out of the Dingyuan General's Mansion the next day without hindrance.
Nangong Yue called Xiao Fei to accompany them, kept them for lunch, and then sent them back. Although this morning, Nangong Yue neither talked about Xiao Luan's marriage nor the Zhou family's adoption, but Wang's trip still attracted a lot of attention and speculation.
Especially Jiuyi Lane…
When the old patriarch of the Zhou clan heard that Wang had gone to Bixiao Hall early in the morning, he was really shocked.
In fact, since Elder Zhou Patriarch came back from General Dingyuan's mansion yesterday, he didn't really care about this matter. After all, it's not worthwhile to offend General Dingyuan because of the passing of an heir. But now, he couldn't help hesitating.
"No wonder that gentle and reticent Wang family would make such a bold move. It turns out that he has found a backer!" Old patriarch Zhou couldn't help muttering to himself.
"Old Master." Mrs. Zhou couldn't help but said, "Then what should we do?"
The old patriarch Zhou thought for a while, and said decisively: "Of course it is to help the Wang family. Except for the Dingyuan General's Mansion, our Zhou family has gradually declined over the years. If we can take this opportunity to please the concubine, It might be possible to earn a good future for your children and grandchildren.”
"What the old man said is true." Mrs. Zhou nodded. Besides, it is easy to add flowers, and I am afraid that the other party will not remember their kindness; it is difficult to send charcoal in the snow, and the mother and daughter of the Wang family are in a difficult situation now, so they will remember their kindness.
Now that the concubine is so partial to the Wang family, Zhou Roujia may really be able to marry into the Zhennan palace. As long as she speaks a few good words for them in front of the concubine, the concubine will value them more.
After listening to Mrs. Zhou's analysis, the old patriarch Zhou thought about it for a while, and finally had an idea in his mind.
That afternoon, he personally went to General Dingyuan's mansion, and told General Zhou in a righteous manner that the reason why General Zhou let the second house and the second house was because the eldest house had no heir to inherit the incense, but now, Almost twenty years have passed, and the eldest son still has no heir, which violates the original intention of the old general Zhou. If he continues like this, he will be under the Nine Springs. He really has no face to face Brother Cong, and proposes that he should be adopted by the eldest son An heir is right.
Patriarch Zhou burst into tears, and his reasons were reasonable...
"... Now it is rumored that General Zhou deliberately wants to occupy the property of the long house, so he has neglected the Wang family for many years, so that the Wang family does not even have a son." Que'er described it vividly, and Nangong Yue couldn't help hearing it. He pursed his lips and smiled lightly.
It has to be said that General Dingyuan's mansion is really not a mansion with strict sects, and in just a day or two, the news that the eldest family Wang's begging for a step-heir has already spread in Luoyue City.
It really has everything.
Que'er is also a know-it-all, and from time to time, she will bring back some new news, which Nangong Yue listens to with great interest.
Huamei also asked enthusiastically: "Shi Zifei, do you think the adoption of the Zhou family will be possible?"
"It's come to this point." Nangong Yue said with a smile, "As long as Mrs. Wang doesn't back down, this matter will most likely be possible.... Our palace will have a wedding soon."
All the maids in the room laughed, and the atmosphere was warm and happy.
Nangong Yue looked at the engraving placed in the corner of the room, "Humei, go and see if the eldest girl is here, it's time to go out."
Huamei responded, and as soon as he left the house, Xiao Fei came.
So, the two went out together and went to Shantang.
For the past few days, Xiao Fei has been going to the Shantang every afternoon, and will come back after an hour, but this is the first time Nangong Yue has gone with her. On the way, Xiao Fei can't stop saying: "Sister-in-law, the little girl's spirit has improved a lot. I heard from Nanny Fu from Shantang that old doctor Yu from Qianjintang would come to see her every day, and not only confiscated the consultation fee, but also confiscated the medicine fee. Boss Jin really A good man."
Xiao Fei said solemnly: "Sister-in-law, if we still need a pharmacy to make medicine, we can entrust it to Qianjintang. Boss Jin is so kind, he will definitely not cheat in medicine."
Xiao Fei spoke seriously, Nangong Yue also nodded with a smile, "Okay."
The carriage arrived at Shantang not long after, and the two of them were welcomed in by Nanny Fu as soon as they got off the carriage.
Nangong Yue came here this time, besides rice noodles, she also brought some snacks and candies, and asked Nanny Fu to help distribute them to the children, and then she and Xiao Fei went to visit the injured girl Xiaoya.
Old doctor Yu was changing her medicine. When Nangong Yue arrived, the medicine had already been changed, and an apprentice was packing the medicine box for him.
"Nurse Fu." Seeing them coming in, Old Doctor Yu said to Nanny Fu, "I have just prescribed a new prescription. When I go back, I will send the medicinal materials to her, and decoct the medicine on time every day for her to take." Next is."
"Thank you, old doctor." Nanny Fu thanked him sincerely, and sent him out in person.
Xiaoya already recognized Xiao Fei, and called sweetly, "Sister."
In addition to a little maid sent by Nangong Yue, there is also a kind-faced nanny in the room. It is said that the boss of Qianjintang asked her to stay here to take care of the little maid.
After the little maid bowed her knees and saluted, she quickly moved two round stools for them to sit down.
Xiao Fei took out the candy she brought to Xiao Ya, peeled off the candy wrapper and fed it to her. Xiao Fei has always been serious in doing things, and even peeled off the candy wrapper with a very serious look. Seeing this, Nangong Yue couldn't help pursing her lips and chuckling.
Baihui ordered from the side: "Qing Ning, go and pour some glasses of water for the madam and the eldest girl."
"It's Sister Baihui." Qing Ning blessed her body, but she didn't back down. Instead, she quietly walked towards the nanny who was sitting by the side mending the girl's clothes, and said in a low voice, "Mother Chen, take me with you." Go boil some water on the stove, I..." She looked ashamed, "I don't know how to use the clay stove here."
Chen Nanny hesitated for a moment, and Qing Ning said coquettishly: "You can help me, I finally got the chance to serve my wife, if my wife is satisfied, maybe I can be promoted to a big maid in the future, Chen Nanny ma."
Qing Ning was young, only twelve or thirteen years old, and she was smart and sweet-talking. After being sent here, she took care of all the work and coaxed Nanny Chen to smile. Now, Qing Ning just asked her to do this small favor, and Nanny Chen couldn't refuse both emotionally and rationally.
Nanny Chen glanced at Nangong Yue who was talking softly to the little girl. Although she had never seen this lady, the girl had come here several times, and each time she just sat for a while and brought some candies to the little girl. Ah, just read her a story and leave. I never did anything superfluous, and I only boiled a pot of water. It should be fine, right
"Mother Chen." Qing Ning blinked at her, and her heart softened, so she agreed, "Okay then."
"Thank you ma'am!"
Qing Ning smiled, and walked out affectionately holding Nanny Chen's hand.
The door is closed.
Nangong Yue asked with a smile: "...Little girl, do you still remember where your family lives?"
The little girl shook her head while eating the candy, and said: "In a far, far away mountain, after my mother gave birth to my younger brother, my father fell ill, and then my mother sold my little girl and my sister. I can't see my sister anymore. The mother said that if the little girl is obedient, she will sell the little girl to a rich family. From then on, she will be full every day and have new clothes to wear. The little girl is very obedient, so she sells the little girl to In a village."
"Little girl is really obedient. My sister will give you a reward." After Nangong Yue praised, she asked Baihui to take out the snacks she brought.
This is the red bean cake made in the small kitchen of Bixiaotang. The red beans are ground into fine sand and mixed with the honey that children like. , Xiaoya's eyes lit up, she was fed by Baihui, and she ate the whole piece in one go.
Nangong Yue said with a smile: "It turns out that the little girl was sold into the Zhuangzi. Is it fun to be in the Zhuangzi?"
"We all live in a small courtyard. We are not allowed to go out." Xiaoya felt that it was not fun for a while, "But I eat a big steamed bun every day! There is also bitter medicine." Speaking of this, her little face She wrinkled up, "If you don't take the medicine, you won't have any steamed buns to eat. Xiaoya doesn't want to go hungry, so she obediently takes the medicine."
Nangong Yue noticed that she said "we", so she asked along the way: "Besides Xiaoya, are there any other brothers and sisters?"
The little girl nodded vigorously while chewing on the red bean cake.
Nangong Yue lowered her eyes slightly, her tone softened, and she asked, "Then why did the little girl sneak out of the Zhuangzi?"
Xiaoya trembled all over as if thinking of something terrible, shook her head vigorously and said: "No! Xiaoya didn't run away, Xiaoya is very obedient... But, Xiaoya hurts, it hurts so much."
Nangong Yue put her arms around her, patted her on the back lightly, and said, "My sister knows that the little girl is very good. It's all bad people's fault, it's bad people's fault."
Nangong Yue coaxed in a low voice, after all, the little girl was still young, and after a while, she burst into laughter again and ate two pieces of red bean cake in a row.
At this moment, the door opened, and Nanny Chen came back after helping to boil the water. She observed the little girl happily eating red bean cakes, and a maid gently helped her with a handkerchief. Wipe the debris off your lips.
Harmony.
Not long after, Qing Ning brought tea, and then Mammy Fu also came back.
Nangong Yue got up, said goodbye to the little girl, and promised to bring her pastries next time, and went out with Fu Nanny. They went to see the other children, and finally asked Baihui to leave two hundred taels of silver for Nanny Fu, which was enough to support the small charity hall for two years.
Nanny Fu accepted it gratefully, and only hoped that there would be more such noble people, the better, so that more children could be helped.
Nangong Yue stayed for about an hour, and then went home with Xiao Fei.
Sitting on the carriage back home, Nangong Yue lowered her eyes and pondered. The Zhuangzi in the little girl's mouth regarded them children so closely, she probably didn't run out by herself. coincide.
Nangong Yue couldn't help but frowned until Xiao Fei asked, "Sister-in-law, is there something wrong?"
Nangong Yue sighed softly, there were some things that she couldn't tell Xiao Fei for the time being, so she just said: "The little girl is really pitiful, I only hope that the country will be peaceful and the people will be safe. If every family can have enough to eat, how can parents be willing to sell their children?" .”
Xiao Fei didn't think much, and nodded in agreement.
yes!
The words Guotai Minan are easy to write, but it is too difficult to really do it.
Just like now, in order to prevent the great land from being invaded by foreigners, and to prevent countless families from being destroyed, the elder brother is leading the soldiers to fight bloody battles!
Her eldest brother is so brave, which makes her more proud!
Xiao Fei secretly decided that when she saw her eldest brother again next time, she would never despise him as a reckless man again!
The carriage entered Bixiaotang from the gate of the East Street, Xiao Fei went back to Yuebiju, and Baihui went to the front yard under Nangongyue's order, and asked Zhu Xing to let someone look for the Zhuangzi the little girl was talking about near Luoyue City.
After Nangong Yue entered the room, before she had time to drink a sip of tea, Thrush came over and said that Mrs. Qiao came an hour ago and asked to see King Zhennan, but because King Zhennan hadn't come back, she was in the front yard There was a quarrel, and someone insisted on going to the barracks to call Zhennan Wang back. Because Nangong Yue was not in the mansion, the maids and women in front couldn't stop her at all.
"Later, there was nothing I could do. The steward sent a young man to the barracks." Thrush said with an unreasonable expression, "Now Mrs. Qiao is staying in the prince's study and refuses to leave."
The maids in the room looked at each other.
Mrs. Qiao came over to make a fuss from time to time, and they were all used to it, but now it seems that it has become worse
"Concubine Shi Zi, you have to go..." What Huamei wanted to ask was whether to call Mrs. Qiao over, she was afraid that after Mrs. Qiao made such a fuss, the prince would blame the concubine Shi Zi for not being a good family.
"No need." Nangong Yue said indifferently, "The front yard belongs to the front yard, and the inner house belongs to the inner house..." She smiled slightly and continued, "Madam Qiao is making trouble in the front yard. If you want to intervene, the prince will blame me for taking too much control."
As the saying goes, there is a difference between inside and outside, and the mistress of any mansion will not go beyond that to intervene in the affairs of the outer courtyard.
Moreover, Nangong Yue didn't want to care about the Qiao family's affairs from the bottom of her heart.
If she has this energy, she might as well read a little longer.
"It's fine for people to watch some of the study rooms." Nangong Yue ordered casually, and went to the clean room.
After washing, when her black hair was half-dried, there was finally new news from the study, "... Shizi Concubine, Miss Qiao escaped from Yaoshu Nursing Courtyard with her maid, and her whereabouts are unknown now. "
Nangong Yue was slightly surprised, and asked, "What's going on?"
Que'er combed through the news he got, and reported in detail: "It is said that Miss Qiao was punished several times by the female master for disobeying discipline in Yaoshu Women's Court, and this time she was put into confinement again. Then, Qiao The eldest girl went on a hunger strike and passed out, the husband of the women's courtyard had no choice but to invite a doctor, and Miss Qiao took advantage of the confusion and escaped from the women's courtyard with her maid."
"This..." Yinger said dumbfounded, "Miss Qiao is really brave."
Nangong Yue raised her eyebrows slightly, now that the outside world is not peaceful, a girl like her dares to take her maids around, but she doesn't know where she got the courage. It seems that being kidnapped by Nanliang people didn't teach her a lesson.
The last time Xiao Fei went from southern Xinjiang to the capital, she was lucky enough to be safe and sound, while the second princess who also left the palace fell to the point where her innocence was ruined. Now... I don't know if Qiao Ruolan has this luck.
Que'er continued: "...the women's courtyard also went to look for it, but found nothing, so I had to send someone to inform Mrs. Qiao. Mrs. Qiao was making trouble with the prince, and blamed the prince for sending Miss Qiao to the Yaoshu Women's Court. That's why she disappeared."
Nangong Yue sneered and said, "I'm afraid the prince is angry."
"Your concubine, you are really good at predicting things." Que'er said jokingly, "My lord said, if we let Miss Qiao go to the Ming and Qing Temple according to his wishes, nothing will happen. Mrs. Qiao cried again in the study. Make trouble again, begging the prince to send troops to go, the prince just ordered someone to announce General Tang to come."
Nangong Yue nodded slightly to show that she knew.
These matters of the Qiao family are really troublesome, so let Zhennan Wang have a headache by himself.