Early in the morning, there is still the chill of the night. As soon as I walked out the door, I heard the cheerful cry of magpies on the tree.
The Qiu clan smiled and said, "There are magpies calling in the early morning. It is probably a happy event."
Mother Li nodded hurriedly and said, "It must be."
While talking, a group of sparrows flew in the distance, all of which fell on the wall.
Ruyan didn't need to order, and when she saw this, she turned around and went into the house and took out a small bag. The others in the yard also returned to the house. In the yard, there are only three of Qiu's and Li's mother.
Qiu took the bag, grabbed a handful of broken rice from it, and scattered it in the yard.
The sparrow on the wall immediately flew down into the yard and ate happily. The magpies on the tree also joined them.
After a short quarter of an hour, the sparrows all flew away after they were full. Only then did Ruyan order her mother-in-law to clean up.
A little maid lowered her voice and said to the other person: "Sister Axia, these sparrows meet the old lady, it is their blessing." In early winter, Qiu saw two sparrows chirping on the wall. At the time, she thought it was interesting and threw some away. Broken steamed buns teased them, who knew that the sparrow would come again the next day. Qiu's heart was the softest, and he threw them food. Gradually, there were more and more sparrows, and Qiu's family also prepared a small bag of food for them every day. Now it has become a scene in the courtyard.
Axia smiled and said, "We are also blessed." Since entering the Han Mansion, Axia hasn't seen the old lady scold anyone, let alone beat people.
The Qiu clan, like the Bodhisattva, has often donated money to the temple since he paid homage to the Buddha. In winter, he gave porridge and clothes to the poor people. When others saw it, they followed suit and helped many people.
Not long after breakfast, the Qiu family was going to worship the Buddha in the Buddhist hall. Mother Li smiled and said, "Old Madam, Madam Xia will visit today." This Madam Xia is the wife of the new prefect of Suzhou. Because of his eloquence, Qiu's family likes it very much.
The Qiu family thought for a while and said, "I'm old, and many things are always forgotten. Fortunately, I have you by my side." Since there are guests, I will not recite Buddha today.
Mother Li is two years older than Qiu's, and she will forget some things, but the maid by her side will remind her. In fact, it was time for Li's mother to rest and enjoy the blessing at her age, but the Qiu family couldn't bear to leave her, so mother Li stayed with her all the time.
At the end of the hour, Mrs. Xia came over. This time I didn't come alone, but also brought a young girl.
When the girl saw Qiu's family, she immediately blessed her: "Greetings to the old lady, I wish the old lady good luck and health."
Holding Xiang Zixin's hand, Qiu Shi smiled and said: "What a lovely girl." After finishing speaking, he looked at Madam Xia and complained: "Such a lovely girl didn't bring her earlier, this is you. Is wrong."
Mrs. Xia said with a smile on her face: "Old lady, this is Zixin, my maiden niece." She also knew that Qiu's intention was to marry Han Jianming, so she deliberately brought her maiden niece. Of course, she was also selected by Xiang Zixin after careful selection.
Qiu's family took Xiang Zixin's hand reluctantly and said, "How old are you this year?"
Xiang Zixin said generously: "Seventeen."
At the age of Jiangnan, either married or married, Qiu's heart was a little disappointed.
Mother Li knew what she was thinking when she looked at Qiu's expression, and immediately coughed: "I don't know what tea Miss Xiang likes, I have someone to prepare it?"
Being able to speak on such an occasion is definitely different. Xiang Zixin smiled and said, "I'm not particular about this, anything is fine."
"You don't need to be restrained on the old lady's side." After speaking, Madam Xia smiled at Qiu's: "This kid doesn't like tea. He drinks boiled water at home on weekdays. You can ask her to bring her a glass of boiled water. "
Xiang Zixin now drinks boiled water at home, but it's not that she likes to drink boiled water but that there is no good tea to drink. But after hearing this, Xiang Zixin's eyes still flashed with surprise, and she didn't understand why Madam Xia wanted to say this.
Qiu's smiled: "Really? Yuxi also likes to drink boiled water, not tea. I didn't expect Miss Zixin to be like Yuxi."
Only then did Xiang Zixin understand Madam Xia's intentions. This was the favor of the old lady who wanted to blog: "Old lady, how dare you compare with the princess." In the eyes of many men, Yuxi is Sichen Miji, and she is very disgusting with her. But the women were very envious of Yuxi. The husband and wife are loving, their children are smart and lovely, and they hold great power. They are simply big winners in life.
Qiu's laughed and said: "Don't compare with her, that child is just a toil, so busy every day... I let her rest and don't tire her life and death, and say something If you don’t do anything every day, you will be too idle."
Madam Xia smiled and said, "The princess is also capable." Normal women can't do those things even if she is asked to do them.
The Qiu family was very interested and had a conversation with Madam Xia. When she knew that Xiang Zixin hadn't agreed with her, she was moved: "The weather is good today. Let's go for a walk in the yard."
Madam Xia was naturally willing to accompany her.
When Qiu came into the house to change clothes, he said to Mama Li, "Go and call the old man to the garden."
As Qiu's confidant, how could she not know what Qiu's thought was in her mind. Mother Li hesitated and said, "What if the master is busy and has no time!" Han Jianming will definitely not come if there is something to deal with.
The Qiu family was annoyed and said: "Just tell him that I have taken a fancy to a girl and let him come and have a look. If he can't come, I'll just settle it down." There is no hostess in this house, so socializing is not enough. Not to mention the convenience, the marriage of several children was also delayed. She would not allow Han Jianming to drag on any longer.
Mother Li whispered: "This girl looks pretty good, but we don't know her details now, so I rashly let the eldest master see it wrong." This girl looks good, but she is seventeen years old. The girl hasn't promised someone there must be a problem.
The Qiu clan said, "Isn't the Xiang clan saying just now that filial piety was delayed. Anyway, it's not decided, just let him see." If Han Jianming is interested, then go to check the details of Xiang's family. If it is not what you want, then there is nothing to say.
Mother Li said, "Old lady, this matter can't come in a hurry."
The Qiu family said, "I can't help but worry! You see, Brother Chang will be 19 years old after the Chinese New Year, and his marriage hasn't been decided yet. The following children are also talking about marriage. Why is there no mistress in this family? Achievement?" These things, it is impossible for Axiu to work hard. Axiu herself has a few children too! Furthermore, that is not in accordance with the rules.
Seeing that Qiu's intention had been decided, Mother Li knew that it would be useless to persuade her, so she had to agree.
Outside, Mrs. Xia whispered Xiang Zixin: "Don't be nervous, what you usually do today is also what you do today." In front of people like Han Jianming, who are so sophisticated and contemplative, the pretense will be seen through at a glance.
Xiang Zixin nodded gently and said, "Okay."
At this time, Han Jianming was discussing with Mr. Zhao. Mr. Zhao said, "Master, we no longer supply them with food and weapons. I am worried that they will not be able to survive this winter?" Due to Yan Wushuang's crusade, Yuxi stopped supplying food and weapons to the rebel army. Some things still need to be done superficially.
Han Jianming shook his head and said, "It's okay to survive this winter, I'm afraid they won't last until next spring." In the spring of next year, the court will send troops to quell the rebellion. According to the information received, Zhou Chuang and Lou Qingyun were preparing to lead their troops to quell the rebellion.
Mr. Zhao said: "I hope they can last a little longer." The rebel army will last a day, and the court will spend more money and food. This is a good thing for them.
The guard said outside: "Master, Mother Li who is next to the old lady begged to see me and said that there is something to be done."
After hearing what Li's mother said, Han Jianming said helplessly: "I'll be over in a while." Recently, Qiu Shi has been urging him to solve personal problems, but he is so busy, how can he have time to deal with it!
After seeing Mama Li away, Han Jianming confessed a few words to Mr. Zhao, and then he was about to go to the back garden.
Mr. Zhao touched his long beard and smiled and said, "Master, you have to change clothes when you go to see other girls."
Han Jianming didn't believe in Qiu's vision, and the reason he agreed was that he didn't want Qiu's temper to lose his temper. Speaking of Qiu's family, Han Jianming actually had a headache. It may be because he was too compliant, which caused Qiu's to behave more and more freely, sometimes making him tired to cope.
Mr. Zhao said: "Even if you are not going to see a girl, it is not appropriate to wear such a dress to meet foreign guests." Seeing Han Jianming looking at him, Mr. Zhao said, "Master, it's really impossible to have no master mistress in the house." The Qiu clan is in good health. He could have helped the housekeeper, but his temperamental housekeeper might be messed up.
Mr. Zhao has been with Han Jianming for more than 20 years, and he is also watching the changes of the Qiu family day by day. It can only be said that Qiu's married people are unreliable, but having capable and filial sons and daughters can be considered a blessing.
In the end, Han Jianming obeyed Mr. Zhao's suggestion, and deliberately cleaned up the garden he went to.
Passing through the fan-shaped arch, Han Jianming heard Qiu's cheerful laughter. Asya, who led him, explained: "Every time Madam Xia comes, the old lady who can make fun of her smiles."
As he got closer, Han Jianming saw a girl standing next to Qiu's.
I saw this girl wearing a moon-white orchid brocade pinched clothes and a moon-flower dress underneath. A water-blue silk tape around his waist tied the slender waist, soft but not tight. The full head of the blue silk was rolled up in half, and the rest hung behind him. There was no cumbersome hairpin ring, except for a delicate orchid hairpin carved with white jade. The oval face, the eyebrows are like Qingdai, and the complexion is white and tender. In terms of appearance and beauty, it is not considered to be overwhelming, it is only middle and upper class, but the sublime charm that surrounds the whole body is rare.
Realizing that someone was watching her, Xiang Zixin couldn't help turning around. Xiang Zixin was taken aback when she saw the person looking at her. The visitor was wearing a lavender brocade robe with a piece of black jade adorned around his waist, and he was tall and straight.
At this moment, Qiu's family called for a statement, and Xiang Zixin came back to her senses. Thinking of what he had done just now, he immediately lowered his head flushed.
Han Jianming walked over to see Qiu's: "Mother."
Qiu clan pointed to Madam Xia and Xiang Zixin and said, "This is the wife of Zhifu Xia, this is her niece."
Xiang Zixin endured his shame and gave Han Jianming a blessing: "I have seen Master Han."
Han Jianming took another look at Xiang Zixin and quickly retracted his gaze, not staying on her for a long time. Coming over to support Qiu's family, Han Jianming said, "Mother, it's windy here, let's go back!"
Qiu's goal was achieved, so he did not refuse: "You accompany me back!"
After sending the Qiu family back to the house, Han Jianming nodded to Madam Xia's nephew and went out.
Back in the front yard, Han Jianming called Han Hao: "Go and check the details of Xiang's family and this girl."
Han Hao was a little surprised, but he nodded and said, "The little one will go." He knew the purpose of Mrs. Xia's bringing a big girl to the mansion, but he didn't expect the master to take it too. Want to come, there will be a mistress in the house soon.
A quarter of an hour later, Madam Xia left the Governor's Mansion with Xiang Zixin.
Xiang Zixin felt extremely entangled in the carriage. She wanted to know whether Han Jianming valued her, and if she was willing to marry her, her family's fortune would change, but she couldn't ask.
It was also the first time that Mrs. Xia saw Han Jianming. She was 40 years old, one year older than her husband, but he looked only 30 years old. If you walk with her husband, it is not an exaggeration to say that there are two generations. No way, Mrs. Xia's husband is obviously old.
Looking at Xiang Zixin, who had been bowing her head, Mrs. Xia said, "You did very well just now."
Xiang Zixin stirred the veil in her hand and said, "Auntie, I'm looking at Master Han..." She couldn't say the following words.
This time Xiang Zixin was very clear about why she came here, but she decided to sacrifice herself for the sake of her family, but she was still a bit wronged in her heart. This is also normal. If a young girl wants to marry an old man, everyone will feel wronged. But after seeing Han Jianming today, her grievances disappeared. Now, she is worried that Han Jianming will look down on her instead.
Mrs. Xia took Xiang Zixin's hand and patted it, and said, "It depends on fate to make things happen." She can see clearly from the side that Master Han looked at Zixin twice today. People like Han Jianming showed their intention after seeing it twice. But these are all her speculations, so naturally she won't tell Xiang Zixin.
Xiang Zixin lowered her head, but the twisting veil revealed her anxiety.
Mrs. Xia sighed, "I still have a fifty-year-old ginseng there. I will take it to your mother later!"
Zixin's father was not well-versed in general affairs, but her mother, Wu, fell ill three years ago. There were not many industries originally allocated, and this disease emptied the family. By the way, a lot of money has been spent, but Wu's body has never been better. The past few years have been stretched due to Wu's illness. The outfit that Xiang Zixin went to the Han Mansion today was bought by Mrs. Xia.
Xiang Zixin said with a touch of emotion: "Thank you, auntie." These relatives in the family, because of her mother's illness, have avoided them by three feet, but Mrs. Xia is still willing to take care of them.
Thinking about the situation at home, Xiang Zixin felt as miserable as Huanglian.
Mrs. Xia also hoped that Han Jianming would like Xiang Zixin. This would not only solve the predicament of Sanfang, but also help her husband.