Jingwan quietly came to the main courtyard, and then quietly returned to Haitang Yaju. Except for a few related servants, no one knew about the other masters in the Luo family's backyard.
Mrs. Luo waited until Jing Wan left, and sighed worriedly, "I hope there will be no mistakes this time."
Luo Peishan really wanted to tell his old wife, this is really hard to say. When the third girl and Chen Zhengmin got engaged, nothing happened, and in the end they got such a result. Now, in this situation, I don't know how many. It's hard to say whether people can get in the way of calculation, and whether they can get married smoothly or not. But he didn't say it, and believed that the old wife actually understood the stakes, but he didn't want to think deeply or admit it.
Luo Peishan then went to court.
When Jingwan went to greet her mother, she met Luo Jingbo and Sun Yijia, and said that they had just arrived. Jingwan looked at her and was just waiting for her, didn't she see a few other little ones, so they were sitting there.
Jingwan didn't feel that she was late. It was obvious that these people came early. Her hours were almost the same every day. For the concubine sisters, she was always one step ahead of her. She would rather wait for her than wait for her. I'm used to it, if one day she comes early before them, she can guarantee that the next day, the two concubine sisters will definitely come earlier. The little girl is still growing, so it's better to sleep more. Besides, coming too early will also affect Zhang's rest.
A group of people went to the main courtyard. Sun Yijia seemed to be habitually holding Jing Wan's arm, leaning against each other and whispering.
Because Luo Jingbo was going to accompany Sun Yijia back to the door today, Mrs. Luo didn't keep the two of them. Go back early and get ready. People from Duke Dingguo's manor may come to pick him up at any time. not good.
But before they left, Mrs. Luo spoke to Sun Yijia alone. When Sun Yijia came out, she looked normal, and no one could see the clue from her face.
Sun Yijia glanced at Jingwan, who lowered her head and looked bored, pulling the veil. She didn't know if she knew about it, but she probably knew it. The old lady loves her so much. hide from her.
Sun Yijia knew how displeased Jingwan was with Dingguo Gong's mansion, but now she had to make such a choice, which shows how severe the situation is.
Compared with the atmosphere of Luo's family, to be honest, Sun Yijia even had the idea of never wanting to step into the back house of Dingguo's mansion, not to mention Jingwan, who was born and raised in Luo's family, although she only entered Luo's family for a few moments. Today, she can already understand the mentality of Sister Wan's resistance to Ding's government.
Sun Yijia secretly made up her mind that she would also teach her brother a lesson. If he treats Sister Wan badly in the future, and if he doesn't protect her well, he will never let her have good fruit to eat.
Luo Jingbo originally wanted to ask what grandmother said to his daughter-in-law, but let's forget it. Grandmother will never say anything too harsh or offensive, and if it's really important, his daughter-in-law shouldn't hide it.
Unsurprisingly, it was Sun Yilin who came to pick up Sun Yijia home.
Sun Yijia said a few words to Sun Yilin in the time before getting on the carriage.
Luo Jingbo didn't know what his daughter-in-law said to his uncle, but the gentle and jade-like son in normal times seemed very restless at this moment, and the expression on his face was very exciting. Delighted, looking at it like this, you can see that he has encountered some good things that he did not dare to think about before.
Fortunately, Sun Yilin didn't get carried away by the surprise, and did something inappropriate. After all, there are so many eyes around now, if you don't pay attention, this matter will breed more twists and turns.
Luo Jingbo did not ride in the carriage with Sun Yijia, but rode with Sun Yilin, but he regretted it soon, so he might as well stay in the carriage. His brother-in-law is obviously absent-minded now, you tell him a few words, he No response. This time, Luo Jingbo was more curious about Yijia's words, so maybe he still took the time to ask
When Sun Yijia returned home, it was naturally very lively. Except for the family of Dingguo Gongfu, the married concubine sister, brother-in-law and others, all those who did not fall came back, and Mrs. Sun also came out in good spirits.
The husband and wife were separated, Luo Jingbo was dragged by a group of men to "talk freely", and the female family members naturally had to care about Sun Yijia's well-being. Whether the concern is genuine or false.
However, looking at Sun Yijia's stretched brows and blushing, it's hard to speculate against her intentions that she's not good.
Mrs. Sun took Sun Yijia's hand and said a few good words. She was really happy to see such a granddaughter. "You talk to your mother first, and then come to me."
Mrs. Sun used to be kind on the face, but she was actually cold in her heart, but now, she is more and more consistent, and few people can give her a smile. She used to be the best to Sun Yijia and Sun Yilin, but now it seems that she only treats the two brothers and sisters. Hello, together with his son, daughter-in-law, and even the eldest grandson and others, they are all indifferent, and they are impatient to pay attention to them. Sun Yibin is arrogant enough. After tearing his face, he dares to challenge Duke Dingguo, but in front of Mrs. Sun, he is still arrogant. Good grandson.
No matter how many people are jealous and injustice, they dare not say a word in front of her old man's house. If she annoys her, and she opens up to clean you up, then don't expect anyone to intercede for you.
Mrs. Dingguo could see that her daughter was very good, but she couldn't stop asking.
Sun Yijia smiled and answered them one by one. She is really good, and there is nothing better than now.
"Why didn't you see the two maids, Honglian and Luyi? Yijia, mother knows that you are not happy, but you still have to have some measure. It is far better for you to win over the two of them than to ignore them. The mother is here..."
"Mother, Jingbo and Dad are not the same. Your experience is not suitable for me."
Mrs. Dingguo was so angry that she wanted to pat her, "This man has a virtue, and now he is treating you well. After this period of time, let's talk about your face..." Mrs. Dingguo realized that she had made a slip of the tongue and shut up. mouth.
Sun Yijia's expression became cold, "Mother, I believe that Jingbo is not that kind of person. You don't have to say anything. I have already given away Honglian and Luyi."
"you… "
The mother-daughter duo was so unhappy.
Sun Yilin did not "test" Luo Jingbo with everyone, but went to Mrs. Sun's place.
Sun Yilin knelt directly in front of Mrs. Sun, "Grandmother, you once said that if your grandson has a favorite girl, you will fulfill his grandson. Now, the grandson asks his grandmother to fulfill him."
Although Mrs. Sun has gone deep into Jianchuan, doesn't she know the situation outside? No, she knew very well that she could watch from the sidelines under normal circumstances, but when necessary, she would definitely intervene in certain things, so she would definitely know the situation outside. "Three girls of the Luo family?"
"Yes."
"That's a good girl. I said earlier that I would pretend to interfere in Yijia's marriage first, but God's will tricks people. In Sister Jia's marriage, there is absolutely no role for the Sun family to interfere. But she was able to get such a good marriage in the end. It's a thousand joys. It was impossible between you and Miss Luo San at first, but now it's different. It's a good time. People in Prince Kang's family will not object, even the Empress is more fond of Miss Luo San. To be the successor of Prince Kang, but from the perspective of the Luo family, you are naturally the best choice, I believe that the empress will not be too persistent, I will go to the palace tomorrow."
"Thank you grandmother." Sun Yilin was overjoyed.
"I will spend my whole life in this house and this backyard. If I can see you two brothers and sisters being happy and happy, it will be considered a masturbation. Cherish what you want."
"Don't worry, grandma, grandson understands what you mean. If you can marry Miss Luo San, grandson will treat her well."
"Well, I believe you." Those who knew that they would not listen to her, even their own sons, were too lazy to say a word.
With the help of his grandmother, this matter is basically guaranteed. However, Sun Yilin can't help but feel uneasy in his heart without a final decision. Fortunately, this emotion has not been exposed.
When Sun Yijia came over, he happened to meet Sun Yilin who was about to leave.
Sun Yijia's eyes moved, signaling the people behind her to go further. "The fifth brother came to see grandmother alone because of sister Wan?" After getting Sun Yilin's affirmative nod, Sun Yijia thought about it, "I think it's better to tell the fifth brother if you have something to say. Remember the day you were drunk, I'll go there. Let's talk about the Luo family, sister Wan told me a lot, because at that time, sister Wan was already engaged, there is no need to tell you those words, it is different now..." Sun Yijia tried to restore Jing Wan's words as much as possible. original intention.
Sun Yilin clenched his fists unconsciously, "She is right in her concerns. This Dingguo Gongfu is not the Longtan Tiger's Den. If possible, I don't want to stay here." At this time, Sun Yilin made a secret decision in his heart.
"Actually, I think there is a more important point. Sister Wan is kind, gentle and sticky, and she is often soft-hearted, but in some things, she is actually colder and more ruthless than anyone else. In my opinion, marrying It may not be the most difficult thing to get to her, but the most difficult thing is how to get her heart. As far as feelings are concerned, Sister Wan has an extraordinary rationality. She wants Jingbo to treat me well, and she wants Jingbo and I to be a pair for the rest of my life. , Fifth Brother, do you understand what I mean?"
Sun Yilin smiled, "My little sister said it so clearly, I don't even understand, isn't it too stupid. It's enough to wait until she or I have passed their lives and close their eyes when they die."
Sun Yijia was stunned. Life is too long, and changes may occur at any time. Verbal promises may become empty talk. Fifth brother will do it all his life, even if sister Wan waits until one of the two is dying before believing that he will always be the same. , and he was delighted. "I never thought that the fifth brother was still a seed of infatuation."
Sun Yilin just smiled.
Jingwan doesn't care about her future husband. If she doesn't have any hope at the beginning, then she will be a qualified wife and mother. Apart from that, you don't want to get anything from her. If her hope is fulfilled, and then she breaks this hope, she will only be cold to the end. As Luo Jingbo thought, under normal circumstances, she made a mistake that she could not tolerate, and there may be a possibility of recovery. Even if you broke your promise, you will not be able to get her forgiveness back with ten times your efforts. Jing Wan's persistence is actually not much, really, only a little bit.
After Sun Yilin left, Sun Yijia went to see Mrs. Sun, and she did not want to say anything to Mrs. Dingguo, but she shyly and happily told Mrs. Sun.
"One person for the rest of your life, that is, ordinary people can think about it, but it's just that the family's conditions do not allow it. If you have money, you can afford it, and there are a few men who can keep it."
"Grandma, I believe in Jingbo."
"Ok."
Sun Yijia stayed longer with Mrs. Sun.
Back at the banquet, Luo Jingbo was drunk again and couldn't get up. Sun Yijia was so distressed that he helped him back to his original yard and took care of him personally. Sun Yijia ignored all the bad people he met during the period and the bad words he heard. As for the concubine's aunt who almost tore up "Hundred Birds Chaofeng", she came to beg her and asked her to intercede with her mother and let her go. When the younger sister came out, Sun Yijia only gave her a sneer.
Then, I heard her cold threats, she was so cruel, what would happen if her husband found out
Sun Yijia hesitated for a moment, but in the end she stuck to her own ideas. She didn't believe that Jingbo would not be on her side, but really thought she was a cruel person.
Sure enough, after Luo Jingbo found out, he smiled and only said that she is now in the Luo family, so don't worry about her family affairs. Then, I forgot what I wanted to ask before I came.
Back at Luo's house, Sun Yijia saw Jing Wan as usual, and couldn't help reaching out to touch her head. Jing Wan tilted her head slightly and looked at her suspiciously. At this moment, Jingwan made Sun Yijia really feel that she was only fourteen years old. Think about what the fourteen-year-old girl she met before? Either she is naive and ignorant of world affairs, or she hides a knife in her smile with a deep scheming. Sister Wan turns out to be an outlier, an outlier that makes people want to hold her in the palm of her hand.
"You will have one pair in your life, and you will have it too."
Jing Wan smiled noncommittally. It seems that my brother is really honest with his wife and said everything. That idiot has a great opportunity to win the favor of his wife. If you don't grasp it properly, you will involve yourself as a sister when you are arrogant to me. , isn't that unpleasant, it really is an elm head. However, it seems that my best friend and sister-in-law also told her brother a lot. What did Sun Yilin promise her
…
Mrs. Sun, who rarely entered the palace, handed a sign to the palace early in the morning, begging to see the empress.
Mrs. Sun's rhetoric to the queen was that she liked the third girl of the Luo family the first time she saw her, and at that time she thought of letting her be Sun Yilin's daughter-in-law, but there was a big gap between the two, and Mrs. Luo had already fallen in love with her. If you have lost people, you have to give up. Who would have thought that Miss Luo San broke off the marriage, and now it is the high-profile families who are actively asking for marriage. In this way, she can naturally ask for Sun Yilin's marriage. She has many grandchildren, but this is the one she cares about the most, plus Sun Yilin's The marriage has been delayed, and now this is the same as his hobby, there is nothing better, maybe this is also God's will.
My mother has been begging for her, so the queen can't clench her teeth and not let go. Besides, because of her ulterior ambitions, in fact, his son doesn't need a good queen in the future, and he can obey her obediently. It is the best, so why not fulfill Sun Yilin when she needs Sun Yilin.
"Mother, there is naturally no problem with Ben Gong here, but you should also know that this matter is not something that Ben Gong can say alone."
Mrs. Sun was confident, "The ministers will beg to see the sage in a while, and it is enough for the madam to let everyone in the back know the purpose of the ministers' visit to the madam."
The queen's heart moved slightly. As a wife, it was not so easy to see the emperor, but looking at her mother's attitude, it seemed that this was not a big deal. It seemed that as long as she asked to see her, the emperor would definitely meet her. Could it be that between her mother and the emperor, is there anything else she doesn't know about? So, he simply nodded, "This is a small matter."
"In this case, the court lady will retire first."
Although the queen is a strong and ambitious woman, she is only emotionally estranged from her mother, which is more or less her heart disease. "My mother has only entered the palace once, so just sit for a while."
"No, as the lord of the harem, the queen's wife is busy with palace affairs, and it is inconvenient for the ministers and wives to disturb them for a long time."
The queen is also very helpless. Her mother, except for the palace banquet, if there is no matter, I am afraid that she will never enter the palace in her whole life. When did the mother-daughter relationship become so alienated, when did it start? Her father wanted to marry her to Emperor Lecheng, who was still the crown prince, but her mother was originally against it, and the two of them had a lot of trouble for a while. Then, she took the initiative to propose that she was willing to marry for the sake of Dingguo Gongfu. Since the beginning of time, her mother's attitude towards her has completely changed. It has been decades. She is a queen and a mother in the world, and her mother has never changed her attitude towards her. "That being the case, I won't force you to keep you. It's just that I live in the deep palace, and I can't go out to see you. Mother has to take good care of herself."
"Many thanks to the Empress, the ministers retire."
At this time, Emperor Lecheng had already descended to court and was looking at the memorial in the imperial study. Mrs. Sun was not a person without measure. After confirming that there were no courtiers in the imperial study, Mrs. Sun asked to see him.
It was the first time that the valet around Emperor Lecheng had encountered such a thing, but he didn't dare to neglect it, so he hurriedly reported to Emperor Lecheng.
After the queen heard the news, she muttered to herself, "I'll see you if you really want to see me?" She frowned slightly. It was true that her mother was the real mother-in-law of Emperor Lecheng, but when her father was still there, she didn't see the emperor much. See you soon. In this way, her mother's relationship with the emperor is probably unusual, but she hasn't had any clues for so many years. Her mother has never asked to see the emperor before. If it wasn't for Sun Yilin this time, I'd just wait for her mother to enter the soil. , everyone will not know.
Perhaps, her mother is the best chess piece, but this chess piece is hidden too deep, and only a little sign is revealed now, even so, it seems to be completely out of control, and even more unwilling to be used by them. This feeling of having a good card on the side, but not being able to hold it, is really not an ordinary feeling of suffocation.
Not long after Mrs. Sun entered the imperial study, everyone in the harem got the news. Most people may just have a general feeling. Only a few people are surprised. They probably didn't expect to kill such a character at this time. .
"Go, quickly find out what the old lady of Dingguo's mansion entered the palace for."
These people have intentions, and the Queen has intentions. The purpose of Mrs. Sun's entry into the palace will naturally be known quickly.
The queen originally wanted to release some specious news that was more beneficial to her side, but after thinking about her mother's temper, she had to give up. She could not change her attitude towards her own daughter for decades, which shows her hard temper. If she really wants to do something for them, she won't reveal anything. It can be seen that she doesn't want to help, so if she does something to annoy her, she doesn't know what she will do. If she doesn't even have any affection on her face, she, the queen, should be put on the hat of unfilial piety. She should be impeached. If Emperor Lecheng has the heart, it is possible to take this opportunity to seize her post. of.
"For Sun Yilin's request to marry Miss Luo San? The queen can't call the shots, so she goes directly to the emperor?"
As soon as this result came out, everyone knew it, and everyone else was out of the game. If Emperor Lecheng does not intervene, they can fight openly and secretly. If Emperor Lecheng intervenes, even if he doesn't make an decree, but just expresses an attitude, they can only stop.
When Li Hongyuan got the news, he was a little shocked. In his previous life, he didn't know what the relationship between Mrs. Sun and his father was. Sun Yilin and Wanwan got engaged. This was originally part of his plan. , but he didn't want his father to decree the marriage, and it would not be so easy to withdraw the marriage, unless something similar to Sun Yijia happened to Wanwan, otherwise, it would be useless to start with Sun Yilin, However, how could Li Hongyuan allow that kind of thing to happen to Jingwan, even if he was the one who saved the beauty at the right time.
"This king wants to know what Mrs. Sun said to her father in the imperial study."
As a result, he had to use the chess pieces around Emperor Lecheng. You must know that Emperor Lecheng's ability was mediocre, but in fact, he was very strict with the people around him, and Li Hongyuan placed people around him. I didn't plan to do anything at first, just in case, this use will have the possibility of being discovered by Emperor Lecheng and unplugged. However, Li Hongyuan never worried that Emperor Lecheng would find out that it was his.
Because it was about Jingwan, even if it was to abolish an important chess piece, he would not hesitate.
Mrs. Sun didn't stay in the imperial study for too long and left.
Therefore, Li Hongyuan also quickly got the news. In fact, she didn't say anything important. Mrs. Sun only said she was looking at Emperor Lecheng. Sun Yilin and Jingwan didn't mention a word about the relationship between Sun Yilin and Jingwan, and Emperor Lecheng also cared a few words about her body. Time Although it was short, the two of them were quite close to each other. More importantly, Emperor Lecheng addressed Mrs. Sun, not his mother-in-law or Mrs. Sun, but "aunt".
This name is very intriguing.
"Go and check, what is the relationship between Mrs. Sun and the grandmother, or whether the father and Mrs. Sun have any special intersection with Mrs. Sun before ascending the throne."
A word from the master, the subordinates run and break their legs. This is really not a joke. Just imagine, the shortest time was twenty or thirty years ago. If we check the relationship between Mrs. Sun and the late emperor and queen, it will naturally be traced back to the late emperor. Before the queen is queen, let alone time. 10* In the end, nothing can be found out.
Li Hongyuan thought about Mrs. Sun's meeting with Emperor Lecheng, and it was unlikely that he would directly ask Emperor Lecheng to decree the marriage. When Emperor Lecheng ascended the throne, she never asked for anything, including the last time Sun Yijia gave him his marriage, she did nothing, which shows that she was very measured. She would not embarrass Emperor Lecheng or make Emperor Lecheng After sweeping Tianwei's face, he naturally wouldn't ask for marriage, just let other people know Emperor Lecheng's attitude towards her. Even if Emperor Lecheng knew her purpose, he couldn't deny the fact that she really looked at him, probably It's just a smile, and even the relationship between the two will not wear down.
Mrs. Sun is also a person who should not be underestimated.
Having communicated the key, Li Hongyuan also temporarily stood still and waited for the next thing.
Mrs. Sun returned to the mansion, returned to her yard, and directly ordered the servants, except Sun Yilin, she would not see anyone.
As a result, Duke Ding and Sun Yibin, including Li Hongyi, the grandson of the prince, and others, all touched the nose. She wanted to show her affection and reason, and tell her how serious the current situation was, and she needed the help of her old man, but she couldn't even see anyone, and it was useless to make more belly drafts.
It was the first time that Li Hongyi was treated coldly with his grandmother, and he was a little upset, but thinking about how his mother and queen had nothing to do with her grandmother, what could he do.
Li Hongyi never thought that he had never been very close to Mrs. Sun. He had been holding the air of a prince. In this case, Mrs. Sun would naturally respect his family that day. Ordinary grandsons are ordinary, even if they are indifferent to the queen, they will not be indifferent to him. After all, they are the only grandsons. Do you really think she does not hurt
Now that she finds it useful, I rush forward, what is she? Of course, don't blame her for slapping her face.
So, this feeling is really mutual.
If you can't see people, naturally you can only find ways from other places.
So, when Sun Yilin came back from the palace, he was blocked by a group of people. Everyone agrees - your grandmother is waiting for you.
Sun Yilin was the inner court writer, but he was not in the imperial study at the time, so he only knew that her grandmother went directly to the saint. He was also quite surprised, but he never thought that his grandmother would not do anything, but she would be so generous when she did it.
Sun Yilin probably knows what's going on now. He can avoid it temporarily, but if he can avoid it for a while, he can still avoid it for the rest of his life, and if he procrastinates a little, Sun Yibin will probably give him a hat of unfilial piety. He made up his mind to follow him to see his grandmother, and he was not allowed to back down.
Sun Yilin followed their wishes and went straight to his grandmother's yard without changing his clothes.
The servant who guards the yard, let Sun Yilin in alone, and not let the others? None of these people are easy to provoke. Before, they kept people outside with trembling hands and feet, but now they dare not.
Mrs. Sun's excuse for sending them off was to rest, but in fact she was resting.
At this moment, I just sent a mother to come out to spread the word, "Five young masters, the old lady said, let a matchmaker go to Luo's house to talk about the matter, and then prepare for the marriage proposal later. To disturb her is to please, and it will be changed to the fifteenth day of the first day in the future."
Very good, this is clearly to block them all outside, even Sun Yilin is gone.
"I'm bothering my mother to answer my grandmother, my grandson knows, so I'll retire first." After Sun Yilin finished speaking, he left neatly.
Others were unwilling to leave like this, especially Sun Yibin. If he could get the support of his grandmother, it would be easy to take control of the Dingguo Gongfu. As soon as his heart broke, he rushed into the inner room, but he couldn't stop him.
"Grandma, grandson, please... ah-" accompanied by the sound of something falling to the ground.
Before Sun Yibin could finish speaking, he saw something smashed over, hitting his forehead with blood.
"Go away—" Even when she saw the blood, Mrs. Sun was not moved at all.
Sun Yibin couldn't believe it, even if his grandmother didn't like him very much in the past, she didn't hate him, let alone hit him directly? However, before he could speak again, Mrs. Sun picked up another object and smashed it over.
Sun Yibin ran out in a hurry and almost collided with the person who rushed in after hearing his voice.
When everyone saw the blood on his forehead, they didn't dare to go inside any more, so they hurried to the government doctor.
Sun Yilin found Mrs. Dingguo and told her the matter.
Mrs. Dingguo was stunned. After all, she is a woman in the back house. She has nothing to say about her own affairs. Of course, she doesn't know about the affairs in the palace so quickly. She doesn't need to do anything, and this kind of thing is very common, so she didn't know what happened until Sun Yilin told her.
In the end, she was the last to know about her son's marriage? Moreover, she was only asked to find a matchmaker to propose marriage, and the rest did not require her to participate, let alone ask her opinion, what is this called? She was a dignified lady of the country, and she was the mistress of the house, but she was reduced to this. There is also the old lady, after she was given power, she never interfered in the affairs of the house, nor did she interfere in the children's marriages before. Now that she is suddenly playing like this, what's the point of making her so young? Those concubines will surely laugh at her secretly again.
Although Sun Yilin is extremely intelligent, he really doesn't know this woman's mind very well, but he has heard the statement that mother-in-law and daughter-in-law are enemies. . Seeing his mother's expression, she couldn't help frowning, "My mother doesn't like the third girl of the Luo family so much?"
Because of Sun Yilin's words, Mrs. Dingguo's wife almost died of anger, and this evil barrier was thinking about that person, and she didn't care about her mother's feelings at all. "Yes, I don't like it yet, so you won't marry?"
"Mother, don't make trouble, grandmother has already found the saint."
Mrs. Dingguo was panting heavily, her chest heaving up and down, oh, look, look, this is the good son she has raised. After working hard for more than ten years, he is not as good as an outsider who has never met a few times. They're all goddamn white-eyed wolves. "Get out of here!"
"Mother..." Sun Yilin had a headache, it was originally a happy thing, did it have to be like this
Mrs. Dingguo sneered, "Why, are you afraid that I will miss your good deeds? Don't worry, your grandmother said it herself, and I don't dare to disobey her even if I have ten courage."
Sun Yilin felt tired, he didn't understand, what conflict could there be between this mother-in-law and daughter-in-law, why did it have to be so? "Then it's annoying mother, I still have something to do, so I'll retire first."
Seeing the back of Sun Yilin leaving, Mrs. Dingguo was angry, wronged, and sad.