Chapter 157 Three Don’ts

February 12th is the Flower Festival again, which coincides with Daiyu's birthday.

The servants of Rongguo Mansion have been busy since early morning. But today's busyness is just to do some finishing work.

As early as two days ago, the second wife of the mansion, Lian, had issued a clear order, and the stewards had started to prepare on the same day.

The banquet was held in Rongqing Hall, firstly to make it more convenient for Mrs. Jia and to walk less. Secondly, Lin Daiyu is a junior who is staying as a guest, and Rongxi Hall is used by Jia Zheng to entertain foreign guests. Wang Xifeng would naturally not make such a mistake.

However, Rongqing Hall alone is enough to hold a banquet for a granddaughter and a junior.

It's a pity that the Jia family didn't invite Wei Qijun and Wei Shu, two close friends, for Daiyu in the end. The other party specially sent a letter and prepared two generous gifts to explain the difficulties of their elders who were infected with the cold.

Mrs. Jia didn't care, she just thought it was good to be able to establish this friendship.

At this time, it was still early for the dinner. Lin Daiyu sat in front of the window, and Jia Min personally dressed her daughter. It was rare for the mother and daughter to get together, and there were servants around, so they couldn't help but start chatting.

"What did they say in the letter?" Jia Min saw that her daughter was a little depressed, so she asked directly.

"The sisters said that an elder in the family was infected with a cold, and they were afraid that the cause of the disease would be passed on to me, so they only asked me to come to their house three days later." Daiyu held her chin with her hand. She grew up under the love of her parents in this life, and her smart nature was inevitably a little naive.

"Since they can write letters to you and prepare gifts, they must be thinking about you in their hearts. Why are you still sad?" Jia Min smiled and compared the two pieces of jewelry. She always had a good eye, and finally picked a gold and jade hair ornament and inserted it into Daiyu's bun.

"It is because I know that they have me in their hearts that I am sad that they can't be with me." Daiyu didn't dare to move around, and only said lightly. In fact, she could guess the difficulty of the two elder sisters of the Wei family not being able to come if she thought about it carefully.

Jia Min smiled again. She liked Yu'er's ignorant look, and she felt that her own child was even cuter. "You, why don't you wait three days and ask them directly when you see them? Then you will know?"

"Can you ask directly about this?" Lin Daiyu blinked and looked at her mother behind her through the mirror in front of her. Jia Min dressed up for her daughter's banquet today, which really made people want to see more.

"Since we are good friends, some things might as well be said directly. It's better than holding it in your stomach, making people think about it again and again, and thinking about it makes you upset." Jia Min tapped her daughter's forehead and actually felt that this child also had a moment of stupidity.

Is this called being too clever?

She laughed secretly and said softly, "Okay, stand up and let your mother see."

Jia Min pulled Daiyu up and saw that her precious daughter was radiant today, and her more open appearance added to her beauty. The light yellow clothes were worn by Daiyu, who had fair skin. She had a curly bang on her forehead, which made people love and pity her.

Noticing that her mother was overwhelmed by her, Daiyu turned around mischievously and asked Jia Min, Zijuan and other servants, "Does it look good?"

"You just say weird things. You can't do that when you go out." Jia Min was a little helpless with this precious daughter.

"It looks good. Our young lady is naturally the most beautiful."

"Okay, sister Zijuan, you praise me like this because I am from the Lin family."

"Hahaha, I dare not." Zijuan already knew Daiyu's temper and knew that she was not someone who couldn't take a joke. She also smiled and replied, "But if it weren't for Madam, I wouldn't have met such a good young lady."

When she said this, even Jia Min laughed out loud, thinking that this girl was very smart. With such a person following Daiyu, she was really relieved.

After laughing and joking for a while, the few of them walked all the way to Rongqing Hall under the escort of the maids. As soon as they arrived at the hall, before Mrs. Jia, who was sitting in the middle, had time to speak, the three sisters had already surrounded her, calling her "sister, sister" non-stop, and occasionally praising Daiyu's dress today.

Daiyu joked with them for a while, and then followed Jia Min to pay respects to the old ancestor. Later, Wang Xifeng, Baochai, Baoyu and other relatives came to pay their respects. After everything was done, she sat on Mrs. Jia's soft couch with Jia Min.

Jia Baoyu, who thought he could get a seat, only looked at Lin Daiyu blankly, and then moved closer to the three sisters' table.

There was no way, although he was a grandson, Jia Min was also a daughter! Besides, the old lady and Jia Min could only see each other for a month in total. Even if the old lady loved her precious grandson, she was a little inferior to her daughter and granddaughter who were about to leave.

Today was a banquet for the younger generation. There were naturally no other elders in the house except Mrs. Jia and Jia Min. Like Mrs. Xing, Mrs. Wang, Aunt Xue and others, they only asked someone to send gifts over, and said that they had to worship Buddha today and could not eat vegetarian food.

Mrs. Jia also followed their wishes and happily took her children and grandchildren to listen to the opera and watch the excitement. Today's song was ordered by Daiyu herself, called "Spring and Autumn Order".

This play is also interesting. It tells the story of a scholar named Zhou in Henan, who, with his classmates and friends, used his talent and youthful heroism to treat disaster victims, won the first place in the imperial examination, and finally became a prime minister.

The plot is ups and downs, and the style of the song is grand. The words in it are also very interesting. The sentence "Spring and autumn come to the displaced people, look up and see the smoke rising outside the pass. I rely on my own courage and courage to walk thousands of feet into the abyss", was sung with applause. (Note 1)

No matter what kind of audience, they always yearn for the story of defending the country and turning the tide.

Mrs. Jia, Daiyu, and Tanchun listened most attentively. When Mrs. Jia was young, there was still a martial culture among the nobles, which she could easily understand. Daiyu ordered the music herself, so there is no need to say more. Tanchun alone has beautiful eyes, which really surprises others.

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The excitement outside was still going on, but Aunt Xue took advantage of Baochai's absence to come to Mrs. Wang's house as a guest.

There are not many opportunities for the two sisters to meet in Jia Mansion. Unlike Jia Min, Aunt Xue can live directly in Rongguo Mansion. Their family lives in another courtyard, and it is inconvenient to move around on weekdays. That is, daughter Baochai can have more freedom by virtue of her status as a junior.

Both of them were very happy to meet today. Mrs. Wang's room is among the three wing rooms on the east side of Rongxi Hall. This room is also interesting. As soon as Aunt Xue came in, she saw only half-old blue satin backrest pillows and other furnishings. On the wooden chair placed next to the kang, there was still a half-old elastic ink chair bag.

Looking around, every object turned out to be old and not new. Aunt Xue saw it and was secretly amazed in her heart. She knew that her good brother-in-law would rarely rest here.

Otherwise, why would a family like Jia's family not exchange it without losing it? It's just to show off their face. Aunt Xue lamented in her heart for this biological sister. Compared with this, it was more satisfactory for her to marry into the Xue family.

"Sister, you have made my sister think so hard for so many years."

Since my sister is here as a guest, it is natural that Mrs. Wang, the host, cannot hold the beads and continue to do some social work. Putting the prayer beads in her hand on the table, Mrs. Wang stood up and welcomed her sister to sit down on the kang table.

The two of them had not seen each other for many years after they got married. Since there was no one else around now and they had sent servants to guard the door, they naturally spoke more freely.

First, we started talking about old things from childhood, and then gradually moved on to the old relationship between the two families. Talking about irrelevant topics, he talked about the strange behavior of Baoyu and Xiren on the way back from Ningguo Mansion a few days ago.

"All the family members were here at that time." Aunt Xue was used to being the master of the Xue family. She only thought about face issues when thinking about things. She was also a little too direct when talking about other people's family affairs. "If you ask my sister, I might as well invite her to the house." In the sedan chair, there is no need to wait for the old lady to show up and let her fall for no reason. "

It's okay if she doesn't say it, but saying this to her own sister really hurts Mrs. Wang. She immediately said angrily: "That shameless girl just got her ambition and wants to make it known to everyone. She is just trying to deceive my child into being ignorant. I don't know what means were used to lure such a good man into bed."

"Looking at the way she is walking on the road, do you think she is really unwell? Why don't you think about whether she is walking to show us?" Mrs. Wang slammed the table angrily, obviously angry.

"No way." Aunt Xue was shocked at first. Although she had some scheming skills, she was far inferior to Mrs. Wang's skills. When she was at Xue's house, Xue Ai would often discuss outside matters with her, and he treated her with the utmost respect.

Under such circumstances, one cannot help but be blind to the secret methods behind the house. Even though I had developed seven points of skills in my parents' family, I can only remember five points now.

Mrs. Wang is different. Since she married into the Jia family, only she can understand the bitterness and suffering. She said to Aunt Xue: "Baoyu's pure and intelligent nature was wasted in the hands of these foxy people."

"As long as I am alive, I cannot let her in. On the contrary, it will ruin Baoyu's reputation, and I will not be able to marry the daughter of an innocent family in the future." Mrs. Wang made the final decision and concluded Baoyu's matter.

This, this... this is my sister's family matter after all. As a biological sister, Aunt Xue didn't say much. She only advised: "If it really doesn't work, just find a way to sell it. Why would my sister get angry and hurt herself?"

"Don't you think I don't want to? She was given Baoyu by her ancestors, and she is used to putting on airs. She likes to pretend to be a good and virtuous person." When Mrs. Wang said this, her anger disappeared again, and she wrote lightly , "This kind of person is the most greedy at heart and is easy to control. Sooner or later I have to make her suffer."

Aunt Xue couldn't help but tremble when she heard this. She quickly lowered her head, not daring to look at her sister, and stared at the beads on the table in a daze.

After many years of reunion, she was actually a little unfamiliar with her sister.

The two chatted for a while before Aunt Xue said goodbye to her sister in a hurry.

At this time, outside the house, the sun was setting. Several lanterns were hung high on the verandah, and a maid walked in front of her holding a lantern.

She walked along the path for a moment, and suddenly saw bright lights in the distance. Jackdaws roost in the shadows, and bits of light are hidden behind the shadows. She knew that that place was Lin Daiyu's birthday party.

She stared at it for a moment, and then thought of her sister's words, 'That shameless girl just got her ambition, and she just wants to make it known to everyone'. Suddenly feeling even more frightened, he simply turned around and walked quickly outside the house.

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In the Rongqing Hall, the dinner party was already halfway through, the music outside was still being sung, and the food was being placed on the table one by one.

As today's birthday girl, Lin Daiyu accepted everyone's congratulations and it was time for the banquet to begin.

This meal really shocked Daiyu. The dinner party in Rongguo Mansion can be described as more than just luxurious. There are more than a dozen dishes of side dishes alone. After everyone has used chopsticks a few times, those who can't finish the food will be passed around. Leave it to the servants outside to enjoy after they finish their work.

The main dishes also have their own characteristics. One of them is a dish that is full of gold and jade. Wang Xifeng ordered the cook to prepare it specially for Daiyu.

The servant who announced the name of the dish stood not far away and explained the exquisite craftsmanship of this dish to everyone in the hall, "Two taels of fine bird's nest, soaked with Tianquan water, black silk picked out with silver needles and added with tender chicken soup, and stewed with good ham, jade pillar and mushrooms until it is jade-colored.

For the fin of the blue shark of Luzon, only the upper half of the original root is taken, and the scales are not removed. Use elbow, chicken soup, fresh bamboo shoots and rock sugar to stew for two days until it is golden, and boil the small sea cucumber in the broth three times, and simmer it into red with chicken juice, gravy and shrimp juice.

Add three qian of Xishi tongue, seven turtle eggs and ten ginkgo nuts. Add bamboo shoot tendon shreds, crucian carp belly, mushrooms, fungus and pheasant slices, simmer for a few times, thicken with glass starch, add bright oil and hang upside down, and serve in a golden tray, golden cup and golden dragon lid. This is "Gold and Jade Full House". "

As soon as these words were finished, everyone applauded as if they were listening to a play. Isn't this what the life of luxury and luxury is all about? The servant who announced the dishes explained this to the young master and the young lady, and naturally he didn't worry about revealing his cooking skills.

These high-ranking people just wanted to listen and taste the fresh food. Otherwise, how could the young master and the young lady who had never touched the water of spring water be called.

Daiyu was dumbfounded when she heard it, and she only said stupidly: "There are so many delicacies from the mountains and the sea, but only this little is made."

"That's right, young lady." The servant bowed and answered.

"What about the remaining ingredients?" Lin Daiyu couldn't help asking again.

"All thrown away." The servant said as a matter of course.

Lin Daiyu was shocked when she heard it. She felt that this was not surprising, but she couldn't help feeling guilty. Although it happened last year, it was only a few months ago. Among those refugees outside Yangzhou City, many were farmers outside the capital.

Thinking of them, and looking at the food in front of her, she couldn't even raise her appetite. But then she thought of the people around her who were laughing and waiting for her to eat.

Lin Daiyu had no choice but to bite the bullet, suppress her nausea, and eat with her chopsticks.

Jia Baoyu, who had been paying attention to her, saw this and asked kindly, "Do you think it's not tasty? If you don't like it, ask the kitchen to bring something more interesting."

Seeing that he said it so naturally, Lin Daiyu couldn't find any words to answer.

No one knows a daughter better than her mother. Jia Min raised her eyebrows and said to everyone, "She eats so little at home. It doesn't matter, everyone can help themselves."

When Wang Xifeng heard this, she thought that Sister Lin was imitating Xi Shi's heart-holding. She didn't think much about it, just changed the subject and ordered people to change a few refreshing dishes.

Lin Daiyu also forced a smile and said, "I don't eat much at home, but I'm sorry to bother you."

Mrs. Jia was reluctant to hear this, and took her granddaughter's hand, "It's okay, stay at home for a few more days, let the old ancestor take good care of you." After that, she pushed her bowl of untouched rouge rice in front of Lin Daiyu, and said distressedly, "Look at how thin you are..."

The subsequent events were still very lively. But Lin Daiyu suddenly felt that everything was very messy again. It was not until the banquet was over that she returned to the house with worries.

Jia Min wanted to say something, but she didn't know what to say. The affairs of the Jia family are the Jia family's. Although she had the word Jia, the name on her grave after her death was still Lin Jiashi.

Otherwise, why would she buy a house in the capital?

For some people's daughters, even going home is a troublesome thing after they get married.

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Three days later, Lin Daiyu, who was depressed, took Xueyan out early to relax. Zijuan was left by Daiyu to guard the boudoir because of her recent smartness and ability.

They were going to visit Wei Qijun and Wei Shu at the Wei family today. Jia Min also wanted to let her child walk around outside. In addition to letting the nanny accompany her, she also let her daughter play more at the Wei family and have a meal before coming back.

Speaking of the residence of the Wei family in the capital, it is also interesting. Wei Yinghong's ancestors did not have a capable person, and their family did not have much land in the capital.

Before, when he was the top scholar in the imperial examination, Wei Yinghong lived by renting a house. Now he has been promoted to the left minister, and the house is still rented.

However, Wei Yinghong's situation is also normal among the officials in the capital. Most people work hard all their lives, and it is difficult to buy a house in the capital.

The land price in the capital is expensive, and it is even more difficult to buy a good house. Although Lin Daiyu entered an ordinary second courtyard, she was still in a very good mood. Accompanied by Wei Qijun, they had a lot of fun.

The three sisters had just parted in Yangzhou, and today they reunited in the capital, and they were all very happy. Along the way, they chattered non-stop. When they entered the boudoir, before the guests sat down, Wei Qijun apologized for what happened a few days ago.

"Good sister, can you tell me now why you can't come?" Lin Daiyu sat on the chair and asked curiously.

Wei Qijun smiled bitterly, "When we were in Yangzhou, it was nothing. But it's different in the capital. Dad said that it's not good to have too much contact with nobles and military officers, so as not to be criticized by the censor."

Lin Daiyu nodded, and she could understand this point now. She knew that it was a bit rash to ask the ancestor to send an invitation for her.

Before she could speak, Wei Qijun continued, "What's more, there are rumors of three things that are not allowed in the capital now."

"What are the three things that are not allowed?" Hearing this, Lin Daiyu was very curious. But Wei Qijun hesitated for a long time and was too embarrassed to say it out loud.

It was Wei Shu, who was pouring tea at the side, who finally said bluntly: "Well, we are like sisters with Sister Lin, so why can't we say it? It's just that we can't go to the nunnery. Second, we can't go to the homes of nobles and generals, and third, we can't go to the Rong and Ning mansions."

Lin Daiyu was even more surprised when she saw Rongguo Mansion being singled out. After further questioning, she couldn't get an explanation. Wei Qijun and Wei Shu only said that this was what the elders had told them.

She was at a loss as to what to do and could not comprehend the mystery.

Note 1: The prototype was taken from Yin Lin's "Qian Qiu Ling", hahahaha, I used it because I thought it sounded good, you can also go and listen to it.

Thank you for the votes from the book friends, you really gave me a big surprise today.