Chapter 173: Joining the Game

The gathering in Lixiang Courtyard was still going on. Tanchun and Shi Xiangyun both liked novel things and were pulling Daiyu to play with the cat. Bajiao was also interesting, with black stripes mixed in its golden brown hair, black hooves, and big, bright eyes in the shape of round almond kernels.

In addition, this cat was really docile, and no matter who held it, it would always doze off with its eyes squinted. The ladies who didn't go out naturally loved it very much. Baoyu watched for a long time, but felt a little bored.

Sister Lin in front of him was so close, but she was sandwiched between Sister Tanchun and Sister Xiangyun, making people want to get closer but unable to. How could he know that the latter two were also afraid that his foolish brother would do something embarrassing and offensive again, so they were tired and came out to put out the fire.

Baochai, who was brewing tea by herself at the table, saw everything. As the host, she had long noticed the idle male guest. She didn't say anything to help, but just lowered her head and smiled while brewing tea, as if everything around her was normal.

Sure enough, Baoyu stood there for a while, then came to Baochai and talked about the stories of tea from various places by the tea in her hand.

He was a rich young man, and his family used precious things every day. He had a lot of knowledge about these things. He just said a few rumors that even Baochai had never heard of, which surprised the latter.

Seeing that his words made Baochai laugh. Baoyu felt that his eloquence was humorous, and he couldn't help but speak louder. The two of them were discussing enthusiastically, which attracted the attention of others.

Xichun and Shi Xiangyun were both interested in this matter, so they took the lead and came up. They took the tea brewed by Sister Bao and sat down to listen to Brother Bao's story.

Xiangyun had come, and Tanchun and Yingchun were no exception. They were about to pull Daiyu to go with them.

Seeing that they were all coming, Baoyu stopped talking immediately and pretended to wait until the sisters gathered before talking. In just these two short steps, Baoyu felt that his heart was pounding. Some were excited, some were nervous.

But at this moment, a servant's voice suddenly came from outside, saying that Jia Min had returned home and was waiting for Miss Lin to come over.

When Daiyu heard this, she could no longer sit still. She immediately said goodbye to her sisters with a smile, and took Zijuan and Xueyan back to see Jia Min.

"Ah, Lin... Miss Lin..." Baoyu stretched out his hand that he had just clenched, and looked at the back of the happy departure. His depressed and lost mood was hard to describe for a while. He still had many stories to tell, how could his aunt come back so coincidentally.

Shi Xiangyun looked at the silly look of this brother, and she couldn't help laughing. She teased Baochai and Tanchun beside her: "You are going to be silly again, and you are going to be silly again."

This is the second master Bao of the Jia family. Tanchun couldn't comment on it, so she just kept silent. Baochai's smile did not diminish. She just filled Xiangyun's cup with tea again and teased her, "No matter how much tea you drink, it won't stop your mouth."

During this period, Shi Xiangyun often played with Daiyu and learned some new and interesting words. With a turn of her eyes, she deliberately lowered her voice and said, "I learned a new word recently. Can you guess what it is?"

Baoyu sat down in frustration and had no reaction to this. He just looked blank and thought. Tanchun and others on the side knew that Xiangyun was plotting something and didn't want to respond. Only Baochai said, "How can people guess what you are saying without a beginning or an end? Just tell me quickly."

Shi Xiangyun got this opportunity and laughed, "It's called 'The King of Xiang is interested, but the Goddess is not.'" After she finished speaking, she was already laughing so hard.

Everyone also laughed, not because of the clever words, but because they were infected by Shi Xiangyun's hearty laughter. But considering the current situation in the mansion, it is not good to laugh so loudly. The person who reacted quickly stopped talking and looked at Xiangyun with a little annoyance and interest.

"Where did you learn this?" Baochai was very curious. Shi Xiangyun had to drink three cups of wine to read two pages of a book. How could she remember these strange words?

Shi Xiangyun clapped her hands, spread her hands, and smiled, "Sister Lin."

"Ah..." Jia Baoyu raised his head after realizing it. He didn't know what the sisters in front were talking about. He just heard the word "Lin" and reacted subconsciously.

Seeing him like this, even Shi Xiangyun shook her head helplessly and sighed.

"Fool, idiot."

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Daiyu on the other side returned home and walked into the door happily. She saw that Jia Min's face looked very good. The raised corners of her mouth made people know that she was in a good mood. She immediately threw the star anise to Xueyan, and walked forward quickly and got into Jia Min's arms.

"Mother, what good thing has happened to you?" Daiyu raised her head from Jia Min's arms, acting cute and trying to please.

Her own daughter was acting silly, but Jia Min deliberately raised her hand and patted Daiyu's arm in a complaining manner, "Don't dirty my tea." This Lin family grandmother hated the sight of cat hair flying around.

This was her own mother, how could Lin Daiyu be afraid of this? Instead, she deliberately twisted her body in Jia Min's arms and said unwillingly: "My daughter also has strange fragrance and cold fragrance on her body, how could she dirty mother's tea."

"What strange words are you talking about, what strange fragrance and cold fragrance. Where did you hear this strange smell from?" Jia Min shook her head in confusion, and seeing Daiyu laughing in her arms, she knew that she must have heard some strange things from somewhere else, but she didn't care.

"In a few days, mother will take you out of the house."

Lin Daiyu blinked her eyes and said in surprise: "But are you going to visit Sister Wei's house?" Isn't this the only place for them to go in the capital.

Jia Min smiled, pulled the little girl in her arms up, and kept it a secret, "How old are you? Why do you still think you are a child?"

"Mom!"

Seeing her mother trying to keep her in suspense, Daiyu stamped her feet in anxiety. This made Jiamin look amused, so she deliberately kept silent and smiled without saying anything.

After waiting for three days, Daiyu, who was full of curiosity, finally left the house with Jiamin in a sedan chair. The mother and daughter gathered the maids, servants, and servants, and rushed out of the back door of Rongguo Mansion.

Along the way, people avoided people and horses stopped, and they rushed to the house found by the Wei family's steward. The so-called landlord did not dare to show off in front of the noble. He just opened the lock and waited outside with the Wei family's steward from a distance.

The sky was bright, and the inside and outside of the three-entry courtyard were clearly illuminated. There was no one here, only the family members and servants of the Lin family, who surrounded Jiamin and Daiyu in front and toured the scenery of the mansion together.

The architecture of the north is indeed unique. Its carved and painted buildings are all magnificent. Although there are no small bridges and flowing water in the mansion, there are still many rockeries and gardens, which shows the original owner's intentions.

Although this place is not as exquisite and luxurious as Rongguo Mansion, Lin Daiyu was already very happy after seeing half of it. She hurriedly said to Jia Min beside her: "Mother, is this our future home?"

Jia Min did not comment, but only said, "Let's use it as a resting place. When you come to the capital again in the future, you can also have a convenient place to stay."

Lin Daiyu was annoyed and happy when she heard this. What annoyed her was that she would have to come again in the future. This time she went to the capital, and the trip was supposed to be a month, but it was delayed until August, which made people feel powerless to resist.

What made her happy was that in this way, she would not have to be trapped in her grandmother's house when she came again in the future. Whether she went out to play with Sister Wei or invite Sister Wei to her home, it would be much more convenient.

Lin Daiyu knew that Mrs. Jia was her grandmother. If she said that she would not come again in the future, it was just a child's temper, and it didn't count.

The two continued to stroll around for a few places and found a pavilion nearby to sit. Jia Min had already seen her daughter's fond attitude, and immediately sent a servant to report to the Wei family's steward, asking him to go with the owner of this house to handle the sales documents.

Lin Daiyu sat aside, and when she heard the high price of this house, her eyes widened immediately. I didn't expect that such a house would cost two or three thousand taels of silver.

The eldest daughter of the Lin family was very surprised and asked immediately: "Mother, you brought so much silver this time?"

Jia Min laughed and shook her head, and also explained to her daughter: "What's the difficulty, ask my mother to borrow it."

Jia Mu did have a batch of silver on hand, but she didn't know what Jia Min would do with it. Jia Min didn't elaborate, and was ready to wait until everything was settled before telling the truth, which was better than Jia Mu's interference.

As for the embezzled money, Jia Min would send a reliable and smart servant to deliver it when he returned to Yangzhou. Their old Lin family still had money on hand.

Lin Daiyu was also amused by Jia Min's words. She didn't expect her mother to be like this. After laughing, she asked curiously, "Will grandma agree?"

Jia Min's expression changed, and she raised her eyebrows and shook her head and said, "Just as I can't do anything to you, your grandma can't do anything to me."

"Mother, how can I."

"Okay, okay, don't be so cute at this time." Jia Min waved her hand. Seeing the innocence on her daughter's face, she finally made up her mind and looked at the servants around. These servants immediately retreated far away.

Lin Daiyu knew that her mother had something to say, so she immediately sat up straight and pretended to listen to the lecture obediently. Jia Min pondered for a moment before saying, "Yu'er, do you know why our family has to move out?"

"Is mother worried because of the funeral in another mansion?" Lin Daiyu is smart. Although she was not allowed by Jia Min to go over, she still has a clever Zijuan in her hands.

This girl, who took Jia Min's job, would go out for a walk whenever she had something to do. Whenever she found out something interesting, she would tell her mistress. The funeral of Ningguo Mansion was naturally unavoidable. Zijuan had only gone out twice, and she had already found out everything about the outside world for Daiyu.

What about the 108 Zen monks chanting sutras and performing rituals to help the deceased, and what about the coffin ordered by Prince Yi Zhong was also used by Qin.

There was also a rumor that Jia Zhen's cousin spent money to buy a fifth-rank Dragon Guard for his son. It was shocking and frightening to hear, and it was even more confusing.

You know, Qin's generation, when she saw Baoyu, she had to call him Uncle Bao, and if she met Grandmother Jia, she would have to say it, and I'm afraid that just one word, Grandma, would not be enough.

That would be fine, but the princes and nobles on the same street all gave face to the Jia Mansion. There were colorful tents on the roadside, banquets were set up, and music was played in harmony, and every family held a roadside sacrifice.

With so many things, even Daiyu, who was taught by Lin Ruhai, couldn't figure it out after listening to Zijuan's description. Is it really good to go to such great lengths?

Or is it the rules of the nobles, and how is it different from the civil servants that Daddy said?

Seeing that her daughter could think of this, Jia Min kept nodding. She saw it more deeply than Daiyu. In the past two days, she learned from Mrs. Wei that the Imperial Censorate in the court did not mention anything about the Jia family. The court was peaceful, as if everyone was blind.

This was already an ominous sign, but she couldn't do anything about it. Although Jia Zhen was her junior, the two families were nominally one family, but they still lived their own lives behind closed doors. It just so happened that no matter who made a mistake in the two families, the problem would be attributed to one place for investigation.

The situation inside and outside was so annoying. That's why even though she knew that there were some violations in the funeral, Jia Mu couldn't comment on it, so she had to be a deaf and dumb old man. Jia Mu couldn't even mention it, let alone Jia Min, a daughter who was married off.

A good funeral was handled so ostentatiously and in such a mess. Jia Min could only sigh, "It's a disaster, not a blessing." After a while, she continued, "I asked you to pay more attention to the things in the mansion before, did you do it?"

"Yes." Daiyu blushed. She knew what her mother was talking about. She only said, "Second cousin, it's a bit absurd."

Not only absurd, now he is eating with men and women, and he knows how to enjoy it. Jia Min didn't say much about this matter. The mother and daughter met each other tacitly and led the topic to the women in the mansion.

Jia Min also took the opportunity to give Daiyu some tips on how to judge people. "Your sister Yingchun seems kind but actually stupid, and she is weak in her stupidity. She has no opinion and likes to avoid things. If she marries well in the future, and the couple respect each other like guests, this personality can still be a blessing. But her marriage is in the hands of her ignorant parents, and I'm afraid it will be a blessing or a curse."

After commenting on Tanchun and Xichun in turn, Daiyu listened silently and realized that Jia Min was busy every day and had a clear understanding of the people and things in the mansion. So she asked curiously, "What about Sister Bao?"

"Her." Jia Min shook her head. She didn't want to talk about the outsider, but when she heard her daughter calling Sister Bao all the time, she said, "She is a bead on someone else's abacus, so let's not talk about it."

Lin Daiyu was stunned when she heard this. She didn't expect that Sister Bao, who was usually harmonious, would have such difficulties. She thought about it and suddenly said, "Mother, I think Sister Bao seems to be interested in my second cousin?"

"What did you say?" Jia Min was shocked. She was busy looking after the house recently, and the mansion was in a mess. She had no time to care about the rumors in the house.

Lin Daiyu quickly reached out and called Zijuan from a distance, asking her to tell Jia Min the rumors she heard.

When Jia Min heard that Jia Baoyu went to Lixiangyuan and saw that Xue Baochai also had a jade with the words: Never leave, never abandon, and forever continue her youth, her face had become dark and uneasy.

After hearing Zijuan's words, the news spread in the mansion somehow. The servants all said that Miss Xue had a piece of jade on her neck, and she was a pair with Master Bao.

Jia Min's expression had changed drastically, and her beautiful eyebrows were slightly wrinkled, showing anger. The corners of her mouth seemed to be smiling, mocking and complaining. Her family helped the second branch of the Xue family to cut off Baochai's way to the palace, but she didn't expect that the Wang family would take the opportunity to make plans for the Jia family.

Since this happened in Baochai's boudoir, only the servants of the Xue family knew about it. If Aunt Xue didn't mean to, the news would definitely not spread. Otherwise, can't a mistress of the house control the mouths of the servants? This is not how the head of the family runs the house.

The same is true for Mrs. Wang. Without her tacit consent, how dare the servants of the Jia family spread the news in the mansion. Jia Min became more and more angry, and her expression showed obvious anger.

This was the first time Lin Daiyu saw Jia Min like this. Since she was a child, her mother had always been gentle with a bit of severity in her eyes. It was rare to see such anger and ridicule in anger.

After thinking for a while, she advised her mother, "Mom, if something is wrong, should you tell your grandmother?"

Jia Min shook her head and said frankly, "Your grandmother must know. There is rarely any movement in the mansion that can be hidden from her. I'm afraid she is powerless and helpless."

"What about our family?"

"It's okay. As long as your father is here, everything will be fine." Jia Min held her forehead with a headache and didn't want to go back to the Jia Mansion for a while.

If she hadn't married, she could have reported to her mother and directly managed the family. Now she is an outsider. No matter what, with so many ladies in the mansion, it is impossible for Jia Min to come out to manage things.

In a word, the women of the Jia family also have face.

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In the Linjing Hall, Li Zhi reviewed the memorials here as usual. Recently, the border affairs are urgent, and the ministers in the court are arguing over whether to fight or make peace.

There are only two points of contention, one is money and the other is food. Last year's drought, coupled with this year's flood disaster. There were disasters all over the country. Many prefectures and cities suffered from poor harvests. There were also rumors of starvation.

The treasury, which was not rich to begin with, had to pay for disaster relief on the left hand, and His Majesty had also ordered the exemption of taxes in many places on the right hand. The two items added up, and the treasury was even more overwhelmed. As for the royal family's own treasury silver, it was still in the hands of the emperor, and Li Zhi could not withdraw it.

At present, both ends were major issues, and even the emperor was a headache. Although Li Zhi had the intention to pacify the eighteen tribes of the grassland, it was difficult for a good cook to cook without rice.

Picking up the jade ruyi and tapping it lightly on his palm, the upright and middle-aged man closed his eyes slightly, just wanting to rest. Xia Shouzhong came over to report that Mrs. Lin had bought the house.

After listening, Li Zhi just nodded. Ru Hai was not in Beijing now, so he couldn't take care of anything on the surface. But since he learned from Wei Yinghong that their family intended to set up a new family, he was still happy.

However, Li Zhi was not distracted by the location of the house. For some things, as long as he showed a little interest, someone would naturally do it for him.

After reporting this matter, Xia Shouzhong was about to step aside. Li Zhi suddenly stopped the jade ruyi in his hand and asked, "Is the Jia family's funeral still being held?"

Xia Shouzhong did not dare to hide it, and leaned forward and said respectfully, "Your Majesty, I heard that the Ningguo Mansion will be held for 49 days."

Li Zhi snorted and continued to ask, "Who went?"

"The Duke of Zhenguo, the Duke of Liguo, the Duke of Qi, the Duke of Zhiguo, the Duke of Xiuguo, and the Duke of Shanguo all sent their children. In addition, the Prince of Nan'an, the Prince of Xining, the second room of the Prince of Dongping, and the Prince of Beijing came in person." Xia Shouzhong answered cautiously, raised his eyebrows and glanced at the expression of His Majesty, and heard Li Zhi utter the word "said".

Xia Shouzhong, who was about to speak but hesitated, knelt on the ground in a hurry and said anxiously: "And Lord Dai Quan from the palace also went there. He asked Zhao Tangguan of the Ministry of Revenue to arrange a position of Dragon Guard for Jia Rong from Ningguo Mansion."

Dai Quan was also an eunuch, and his rank was above Xia Shouzhong. He called the former "Your Majesty" as appropriate, but in front of Li Zhi, calling the Supreme Emperor's personal attendant this way also made people see that he was somewhat eager to replace him.

Dragon Guards, just by hearing this name, you will know that they are the guards who guard the gates of the palace. In the past, it was a place used by emperors to recruit noble disciples.

This is a common practice in the DPRK and a tacit understanding between the imperial power and the nobles. It is both a win-win and a comfort. Whichever family's children are selected into the palace represents His Majesty's trust and respect.

Although Long Jinwei's rank is not high, he does not manage many people. But he saw that the power in his hands was being used as wedding clothes. It was such an important position in the palace, and Li Zhi was furious.

Xia Shouzhong, who was lying on the ground, did not dare to look further. He knew His Majesty's temper and was even more afraid that he would become a fish in the pond.

For a long time, Li Zhi said nothing. After pondering for a moment, he struck the jade ruyi in his palm and asked about a person who seemed to have nothing to do with the matter.

"Where is Wang Ziteng now?"

Xia Shouzhong didn't dare to reply. Only then did Li Zhi react and secretly said that he was dizzy with anger. He had strict control over his eunuchs, and he could indulge in some minor problems out of loyalty, but he would not easily let the eunuchs know about the major events in the court.

Li Zhi had no choice but to sit up and find Wang Ziteng's share from the memorial. At first glance, Wang Ziteng, who had been away from Beijing for several months, had already patrolled Heilongjiang City, the capital of Nuergan. He thought for a moment and then ordered:

"Go and ask Mr. Wei from the Ministry of Rites, Mr. Wen from the Ministry of Husbandry, and Mr. Shao from the Ministry of War to come see me quickly."

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The fifteenth moon is clear and quiet. Because it is the festive season, Chen Heng has been staying at home these days. In addition, the eldest sister's wedding is approaching, and the second sister's hairpin age is also coming soon, and the Chen family is becoming more and more lively every day.

There is naturally a lot of fun in family reunion days. During the dinner, only Gu, who had always been carefree, showed a hint of sadness, which the sharp-eyed Chen Heng noticed.

When the precious son quietly asked why, Mrs. Gu took him to the kitchen. While serving some more food and wine to the family, he talked about the difficulties encountered outside.

It turns out that the objects made in the leather training workshop have not seen any movement for more than a month. Whether it is painstakingly crafted gold and silver jewelry or silk and satin clothing, no one comes to buy them after being put on the shelves for several days.

Chen Heng was surprised at first and asked: "But because of the rain, there are fewer people coming?"

Gu shook her head and explained to her son: "The rain last month was heavier than now, and there were a lot of people coming."

Chen Heng nodded after hearing this, knowing that there was something wrong with it.

Mrs. Gu continued: "They are all good things, of good quality and materials, but they can't be sold like this. I'm afraid I won't be able to get the wages for next month. I don't think that Manager Zhao looks like a wealthy person." If you don’t know how to do it, you will sigh all day long.”

Chen Heng's eyes lit up, and he asked why his mother, second aunt, and Xinda Niang were all taciturn. But Gu was used to being careless and couldn't hide things, so Chen Heng got the clues.

"It's okay, Mom, I'll go find out about the situation tomorrow." Chen Heng said with a smile. He didn't say anything, but he vaguely felt in his heart that this matter must have something to do with Uncle Lin's refusal to complain about his illness.

Seeing her son going over, Mrs. Gu immediately became happy. She felt that a person as powerful as her son must be more capable than Manager Zhao. It didn't matter whether Chen Heng understood the secrets or not, he just walked out happily carrying the dishes.

On the second day, Chen Heng went to the academy to finish his classes and was about to say goodbye to his friends and walk to Qiupu Street. Xue Biao suddenly took his hand: "Brother Heng, my father wants to see you, please come home with me first."

Seeing Xue Biao's serious face, Chen Heng knew that Uncle Xue must have something important, so he immediately followed him to Xue's house.

In the Xue Mansion, Xue Ai also showed a rare expression of urgency. He stood in his study and kept circling, not knowing what difficult things he encountered that put him in such trouble.

I originally wanted to write you 8,000 words to make up for the 500 ranking. As a result, I was so hungry that I felt a little dizzy later on, so I stopped for a while and went to have dinner. If I can’t do it tomorrow, I’ll write to you on Saturday and Sunday.