Ningguo Mansion
Jia Heng dressed in a black and red python suit and strode into the hall. Facing the soft, bright, or gentle eyes of Qin Keqing and the three You sisters, he nodded and asked, "What are you busy with? It's so busy?"
His interested eyes lingered on the account books in the hands of several prodigal women, and he asked: "It's almost the Chinese New Year, what kind of accounts are they calculating?"
Qin Keqing left the case, and the beauty came with graceful steps. Under the willow leaves' slender eyebrows, her beautiful eyes looked at the young man, with a bright smile on her hibiscus and jade face, and asked: "Where does your husband come from? "
At this time, Third Sister You blinked her beautiful eyes and seemed to be giving Jia Heng a wink. The young woman's face was full of charm, and when she stood up, she already showed a charming and natural posture.
Jia Heng was a little confused and had speculations in his mind. He stepped forward and said truthfully: "I have an appointment with my father-in-law and Mr. Zhao from the Ministry of Industry for lunch at noon."
When Qin Keqing heard this, her face was surprised and she asked happily: "Why did you invite your father to dinner?"
"It's about the coal sales that I went to my father-in-law's house to discuss last time. I recently want to form a chamber of commerce to transport and sell the coal mined in Henan to Shandong, Hebei and other prefectures and counties. Firstly, it will generate income for the country, and secondly, it will be convenient. Ordinary people." Jia Heng came forward, took Qin Keqing's bare hand, sat down on a pear wood chair next to the small table, picked up the tea cup on the side, took a sip of tea, and suppressed the rising smell of alcohol.
At this moment, he still didn't know why Sanjie You was giving him the wild wink, but he thought, what was Keqing doing?
Qin Keqing's beautiful face was full of smiles, and she asked, "Don't you have many shops, and can you free up your hands to engage in the coal business?"
When Jia Heng heard the words, he was sipping the fragrant tea. His heart moved slightly when he heard the words, and he felt blessed. He understood the reason almost instantly.
He secretly said that the case was solved because he gave Baochai the management of more than a dozen businesses in Dongcheng the day before yesterday.
At that time, it was said that he would leave it to Baochai, but in fact, Tanchun was left to take care of it.
There are always things to do for some girls, firstly, to realize their personal value, and secondly, he can also worry less, otherwise it will be a fight between females all day long.
This is the same as the principle that soldiers cannot be idle.
Jia Heng looked at the beauty with gentle eyes and said softly: "Three sisters and sister Xue are both heroes among women. In addition, the eldest sister is not at home, so let the two of them help with some business, the coal business." , I’m still hesitating whether to hand it over to them.”
Under Qin Keqing's willowy eyebrows, her charming eyes overflowed and she said in surprise: "Third sister?"
Did she hear it wrong? It wasn't Sister Xue, but the third sister?
In this case, it makes sense. Let Sister Xue and Third Sister help read the account books. My husband just happened to be lazy.
Jia Heng smiled and said: "By the way, there is also Sister Lin, but Sister Lin doesn't like to take care of these things, so she doesn't let her take care of it. Recently, the three girls have been asked to take care of the affairs of Grand View Garden, so they can get some exercise. Sister Lin declined the offer of housekeeping again, she has always had a laid-back temperament."
Seeing the couple talking, Youshi said softly: "Just now, Keqing was talking about the monthly payment in the garden, saying that although the girls in the garden are paid by the garden, it is still up to Keqing to pay each girl. The housekeeper gives out twenty taels."
Hearing this, Jia Heng looked at Qin Keqing and said warmly: "You are the wife in charge of this matter, so you can make the decision yourself."
When Qin Keqing heard this, her jade face moved slightly, but her heart felt a little shy for a moment, as if she had been seen through by that calm gaze, and felt a little embarrassed.
Jia Heng took a sip of tea and asked softly: "Sister-in-law You, have you collected all the things sent to the capital from the villages and fields?"
Youshi said softly: "It's all put away. Do you want to take a look at it?"
Jia Heng nodded and said warmly: "You guys are taking care of it, and some of the widows and widowers in the clan will be sent there. I'll see if I have time in the next two days and take the time to go there in person."
As he said that, he cast gentle eyes on Qin Keqing and said in a low voice: "The coal business is also involved in the house. If you have time, you can take care of it."
Qin Keqing's pink lips moved and she called out: "Husband, I..."
What does it mean? This was obviously to deal with the livelihoods of those in Dongcheng, so these livelihoods were given to her. This was not what she meant.
At this moment, a panic suddenly arose deep in the girl's heart. This was not what she was doing.
In fact, she didn't know what she was doing.
Jia Heng chuckled lightly, caressed the beauty's jade hand, patted it gently to show comfort, and said softly: "Ke Qing, then you and Sister-in-law You, Third Sister and the others will calculate the account books first, and I will have some wine at noon. , I’m a little tired now, so I’ll go back and rest first.”
With that said, he stood up and left the hall.
Qin Keqing looked at the young man's back, opened his mouth, the beautiful crystal eyes under his curved eyebrows flashed, and he sighed quietly.
Maybe she was a little willful just now? She didn't bother to care about what she did for a living. Maybe her husband thought she was jealous?
Thinking of this, I couldn't help feeling weak in my heart, my jade face was changing, and my eyes couldn't help but become worried.
At this moment, Third Sister You came forward and took Qin Keqing's slender hand, and said softly: "Sister, uncle, I saw that he was very tired when he was outside, so he came back to rest. He didn't come back until noon. Maybe he is really tired."
One word awakens the dreamer.
The man is already very tired outside, and he really doesn’t have the time to deal with these little jealousies. He doesn’t even want to use his brain when he comes back. Since you want to take care of the business, I’ll just leave it to you.
After all, Third Sister You is an aunt-to-be, so she naturally has a better understanding of men's thoughts than Qin Keqing, the head wife.
Qin Keqing's face was stunned for a moment, and she said softly: "I see that the uncle is a little tired. He drank a little wine at noon, so he may be a little sleepy."
She was only paying attention to her own little thoughts just now, but she didn't pay attention to her husband's situation. She would wait until later to serve him properly.
Third Sister You said softly: "Sister, don't think too much, uncle also respects my sister very much."
If she were in Sister Qin's position, she would have some random thoughts. Uncle Heng is so nice, but such a good person is always watched in the garden.
The uncle was busy with important things outside, and I don't know how tired he was. When he came back, he didn't want to use his mind much, even if he asked his wife to give him a shoulder.
Well, maybe this is what a little wife should do?
But isn’t that what men fight in the officialdom for?
But my sister doesn’t know what it is these days, no, has she... done this?
As for tolerating the uncle’s concubinage? No, this shouldn't be blocked in the first place.
In fact, this is why some middle-aged men with successful careers in later generations have extramarital affairs, because after they are exhausted from scheming outside, they still have to coax their wives who may be suspicious and a little nervous when they go home.
And this is the daily life of a middle-aged man as a "provider". No one pays attention to what he likes, no one pays attention to his emotions, no one even knows when his birthday is, and he is surrounded by takers.
From the moment of marriage, a man is dead.
Of course, Jia Heng and Qin Keqing are not like this now, but Sanjie You still sees some abnormalities in the relationship between the couple.
It was Jia Heng who coaxed Qin Keqing all the time, which was obviously abnormal.
This kind of coaxing is okay for one or two years, but three or five years? Ten years or eight years? Most of it is unsustainable and difficult to last, and it is not a real way for husband and wife to get along. As for the daughter-in-law's good looks, for a Marquis Wu who has no shortage of women, he may pay more attention to the emotional value.
Qin Keqing gave a soft "hmm" and pursed her pink lips. The beauty seemed to be thinking about it, and the crystal clear snow was a little pale for a moment.
During these days, she may have lost some sense of propriety. She only thought about the honor of the lady and did not think about her husband. Could it be that one day she would become the second wife of the West Mansion?
Husband and wife respect each other like ice, she doesn't want this.
Thinking of this, Qin Keqing looked sad, as if he remembered that scene.
Youshi glared at Third Sister You, stared at Qin Keqing, and said, "Keqing, don't talk nonsense, Third Sister. It's nothing. Isn't he doting on you now?"
Qin Keqing's eyes dimmed and she said in a low voice, "I know, but my husband... it's my fault."
Her husband has always doted on her, but what about her?
Mrs. You winked at Third Sister You, took Qin Keqing's hand and entered the inner compartment, saying softly: "Isn't it good now? What are you thinking about?"
Qin Keqing looked at You with her beautiful eyes, and said softly: "Sister-in-law You, it's my fault."
"You are already fine." Youshi's face paused slightly, and she said softly: "However, uncle, he is actually very tired outside. He has almost never stopped this year. When they were in Nan Province, Miss Xue and Miss Lin The two of them often cook meals for him."
In fact, from the perspective of onlookers, the girl in front of her can only be said to be barely qualified as Mrs. Hou. Perhaps it is because she comes from a small family and likes to follow the man's whim in everything.
Qin Keqing turned to look at You, feeling even more ashamed, and whispered: "I haven't even cooked anything for my husband."
She didn't seem to be cooking any dishes or porridge for her husband recently.
Youshi thought for a while and said softly: "Although Miss Lin is also being petty, I saw that the two of them were talking and laughing when we were together. You and he are a lifelong couple. It's better to worry about it." Go, why don't you think about how to treat him wholeheartedly and don't think about anything else. Maybe you have been with Feng Yatou for a long time and your thoughts are affected by her."
When Qin Keqing heard this, her delicate body trembled slightly, and she seemed to understand.
Youshi chuckled lightly and said, "Okay, don't think so wildly. Third Sister, she is the one who talks without intention, but you are the one who listens with intention. Her temperament also goes along with everything."
Qin Keqing raised her head, pursed her lips as smooth as rose petals, and said softly, as if determined, "Then I won't touch mahjong anymore."
Youshi: "???"
Qin Keqing's eyes were slightly absent-minded and she held her handkerchief.
But if she doesn't touch mahjong, what can she do? Her husband is often busy outside, and she can't be of much help.
Youshi chuckled lightly and said: "It's not that I don't touch him. It depends on your own thoughts. You should focus more on him. You don't have to worry about anything else. You shouldn't think about it too much."
This was also a test for the young girl in front of her. Because they were not married to a matchmaker, Miss Bao and Miss Lin were more comfortable and did not have so many extravagant desires, so they could devote themselves to him wholeheartedly.
Qin Keqing nodded, with a vague understanding in her heart, and said softly: "I understand."
Even if she just talks to her husband and rubs his shoulders, it would be good.
Youshi looked at the charming girl with a smile, changed the subject, and said softly: "Your stomach...hasn't moved during this time?"
"Husband, let me see this month's monthly letter." When Qin Keqing mentioned the child, her voice was somewhat brisk, but her cheeks were slightly red, and she couldn't restrain herself from shame.
Youshi smiled and said, "That's good. If you have a child in the future, your life will be more interesting."
Qin Keqing's beautiful face paused slightly, pursed her pink lips, and said softly: "I want to give my husband a son and a half now."
Grand View Garden, Qichi Garden
On the other side, Jia Heng didn't know that the conversation between Qin Keqing and You Sanjie had caused Qin Keqing to fall into reflection and walked into the courtyard, planning to take a nap.
He was indeed a little sleepy. He drank some wine at noon and wanted to find a place to sleep for a while.
But Qing and the three You sisters were fiddling with their abacus and checking their account books. He didn't have to worry about this in the first place.
With the wooden door creaking, Jia Heng pushed the door open and entered the courtyard. As soon as he walked into the atrium along the snow-swept corridor, he heard Zhen Lan and Zhen Xi talking and laughing in the inner room.
Jia Heng opened the cotton curtain, looked at the two sisters, and asked with a smile: "Why are there only you two? Where are the others?"
Zhen Lan raised her head and saw the boy in python suit. Her eyes lit up slightly. She stood up and came over. She said in a charming voice: "Brother Heng? Aren't you busy outside?"
Zhen Xi also put down the Nine Links in her hand. Under her green and smoky willow-leaf eyebrows, her eyes were as spiritual as the stream, like the hazy rain and fog in the south of the Yangtze River. She asked shyly: "Brother Heng."
Jia Heng said: "I went to the capital camp today and there was nothing else going on. What were you two doing?"
While he was talking, he found a chair and sat down. He picked up the tea cup and took a sip. The aroma of tea reverberated in his teeth and cheeks, and the fragrance overflowed.
Zhen Lan said softly: "It's nothing, I'm just playing around with my sister solving the nine-ring chain."
Seeing that the young man looked drunk, Zhen Xi came closer. Zhong Lingyu's beautiful eyebrows were covered with concern, and she said softly: "Brother Heng, have you been drinking?"
Jia Heng looked at the girl with lively eyebrows and said softly: "It's okay to have a few drinks."
Looking at Zhen Lan and Zhen Xi, he said warmly: "We should go south in a few days. You can write letters to your families and have things you want to send, so I can take them back."
The imperial edict that the emperor asked Han Huang to draft has been circulated both inside and outside the court. It is expected that soon there will be an imperial edict asking him to go south to preside over the Jiangnan province.
Zhen Xi's eyebrows were filled with surprise, and she said softly: "I'll go back and write the letter right now."
With that said, he made a gesture and walked towards the mahogany bookcase next to the bookcase.
Jia Heng looked at Zhen Xi and called out, "Sister Xi'er, don't be busy, come here."
Hearing this, Zhen Xi turned to look at the young man, but her steps seemed to be uncontrollable when she came to Jia Heng. Then, the young man stretched out his hand and pulled him into his arms.
"Brother Heng, sister is still here." Zhen Xi's petite face was as clear as snow, with shame welling up on her face, and she glanced at Zhen Lan who was sitting not far away.
Sister Lan was still there, and Brother Heng was hugging her.
There was no trace of shame in Zhen Lan's face, and her voice was delicate and smart, and she said, "Sister, don't worry about me. You and your brother-in-law just talk."
Jia Heng: "..."
Is this Zhen Lan still calling her brother-in-law? Yes, he is also a wise man.
Jia Heng put one hand around Zhen Xi's waist and said, "Yesterday was the birth of sister Xi'er. I had something to do before I could celebrate with sister Xi'er, so I thought of giving her a birth gift. Make a souvenir.”
Hearing this, Zhen Xi felt a surge of expectation in her heart. Then Yuyan was slightly startled and said, "Brother Heng, I...I don't want any gifts."
Jia Heng said: "Sister Xi'er."
As he spoke, he took out a square red brocade box from his armhole and handed it over.
Zhen Xi looked at the red brocade box in Jia Heng's hand and said in surprise: "Brother Heng, this is..."
Jia Heng opened the brocade box, and inside it was wrapped with red silk. A sterling silver ring stood quietly. A crystal clear ruby was set on the top of the ring, which shone brightly under the light.
"Brother Heng, is this a ring?" Zhen Lan looked at the ring with curiosity on her face.
Zhen Xi looked at the ring and was a little distracted. Is this for her?
Jia Heng took Zhen Xi's plain hand, took off the ring, and put it on the slender fingers. Suddenly, the slender white fingers were as white as jade under the reflection of the ruby.
"This is considered a birth gift."
For this little girl who looks similar to Zhen Xue, he feels more pity and love for Wujiwu.
Under Zhen Xi's willow-leaf eyebrows, her eyes were as bright as autumn water, and she could feel the warmth of the ring, while her snow-skinned and jade-faced face was full of joy and shyness.
Zhen Lan's face was covered with a look of envy, and she said softly: "Brother Heng really loves my sister."
Since coming to Shenjing with Brother Heng, nothing has been given to her.
Jia Heng turned to look at Zhen Lan and said softly: "The baby she gave birth to yesterday was hers. I will give it to you when you have a baby."
Zhen Lan chuckled and said, "Brother Heng, I will remember this."
Jia Heng let go of Zhen Xi and said softly: "I'm sleepy. Sister Xi'er is playing with your sister Lan, please keep it down."
Zhen Xi put away the ring, with a childish and soft face blushing, her gloomy clear eyes covered with a trace of moist mist, and whispered: "Brother Heng, let me help you sleep."
I remember that when we were in Jinling, Brother Heng held her in his arms to sleep. At that time, the two of them hugged each other to keep each other warm. She slept soundly that day.
Jia Heng said "hmm" and said softly: "Lan'er, tell the maid outside to bring some hot water while I wash my feet."
Zhen Lan listened to Jia Heng's call, responded softly, glanced at the two of them, and sighed in her heart.
He still likes his sister more than her.
After Zhen Lan left, Jia Heng lay on the bed, looking at the shy Zhen Xi with a smile, as if he could see some shadow of Zhen Xue, and asked: "Is Sister Xi'er still used to living here? "
Zhen Xi's jade-colored face was as bright as rouge. She sat in front of the bed, imitating the way those little girls served Mrs. Zhen at home, and beat her legs for Jia Heng.
"There are a lot of sisters here, and it's very lively." Zhen Xi said softly.
Jia Heng stood up, pulled Zhen Xi over, and said softly: "Stop being busy and lie down with me for a while."
"Hey." Zhen Xi blushed with a peaceful face, threw herself on Jia Heng, and leaned her head in Jia Heng's arms, her heart filled with sweetness.
Jia Heng pulled Zhen Xi's shoulder, caressed it gently, looked at the rosy girl, and asked softly: "You and your sister didn't talk about Jinling, right?"
Zhen Xi hurriedly said: "I didn't say anything, and my sister didn't even know."
Jia Heng said: "Well, that's good, let's not tell her now."
The fewer people who knew about the previous incident, the better.
Zhen Xi pursed her pink lips and said, "Brother Heng, how many days are you going to Jinling?"
The eldest sister and the second sister are both pregnant, and it should be Brother Heng's. I think I went back to watch them.
(End of chapter)
