The carriage stopped slowly, and Daiyu walked out of the carriage leisurely. She glanced at the word "Xue Zhai" written by Gao on the black wooden door in front of her, and a strange color flashed in her eyes.
She had also heard that the Jia family, the Shi family where her grandmother belonged, the Wang family where Wang Xifeng was born, and the Xue family were collectively called the four major families in Jinling City.
Yesterday, when she arrived in Jinling and entered Gonghou Street, she had seen the grandeur of the Ningrong Second Mansion, even compared to the Ningrong Second Mansion in Beijing.
I thought that the Xue family's residence, even if it was not as good as Ning Rong's second residence, would be very luxurious.
Who knows, it looks very simple, not much different from ordinary wealthy people.
Jia Lian saw Daiyu's surprise and smiled: "This is just the home of your sister Bao's second uncle. I have been to their ancestral home before, and it is much more solemn and luxurious than this one."
Daiyu understood, but she almost forgot that although Baoqin was Baochai's sister, she was just a cousin. It seemed like they had separated a long time ago, so naturally they wouldn't live together.
Previously, under the leadership of Jia Lian, she spent most of the day wandering around Jinling City. Before going back, Daiyu was inevitably curious when she thought of Xue Baoqin mentioned by her sisters in Rongguo Mansion.
Firstly, she didn't believe what Aunt Xue and others said that Baochai's cousin was better than Baochai. Secondly, when Xue Baoqin gave gifts to the sisters in Rongguo Mansion, even she got a share. This was more or less a sign of friendship. Therefore, since I have arrived in Jinling City this time, I naturally want to see what Xue Baoqin is like and why everyone praises her benefits!
Just then, Jia Lian said that when he went to Jiangnan, he was entrusted by Aunt Xue to send a letter to Baochai's aunt. He knew the address, so they came directly.
Following Jia Lian, he watched Jia Lian come up and knock on the door.
"Who are you looking for?"
The small door opened, revealing a young man dressed in Tsing Yi, who looked at them warily.
"Please tell me that Jia Lian from Rongguo Mansion is here to visit Aunt Xue and brother Xue Biao!"
The boy glanced at Jia Lian and the group of people behind him, said "I know", and then closed the small door with a bang. Then there were rapid footsteps inside, and it was obvious that the boy had gone to pass.
Jia Lian touched his nose. Since he took over the throne, no matter which house he went to visit, this was the first time that the door was shut in front of his face.
But there was no way to be angry. After all, if you really think about it, they came uninvited and did not send a greeting card in advance, which was rude. It was not too much for the concierge to do this.
Daiyu was initially stunned by the "closed door" in front of her, but when she looked at Jia Lian's sarcastic expression, she couldn't help but burst into laughter.
I thought that Brother Lian must have thought that with the relationship between Jia and Xue's family, he didn't need to be too polite. Who would have known that the Xue family's concierge was a newcomer, didn't know about Rongguo Mansion, or hadn't heard clearly at all. In short, he had a business-like attitude, and he would not give them a chance to break in until the master agreed!
For Zhang Yong and others, seeing that their Marquis condescended to come to visit, how dare the Xue family be so rude, they were immediately furious. But seeing that the Marquis didn't say anything, he didn't dare to make any mistakes.
At this time, the main hall of the Xue family, a tightly closed inner hall, was full of clouds and smoke, and the mood of spring was sultry.
The second wife of the Xue family, Mrs. Zhuang, was lying on the soft floor, with her jade back stretched horizontally and a slight breath between her mouth and nose.
Not long after, a gorgeous face with gleaming blue eyes, which looked very different from that of a woman from the Central Plains, came to her ear from behind and said with a smile: "Okay, sister, how do you feel? Are you comfortable?"
Mr. Zhuang then moved sideways, looked at the woman in front of him, and said softly: "I feel much better, thanks to you."
"What are you talking about? My sister has worked so hard for our family that she is tired and sick. She is also very happy to be able to do something for her."
Mrs. Zhuang looked at the woman in front of her who had not lost her beauty but had become more and more radiant after more than ten years. She thought to herself that it was no wonder that her husband wanted to take her into his house as a concubine despite the family's objections.
Realizing that most of the fatigue on his body had been dissipated by her medicine and techniques, he felt happy and reached out to touch her slightly sweating face. Just as he was about to say something, he heard the door curtain ring and a servant woman came in.
Mr. Zhuang quickly retracted his hand and said with some displeasure: "Didn't I tell you not to come in and disturb the Second Madam when she was doing acupuncture on me?"
"Madam, there is news from outside that someone is coming to visit."
"The master's funeral has been finished a long time ago. Who will come to visit our home again? It must be those people from the clan again. Didn't I tell them that whenever they come, they will say that I am sick and it is inconvenient to see guests."
"He's not a member of the clan, he's a young man, said to be from Rongguo Mansion."
"Rongguo Mansion? You are still a young man. Is he Jia Lian, the Marquis of Zhenyuan?"
Mr. Zhuang stood up and asked quickly. Seeing that the servant girl couldn't explain the reason, he didn't hesitate. He got up and changed his clothes and ordered: "Quickly go and call Zhu'er, ask Zhu'er to welcome you to the main hall! That's all." I’ll go out and see for myself, too.”
Mrs. Zhuang originally wanted to let Xue Biao, the only male in the family, come forward in accordance with the etiquette of large family interactions. However, thinking that Xue Biao was too young, she was afraid of neglecting the distinguished guest.
"Sister, is this Zhenyuan Hou Jia Lian the person that the master and Qin'er mentioned when they came back?"
"Exactly..."
When I came out of the outer courtyard, I saw the housekeeper giving a lesson to the boy.
"Madam, I don't know that this boy actually locked the Marquis of Zhenyuan in Rongguo Mansion outside the door. Fortunately, the Marquis was generous and didn't argue with him..."
Hearing what the housekeeper said, Mr. Zhuang's face tightened, but seeing the kid who made the mistake hanging his head as if he was being asked and scolded, it was difficult to say anything.
After passing through the hall and arriving at the outermost courtyard, sure enough, my son was at the gate, speaking respectfully to a young man.
"Last time, my mother said that Brother Lian helped bring my eldest aunt's home letter. I was still thinking about whether I could see Brother Lian again. Who knew that I later found out that Brother Lian had left Jinling City and asked my younger brother to go with me? My sister is so disappointed.
Now, my sister will be very happy if she knows that Brother Lian comes to see her in person. "
On the way back from Anxi Mansion, although Xue Biao was not as active as her sister, she had a good relationship with Jia Lian and Princess Zhaoyang. After all, they were all relatives, and there was no grudge between them after a long separation.
Jia Lian also smiled and replied: "I should have come to see you guys last time I went to Jinling City, but I had important things to attend to at the time and couldn't delay, so I left that night and didn't have time to come and visit my aunt in person."
"I see."
Xue Biao was relieved. No wonder he went to Rongguo Mansion on Gonghou Street the next day and didn't see Jia Lian.
"Zha'er, why are you standing here without inviting the distinguished guest in before talking?"
To be honest, Jia Lian's tall and handsome figure, as well as the power around him, especially the large and powerful entourage and officers and soldiers outside the hospital, put a lot of pressure on Mr. Zhuang.
However, after adjusting her clothes, she walked over with a solemn step.
Xue Biao quickly turned around and saluted, briefly mentioned Jia Lian's identity, and then said to Jia Lian: "This is my mother."
Jia Lian took one look at her and couldn't help but admire her slightly. She was such a pretty young woman. No wonder she could give birth to cubs like Xue Biao and Xue Baoqin.
In front of everyone, Jia Lian naturally would not be rude. He only glanced at it and bowed his head:
"Jia Lian has met Aunt Xue's family."
"I don't dare to accept such a big gift. Originally, I was supposed to be a gift to the Marquis..."
"Friendships between generations should be based on seniority first. Auntie, you're welcome."
Although it was only a short two sentences, Mr. Zhuang already understood why her husband and daughter spoke so highly of this young man when they returned that day.
There's nothing else to say. This appearance and self-cultivation alone are already beyond the vast majority of men in the world.
Then he said: "Since my late husband passed away, everything in the family has been messy. I, a woman, can't handle it. So I have been neglecting my nephew a lot before. I hope my nephew will forgive me."
"I don't dare. My nephew is good at building Tan Mansion, so there will be many disturbances."
Jia Lian didn't want to be polite to the woman again and again. After saying a sentence, he stepped aside to let Daiyu come in and introduced: "This is my cousin Daiyu, the daughter of the late Lord Lin of Lantai. When she was in Beijing, She and Sister Baochai are the best sisters, and I heard Sister Baochai say that she also has a younger sister named Baoqin, who is knowledgeable in books and etiquette, and her appearance is even better than hers.
It just so happened that Sister Lin also came to Jinling with me, so I brought her over to meet Sister Baoqin. I apologize for the intrusion. "
Hearing Jia Lian say that she and Baochai were the best sisters, Daiyu couldn't help but twitch her lips. But in front of the Xue family, she couldn't say anything and could only acquiesce. After Jia Lian finished the introduction, he stepped forward and bowed obediently to Mr. Zhuang, "Daiyu, meet Aunt Xue."
Mr. Zhuang was originally surprised by Daiyu's gracefulness and dexterity, but after hearing that she was a member of the Central Committee, she became even more solemn.
He quickly helped Daiyu up, looked at her slightly, and praised: "What a handsome and well-behaved girl! Don't listen to what Baochai girl said, my Baoqin is not as good as she said. You will know when you see her later." ."
After saying that, seeing Daiyu look away in embarrassment, she smiled again and called Jia Lian and others to go into the house, while asking someone to call Baoqin out.
As they walked deeper into Xue's house, Jia Lian and Daiyu realized that although this was not the Xue family's ancestral house, it was still layered inside. It's just that there are about three or four entrances to the front yard. The overall style is quiet and elegant, with many flowers, plants and trees. It is an excellent house, far from being as simple as it looks from the outside door.
This is in line with the customs of businessmen nowadays, low-key on the outside and luxurious on the inside, nothing more than that.
Before everyone could pass through the atrium, Daiyu saw a girl slightly older than Xichun happily appearing in the corridor.
Only then did he slow down and walk quickly in front of everyone. He looked at Jia Lian and said with a smile: "Second brother Lian, it's really you..."
Jia Lian also smiled and looked at the girl in front of him. She looked a little taller than half a year ago, but she looked thinner than before, and she didn't feel as lively as before.
However, she is also as cute and cute as the most exquisite porcelain doll.
"Sister Baoqin, long time no see."
"Um……"
Baoqin raised his head and was about to speak when he suddenly saw Daiyu behind Jia Lian. He immediately said "Huh" and blurted out: "Who is this sister?"
Xue Biao knew that his sister was more familiar with Jia Lian than he was, so he didn't interrupt.
Sure enough, Jia Lian was the first to smile at her and said: "She is the sister surnamed Lin that I told you about before. She was very happy after receiving the gift you gave her, so she came here specifically to see you today."
"Really, that's great..."
Suppressing her inner thoughts, Bao Qin stepped forward and bowed to Dai Yu. Then she raised her head, opened her beautiful big eyes, and looked straight at Dai Yu.
Daiyu, on the other hand, had almost the same expression as she looked at the girl in front of her.
The first meeting between two extremely beautiful girls who are rare in this world, both of them were a little surprised, and both seemed to be thinking that such a beautiful sister (girl) really existed in the world.
"Okay, girl Qin, since your sister Lin has made a special trip to see you, you can take her around the house and have a good time. Remember, don't lose etiquette. Go ahead."
"All right."
Baoqin glanced at Jia Lian and understood that she had no room to speak in front of her mother and others, so she happily took Daiyu's hand and said with a smile: "Sister Lin, let's go, I'll take you to see it first The yard where I live!”
After Daiyu was taken away by Baoqin, the Xue family's mother and son invited Jia Lian to the main hall, where they chatted after serving tea.
Naturally, Mr. Zhuang couldn't help but thank Jia Lian for helping the Xue family and delivering letters when they were outside the Great Wall, and Jia Lian also responded politely.
"When I heard the news of Uncle Xue Shi's passing from my aunt in Beijing, my nephew felt very sorry. I originally thought that after going to Jiangnan this time, if I had the opportunity, I should come to pay homage. But when I arrived in Jinling that day, I inquired and learned Uncle Xue Shi has been buried peacefully, and he thought that his aunt and brother Xue must be feeling sad, so he didn't dare to come to bother him.
This time I have almost finished the things in my hands, so I took the liberty to come to the door, thinking that it would be good to worship in front of Uncle Xue Shi's tomb, and I asked my aunt and Brother Xue for permission. "
"It's rare that you have such a heart, we are all grateful, and there is nothing else we can grant or disapprove.
Zhu'er, just take your second brother Lian to pay homage to your father's tomb. You can be pleased to have such affection from the Marquis, and your father knows it well. "
Zhuang said, slightly sad.
So Xue Biao and Jia Lian both stood up, bowed and left together.
"elder sister……"
The second wife of the Xue family came out of the back hall. Mr. Zhuang turned around and took a look, only to realize that she must have been hiding behind and eavesdropping on their conversation.
He didn't really care, he just gave me a seat.
The second lady saw that Mrs. Zhuang looked sad and lonely, and was worried that she would become ill due to depression, so she advised: "Sister, you should relax a little more. You still have Tao'er, and he is still so young. What should he do if you really fall ill?" ah.
He no longer has a master. If you have another problem, he will be even more helpless. "
After hearing her comfort, Mr. Zhuang was silent for a moment. In fact, it wasn't that she couldn't let go of her husband's death at all, she just felt tired.
In the past, when her husband was away from home, she complained that he was away from home all year round and neglected them. Now that her husband is gone, she understands that even if her husband is away from home all year round, as long as he is alive, he is their support.
Now that he is dead, she has to rely on her to handle everything in the family, and she feels that it is a bit overwhelming.
It's no wonder that not long after his uncle died, her eldest aunt moved her family to join her sister.
But she didn't have such a tyrannical family to rely on, so she had to carry it all by herself.
Sighing and looking at the sisters in front of her, she suddenly remembered something and asked, "What do you think of the Marquis Zhenyuan who just visited?"
The second lady thought for a while and replied: "Although I didn't see the front clearly just now, you can tell from his demeanor and speaking demeanor that he is not an ordinary person."
Mrs. Zhuang looked at her with some mystery, and then said seriously: "Do you remember what I told you before? It was said in his aunt's letter. It has been almost two years since they went to Beijing, and the Mei family has never been there. Take the initiative to contact and say hello.
In addition, we sent people to Beijing to deliver the obituary before, and the Mei family's response was also very perfunctory. I guessed that the Mei family might have regretted the marriage. "
"Ah, what should we do? Do they really dare to do something treacherous and shameful after seeing our Xue family fall?"
"There is nothing we can do about it. I heard that the eldest son of the Mei family has obtained the title of scholar. Seeing that there is a bright future, they naturally want to form a good marriage and gain a great future in the future!"
Mr. Zhuang sneered.
The second lady looked sad and didn't know what to say.
"However, I suddenly thought of a way. As long as it can be achieved, maybe the Mei family will not dare to regret the marriage."
"What is it, sister, please tell me."
"I heard from his eldest aunt that Jia Lian is very prominent in the capital. Not only does he have a high official rank, but he is also trusted by the emperor. He is one of the most powerful people in the capital.
At least, it's not someone Han Lin can offend.
It just so happens that he came to pay homage to the master this time. If we can ask for his help, then the Mei family will definitely not dare to regret their marriage. "
The second lady made sense when she heard it, "That's right, but how can we ask him for help? Pay him money to ask for help?"
"I'm afraid it's inappropriate. You forgot that the master said that when he helped him, he didn't even want to pay him thousands of taels of silver. It's hard to impress such a person with ordinary gold and silk. ."
"What does sister mean?"
Mr. Zhuang smiled slightly, looked at her teasingly, waved her to come closer, and laughed a few words in her ear.
The second lady suddenly blushed, glared at her, and cursed: "It makes no sense, then why don't you go?"
"Me? Firstly, I don't have the beauty and beauty of my sister. Secondly, I didn't give birth to girl Qin. Why should I worry about this?"
The second lady didn't know how to retort, so she glared at Mr. Zhuang bitterly, but her heart was filled with thoughts.
(End of chapter)
