"The family is in trouble, and the Marquis is laughing at it."
Seeing the always arrogant tribesmen, escorted by Jia Lian's soldiers, leaving honestly and dejectedly, Mr. Zhuang couldn't hide his envy.
This is the current situation of the Xue family. The main body is weak. Not only are the servants and shopkeepers below not afraid, but even the clan members are stepping on them.
Jia Lian shook his head and asked Mr. Zhuang with a slight smile: "Did your wife really ask me to help scare the greedy shopkeepers and waiters?"
Jia Lian wanted to know if this was Zhuang's excuse just to give him a legitimate excuse to interfere in the Xue family's affairs, or if it was something else. Because he was sure that before leaving Beijing, Aunt Xue just asked him to bring a letter from home. He also sent someone to deliver it to the Xue family when he went to Jinling last time to mobilize troops.
Who knew that Mr. Zhuang actually laughed.
"Don't be surprised, Mr. Hou, this is indeed what our wives meant. However, our wives know that Mr. Hou has important responsibilities and don't know if he is free. We dare not disturb Mr. Hou's schedule because of trivial matters at home, so we He didn't entrust it to the Marquis personally.
Just tell me in the letter that if there is any trouble that is difficult to solve, and Mr. Marquis happens to be in Jinling, you might as well ask for your help. "
It turns out that Aunt Xue also knew that if the second master of the Xue family died, there would be some trouble in the family. But she was so determined to move her family to the capital, so naturally she wouldn't give up halfway and come back to solve these problems.
Therefore, a few stewards were sent down to convey the new appointments and arrangements. But a slave is a slave. He is useful to his servants, but he is almost useless to those in the clan. He can only let the Zhuang family coordinate the response.
He also knew that Mr. Zhuang was a person who was used to taking things easy, so he was afraid that he would not be able to compete well with those in the family. Just as Jia Lian was about to go to Jiangnan, she got some ideas.
Jia Lian's identity and ability are beyond doubt in Aunt Xue's eyes. If Jia Lian is willing to lend a helping hand, even if he just stands behind Mr. Zhuang, he can scare Xiao Xiao.
That's why she specifically asked Jia Lian to help deliver the message. She wanted Jia Lian to go to Xue's house to give Zhuang and others a chance to ask for help. Otherwise, a letter can be delivered by just sending a servant, so why bother asking Jia Lian for help?
Who knows, Jia Lian didn't have time to go to Xue's house that day, so he only sent someone to deliver it.
This is actually a consideration that Aunt Xue did not directly entrust. He knew that Jia Lian was on the imperial mission and did not dare to trouble Jia Lian casually. If Jia Lian did not plan to go to Jinling at all, she would naturally be embarrassed to ask Jia Lian to make a special trip for her. But if Jia Lian arrived in Jinling City, based on her understanding of Jia Lian, I don't mind helping you with this.
Jia Lian also smiled. He could easily figure out Aunt Xue's plan. To be honest, he was very satisfied with Aunt Xue's behavior.
In fact, even if Aunt Xue asked him to visit Xue's house when she was in the capital, he would not refuse. After all, such a trivial matter was just a piece of cake for him, but no one would like to be treated as free labor and push for more.
Aunt Xue's approach can be summed up in one point: if you have time, please help me. If you don't have time, forget it.
"Your wives are indeed too polite. We are all close relatives and we should help each other.
Well, whatever my aunt wants me to do, just say it. "
Aunt Xue, mother and son, are high in the sky and far away from the emperor. It is inevitable that the people below will be rampant. All they need to do is knock and knock. This is really a piece of cake for him. As for how effective it would be and how long it would last, that was not something he should consider.
In the final analysis, it is up to the Xue family to find a way to overcome the current difficult situation of the Xue family. An outsider can help him for a while, but not forever.
Seeing Jia Lian agreeing to help without hesitation, Mr. Zhuang also seemed very happy. However, she did not tell her plans immediately. Instead, she said that it was getting late and she had already ordered people to prepare a dinner. She would discuss everything at the table.
Jia Lian did not refuse. In fact, he brought Daiyu over in the afternoon just to have a meal. Since it is just a leisurely stroll, it is natural that the process of visiting relatives and friends and eating for free will be considered complete.
Soon it was dinner time, and when Jia Lian was led by Xue Biao to the Xue family dining room, Xue Baoqin also appeared with Daiyu.
After greeting each other, Jia Lian saw that Daiyu's face was flushed and there was a slight drop of sweat on her forehead. Jia Lian helped her lift a few bangs on her forehead and asked with a smile: "What have you and Girl Qin done? Look at you." Little blushing."
In front of the Xue family, Daiyu was a little embarrassed, took a step back, and whispered: "I didn't do anything, I just hung out on the swing under the pear tree for a while..."
Jia Lian was in a daze, and then he remembered that this was the season when peach and plum blossoms were blooming. He thought of two rare and beautiful girls, Daiyu and Baoqin, swinging under the pear tree, accompanied by the spring breeze and the fragrance of flowers, scattering white flowers all over the ground. Pear blossoms, what a beautiful scene it is.
It's a pity that he couldn't see such a scene.
So I asked Daiyu if she liked playing on the swing. Daiyu did not answer directly. The swing is a game that every girl of this age likes. However, Daiyu has been living with Jia Mu in Rongguo Mansion, but it is not like she is with her parents, and she can ask for whatever she wants.
Perhaps girls playing on swings are disrespectful, so girls in the Jia family basically do not have this entertainment facility.
On the other hand, after the Sanchun sisters moved out of Mrs. Jia's courtyard, they lived alone in the three small houses behind Mrs. Wang's courtyard, and they felt a little more free. Tanchun was so active that he had people hang ropes from the beams on both sides, put up swing boards, and built a simple swing frame, waiting for Jia Lian to pass by, and even watched the Sanchun sisters play.
Therefore, I made up my mind that after returning to Beijing, I would set up a swing frame for Daiyu in the Xiaoxiang Pavilion.
"Everyone is here, Beo'er Qin'er, why are you standing there without asking your second brother Lian and sister Lin to take their seats?"
Mr. Zhuang personally brought a big dish into the hall and greeted everyone to sit down with a smile.
After some exchanging words, just when everyone was about to take their seats, they suddenly heard a not very clear, but beautiful voice coming from outside the door.
"Sorry, I'm late."
Following this female voice, a beauty with long legs, slender waist, and graceful figure, who looked to be in her twenties, but extremely charming, walked over slowly.
She has a charming face similar to Qin Keqing's, but her facial features are very different from those of the Central Plains people.
The high bridge of the nose, the deep facial features, and the most noticeable thing is the pair of azure eyes, so bright and captivating.
Jia Lian was greatly surprised when he saw this, especially when he saw Xue Biao and Xue Baoqin bowing in greeting and calling the woman "Second Mother", he felt inexplicable admiration in his heart.
It turned out that when he saw Mr. Zhuang before, Jia Lian sighed inwardly. The second master of the Xue family had good taste and found such a gorgeous wife. He never expected that besides Mr. Zhuang, there would be such an exotic person. Gorgeous concubine!
With such a wife and concubine, the second master of the Xue family is actually willing to do business in various places all year round. It seems that he really likes to do business and travel.
It's a pity that he died so young, leaving behind an orphan and a widowed family. It's also pitiable.
From the day she was born until now, Daiyu has spent most of her time staying at home. Even if she did go out for activities very rarely, it was only to travel between the northern and southern capitals.
She had basically never seen foreigners, but had only heard about them from books. When she saw the second wife of the Xue family, she naturally couldn't help but open her curious eyes.
Immediately aware of the other person's outstanding beauty, Daiyu subconsciously turned her head to look at Jia Lian.
It's a pity that Jia Lian is so cunning. Before she could react, he had already calmed down his expression, lowered his eyes slightly, and acted as if no one was around.
Zhuang seemed to know Jia Lian's curiosity, because she explained: "This is my late husband's second wife. She is not from the Central Plains, but she was met by my late husband in the Western Regions when he followed his elders on a long business trip.
Because she has only been in the Central Plains for more than ten years, she still has some of her original accent when she speaks Chinese. I hope you won't find it strange. "
Jia Lian and Daiyu hurriedly greeted her and said, "I have met the second lady."
Although according to the current rules of large families, concubines are generally not qualified to see guests. But since these two ladies dared to come out generously, but Zhuang didn't look displeased at all, whether it was because of the harmony between the Xue family's wives and concubines, or for some other reason, Jia and Lian should respect her.
After all, one of Jia Lian and Dai Yu is determined to break this rule, and the other is also a side wife, so naturally this is even more true.
The second lady was very tall, not much different from Jia Lian. She glanced at Jia Lian first, then turned her eyes on Daiyu, and said with a smile: "I heard from my sister before that Mr. Hou and Mr. Lin Xiang are the same person." He is handsome, well-behaved and like a fairy. Now that I saw him with my own eyes, I realized that my sister was not wrong at all.
It is her honor for you to come visit Qin'er, and I would like to thank you in advance for your kindness on her behalf. "
To be polite, Mr. Zhuang smiled and asked everyone to return to their seats.
Mr. Zhuang had been polite to Jia Lian before and sat in the center of the table, while Jia Lian took action. Jia Lian started with Daiyu, Baoqin and Xue Biao in order, so the second lady sat on the other side of Zhuang.
Seeing how casual she looked, there was nothing strange about Zhuang, Baoqin, Xue Biao, or the maids and servants of the Xue family, so we knew that these two ladies should usually have dinner with them. This aspect of the Xue family is still commendable.
Although there were not many people present, they all had different identities, so restraint was unavoidable.
Fortunately, Bao Qin seemed to understand this, so she took advantage of her youngest age to not only greet the two guests Daiyu and Jia Lian, but also deliberately livened up the atmosphere. For example, when everyone looked at each other speechless, she deliberately smiled and asked: "Brother Lian, I wonder how sister Qingran is doing now? I haven't heard from her since I returned to Jinling, and I'm still a little worried about her. ."
"She is doing very well now. After returning to Beijing, she also moved out of the palace, and her father also gave her a huge and luxurious house to live by herself.
Next time you arrive in the capital, you can go directly to her to play without worrying about being stopped. "
"That's it..."
Bao Qin was obviously a little moved, but she knew it would be too difficult for her to enter the capital to see Princess Zhaoyang.
"Qin'er, who is the 'Sister Qingran' you are talking about?"
The Zhuang family didn't quite agree with what they heard.
Baoqin glanced at the two Zhuangs and said in a low voice: "This is the princess sister I told you when I came back last time..."
The expressions of the two Zhuangs changed, and they hurriedly reprimanded: "Nonsense, you are a commoner girl, how dare you call Her Royal Highness the Princess by her first name."
Baoqin looked a little sad, lowering his head and not daring to speak.
Jia Lian smiled and waved his hand: "Don't blame Baoqin, aunt. The fact is that Princess Zhaoyang fell in love with Baoqin when she saw her outside the Great Wall, and immediately recognized her as her god sister. The name of this sister is also Princess Zhaoyang herself wanted Baoqin to be called that.
Otherwise, the princess's name would not be easily known to others. "
Mr. Zhuang and the Second Madam looked at each other and saw the surprise in each other's eyes. If others said such things, they might not easily believe it, but when Jia Lian said it himself, they did not dare to question it.
Glancing at Xue Biao, Xue Biao also explained in a low voice: "My sister also told her father about this at that time, but my father said that the princess was just happy for a moment and just said it casually. Let us guard ourselves and don't cling to the prince at will. Longsun, that’s why my sister didn’t tell you…”
The two Zhuangs didn't know what to say, and the second lady's eyes even brightened. If Girl Qin really had this relationship, then the Mei family would not dare to regret their marriage!
She didn't find it too weird. Anyway, being good-looking makes it easier for others to give her preferential treatment. It's especially nice to see beauties of their level, like her. Over the years since she came to the Central Plains, even Zhuang, who should have regarded her as a thorn in his side, has gradually been won by her. She is as close to her as a sister, and the two of them interact with each other. Support and care for each other, and help each other during the years when her husband is not at home.
After all, the Zhuang family was a native of the Central Plains noble family and was extremely reverent to the imperial power. Even though he believed that Xue Biao and others were not lying, he still warned Bao Qin with gentle words: "Even if the princess asked you to call you that, you should not call her that anytime and anywhere." . Apart from anything else, you should not reveal the princess’s name to outsiders casually.”
"Yes, I understand." Baoqin turned from worry to joy and responded with a smile.
After this small episode, the atmosphere at the table seemed to open up.
Mr. Zhuang was no longer polite and asked Xue Biao to accompany Jia Lian to have a glass of wine. Then he took the initiative to mention that he had asked Jia Lian to help scare the shopkeeper of the Xue family.
According to Zhuang's intention, she had actually determined the fact that several people were embezzling money and misappropriating the owner's property. However, those shopkeepers who were well-established in the Xue family were all cunning and cunning, and they were related to each other, and their influence could influence the whole body.
She is also known as being dishonest, and if she doesn't want everyone to make a fuss, such as taking the shopkeepers to court, she really can't help Aunt Xue deal with these people.
Therefore, she wanted to ask Jia Lian to deal with a few people on her behalf, and also to scare others, so as to serve as a warning to the monkeys.
Jia Lian also felt that this was the easiest, so he asked Mr. Zhuang to prepare and call the main shopkeepers and clerks of the Xue family here tomorrow afternoon. He would just come over again then.
Seeing that Jia Lian accepted the matter in an understatement, Zhuang couldn't help but feel the same emotion as Aunt Xue when she saw Jia Lian.
It would be great if their Xue family had such a man!
The Xue family lacks nothing but men!
When I mentioned Xue Biao, I couldn't help but complain a few times, saying that he didn't study hard and who should they rely on in the future? This made the already shy Xue Biao's face feel hot.
That day at the border fortress, after being stimulated by Jia Lian, Xue Biao returned home and picked up his book to prepare for a big fight. This undoubtedly makes Zhuang and others very happy.
Who would have known that in just a few days, Xue Biao would feel the powerlessness of studying at the beginning. In addition, his father also died of illness soon, and he completely lost his ambition and never wanted to pick up a book again.
After hearing these words, Jia Lian couldn't help but look at Xue Biao a few more times, then shook his head and laughed.
"I do feel that my aunt's words are not only biased, but also unfair to the brothers."
Parents have always been condescending in front of their children, making it difficult for them to put themselves in their shoes. It's just that Jia Lian's identity is here. Even if what Jia Lian says is wrong, they still have to show respect.
“There are all kinds of people in the world, and there are all kinds of avenues.
Some people are born with the ability to read, and they are also smart. They can gain fame and future by relying on reading. This is just one of many avenues.
And other people who cannot read, or who are not as good at reading as others, are not necessarily unintelligent.
For example, Brother Tao, when I talk to him and get along with him, I feel like I am taking a breath of spring breeze. I think back on the ancient saying, a humble gentleman, exactly describes the character of Brother Tao.
Therefore, even if Brother Tadashi doesn't like studying, it doesn't necessarily mean that he won't have a good future in the future. "
Jia Lian's remarks were just like Jia Baoyu's slanderous remarks, which were contrary to the world. Therefore, Zhuang couldn't help but frown and asked: "Even so, if he doesn't study hard and can't obtain fame and strive for an official position, how can he?" Just like his father and uncle, if he spends his whole life as a traveling businessman, how can he be called a promising person?"
"It is said that reading thousands of books is not as good as traveling thousands of miles. Isn't it good to be like Xue Shishu, who traveled across thousands of mountains and rivers, traveled around the world, and looked at the world with a broad mind?"
Well, Jia Lian talks about her man, what can Mr. Zhuang say?
“Besides, who said you have to be an official to have a future?
There are tens of millions of people studying in the world, but can everyone be an official? As far as I know, there are only a few thousand civil and military officials, large and small, in Beijing.
Even if all the local prefectures and counties in the entire Wei Dynasty were put together, there were only tens of thousands of officials.
Everyone wants to be an official, but who knows where there are so many official positions for them.
Furthermore, even if you become an official, how can any official have a bright future?
Don't you hear that the officials in the world are doing nothing and irritating the masses, but there are only a few who can make great achievements?
Some officials even made a mistake and not only lost their lives, but also caused disaster to their families. "
Jia Lian's topic was a bit exaggerated, but there were all women and children present. However, because Jia Lian himself was qualified to say such things, they all sat upright and listened very carefully.
"Therefore, I feel that being an official is just one of the well-known ways to realize one's ambitions and values, but it is not the only one, and it may not even be the best choice.
The so-called three hundred and sixty lines, every line leads to the number one scholar.
Just like Shang Zhidao, if done well, it may not be able to benefit the people of a certain area, or even benefit a country.
For example, Guan Zhong and Fan Li in the Spring and Autumn Period, and Bai Gui and Lu Buwei in the Warring States Period. They all entered Taoism through business, then ruled a country, and finally their names were passed down in history.
Therefore, it would be good if brothers can study and become officials. If not, in the future, the son will inherit the father's legacy, and the young will be better than the old, and they may not be able to carve out their own world. "
As soon as Jia Lian finished speaking, Xue Biao immediately became excited.
He had never heard such remarks before, and this was the first time since he discovered that he was really not good at studying, that he felt that maybe he was not so worthless.
He followed his father since he was a child, and everything he saw and learned was related to business.
He found it very interesting, and he also intended to inherit his father's legacy.
But people around him, including his mother, told him that being a businessman had no future and that it was only right to study and take the imperial examination.
He couldn't refute, but he thought, even among those who study, how many people can produce a Tongsheng, a scholar, how many scholars can produce a scholar, and how many scholars can produce a Jinshi?
Studying for the Imperial Examination is so difficult!
Now after listening to Jia Lian's words, Xue Biao suddenly felt that there is no one to worry about in the future.
In addition to Xue Biao, the same is true for the other four women, big and small.
Mr. Zhuang, the Second Madam and Baoqin all looked very different from each other. They all looked at Jia Lian with reverence and admiration as if they were listening to the evening drums and morning bells.
Sure enough, only someone like Jia Lian could say such different words, but they sounded enlightening and soul-cleansing.
Daiyu looked at Jia Lian blankly for a few times, then lowered her head and took a sip of wine silently.
No wonder the old ladies in the family all said that the second brother was born to be an official. This was such a big deal that it frightened these people.
He also said that being an official is not the only way to realize his ambition. Who doesn't know that the second brother has been busy outside every day in order to be an official these years, and rarely even returns home.
Fortunately, although Brother Lian has blended into the secular world, his actions and words do not behave like ordinary people.
Just barely, he is considered a half-elegant person.
At this time, Mr. Zhuang had no choice but to agree with Jia Lian and sighed: "I am a womanizer and I don't understand these principles.
But since Brother Lian you have said so, how can I be confused again?
No matter what, you are still young anyway. From now on, you can learn to take care of the family business and study hard at the same time. It would be best if you can get a reputation. If you really fail, I will not talk about you anymore. .
Anyway, with the family business your father and grandfather have built for you, the family will not deprive you of food and drink. As for how far you can go in the future, it all depends on your own destiny. "
Hearing this, Xue Biao stood up immediately, bowed down to Mrs. Zhuang seriously and said, "Son, I would like to thank my mother for her understanding. From now on, I will work harder to study and live up to my mother's high expectations."
After saying that, Xue Biao turned sideways and bowed to Jia Lian: "Xue Biao thanks Brother Lian for your kindness."
Jia Lian pressed his hand slightly, and was about to show that he didn't have to be polite, but suddenly he realized that his calf hidden under the table had been kicked.
The touch was light and airy, like a daughter's little foot.
Jia Lian remained calm, but his eyes immediately glanced at the people on the table.
Everyone else was doing everything as usual, except for the second lady who had been sitting across from her and was silent. The moment he looked at her, she gave him an apologetic look. It seemed that she had accidentally kicked him.
