The main courtyard of the Qi family.
Qi Wenyue walked out of the house, and the maid gently closed the door behind her. She looked back, and before the carved wooden door closed, Wen Yiqing's tearful almond-shaped eyes looked straight at her in the room. Qi Wenyue's heart skipped a beat, and the next moment, the door was closed.
She breathed a long sigh of relief.
Ever since she learned about her life experience, her voice had been hanging in the air, fearing that she would actually change her identity.
She has married into the Xuanping Hou Mansion and has become a prestigious Madam Hou. If people know that her biological parents are just ordinary businessmen, how will the people in the capital laugh at her? !
But the blood of Uncle Zhongyong cannot be left outside. She was terrified during that time, but fortunately, a letter soon came to tell her that her biological parents were dead. Without a choice, the uncle's house naturally wanted both daughters. One is the wife of the Marquis, and the other is the widow whose husband has died. Which one is more important can be distinguished at a glance.
At this time, even Mrs. Qi spoke, and the matter was settled, with no room for turning around.
The corners of Qi Wenyue's lips curled up. She glanced at the closed door. She pressed her eyes and eyebrows proudly, straightened the golden butterfly butterfly hairpin on her head, and walked out with a relaxed expression.
Even her parents recognized her identity. She was the noble daughter of Uncle Zhongyong. So what if Wen Yiqing disagreed?
She is the daughter of an uncle, the wife of the Marquis of Xuanping, Wen Yiqing is a widow from a merchant family, how can she be compared with her? What kind of storm can it stir up?
…
Shanshan woke up at noon, rubbed his eyes and climbed out of bed, slowly walking out to find his mother. She walked around the room and saw no one, but she saw that the tables outside were in a mess, filled with silks, silks, antiques and treasures.
"mother?"
Shanshan passed through these and searched from room to room. She didn't spend much effort and quickly found her mother.
Wen Yiqing's eyes were red and there were wet traces of water at the end of her eyes. When she heard the little girl push the door and come in, she wiped her eyes quickly.
She wiped away her tears, but her appearance could not deceive anyone. Shanshan panicked at the first sight and hurriedly ran over and stretched out his little hand to touch her face, "Mom, why are you crying? Have you been bullied? ?”
"It's nothing." She said softly: "When I first went out, the wind and sand blinded my eyes, so I asked the wet nurse to blow it for me."
"Really?"
Nanny Chen also nodded: "Yes, I'm helping the lady blow her eyes."
Shanshan leaned over and puffed up his mouth to call out to his mother.
The gentle wind blew past her eyes. Wen Yiqing couldn't help but hug her daughter's small and warm body. She quickly let go and said softly: "I left some snacks for you in the kitchen. You have had a good sleep. Are you already hungry?" Already?"
Shanshan touched his round belly and found that there was indeed room for snacks. But she glanced at her mother and was not immediately attracted by the snacks. She asked, "Have you seen the third aunt?"
"No."
Then Shanshan will feel at ease.
In this family, only the third aunt would bully her mother. If the mother has not seen the third aunt, that means she has not been bullied.
She happily went to the small kitchen to find snacks, and soon came back staggeringly carrying a plate. Today's snack was almond cake. She remembered that her mother also liked it, so she gave half of it to her when she came back.
Wen Yiqing touched her head: "Go and play."
She just took the remaining snacks and went out to find rocks to play with.
Nanny Chen walked over and closed the door. When she came back and saw the things on the table, her face suddenly dropped.
"What kind of count are you, who are so shameless in their love affairs? They originally sent people here to beg the young lady to come to the capital, but now it's better. They don't even recognize their own daughter, and pretend to treat her as a treasure, just a pile of rags. I just want to get rid of this thing!" The wet nurse said bitterly: "You think we are the ones who come to the house to make fun of the autumn wind, bah!"
"Nanny, stop talking."
But the wet nurse had to say: "If I had known that the situation in the Earl's Mansion was like this, I should not have persuaded the young lady to come here. I thought that with the support of the Earl's father and mother, the young lady would not have to live a hard life in the future. Who knows, where are they? It’s a support, but it’s clearly a stab in the heart!”
"Even if you have a cat or a dog, you can always find an owner, but Uncle Zhongyong's Mansion is good. Your biological daughter is raised in the mansion without a name or status. The young lady can't even tell who her biological parents are." The nanny said, and couldn't help but With wet eyes: "After the master and his wife left, the people of the Wen family turned against each other. The young lady took Sister Shan alone and suffered a lot, and now she is being abused like this by the uncle's house... If the master and his wife are still alive, they will definitely It’s going to be really heartbreaking.”
Wen Yiqing said in a low voice: "Okay."
She said: "Shanshan is playing outside, don't let her hear."
The wet nurse finally stopped scolding.
She brought over half a plate of snacks: "Miss, eat the snacks. You see, Sister Shan knows how to care for you."
The corners of Wen Yiqing's lips curved, and she reached out to pick up a piece of almond cake, put it into her mouth, and tasted it carefully.
"Miss, what should I do with these things?"
"Let's find an empty room to store it." She said calmly: "It's not going to be used anyway."
"good."
"By the way, wet nurse." She added, "Tomorrow you go to the capital and look around to see if there are any suitable shops. If there are suitable houses, pick a few together."
The wet nurse was stunned for a moment, "Miss, what are you doing?"
Wen Yiqing lowered his eyes and said in a low voice: "I always have to plan for myself."
The wet nurse was heartbroken. From the corner of her eye she caught a glimpse of the things Mrs. Qi had sent to make amends with her, and she scolded the entire Zhongyong family in her heart.
"Don't worry, miss. I will go inquire early tomorrow morning."
Shanshan was unusually well-behaved today. She was not naughty or mischievous, and even did twice as much homework. Before going to bed, she hugged her mother, clapped her little hands, and whispered stories to her. It was exactly the same as when Wen Yiqing coaxed her.
Wen Yiqing couldn't help but laugh, but didn't say anything. He cooperated with her and listened to the story she made up.
Shanshan held her face and observed her carefully. One day passed, and there were no traces left. Her mother still looked gentle and gentle. But she was still heartbroken and asked gently: "Mom, are you still feeling uncomfortable?"
Wen Yiqing's heart felt soft.
She changed positions and held her little daughter in her arms. The little girl nestled obediently next to her, her soft cheek pressed against her chest, listening to the steady thumping of her heartbeat in her chest.
Shan Shan didn’t know what happened.
Although she is a big-hearted little girl, she always remembers things about her mother firmly. After my mother was blinded by the wind and sand, she felt lost all day long, just like when Shanshan lost the cloth tiger her mother made for her. At that time, she shed tears of sadness for several days. . Although her mother didn't cry, Shanshan still noticed her sadness.
Suddenly, at this moment, Shanshan missed his father a little.
She is small and can't do anything. If my father were here, my third aunt would not bully my mother.
Dad must be smarter than Shanshan, and he must know what mother is sad about.
"Good, good, good."
"What?"
"What if you can't go to school?"
Shanshan thought for a while: "That's not good."
"Really?"
Shanshan popped her head out of her mother's arms. She looked around and saw that there was no one in the room. The wet nurse and the maid were not there. Only the candle on the table was burning quietly in the room. Only then did she shrink back again, sneaking up to her mother's ear and saying bad words guiltily: "Mom, Brother Shitou is a fool!"
"..."
"He forgot what you just taught him yesterday, and he came to ask me secretly today." Shanshan, who became a teacher, proudly raised his feet and swayed in the air, "A guy like Brother Shitou who is so stupid can't say Maybe he won't be able to go to school, so he will be bored at home alone, so I'd better stay at home with him."
Wen Yiqing was even more helpless: "Didn't you still talk about it every day two days ago?"
That was already two days ago.
Shanshan lay on the bed and let out a long sigh.
Alas, she persisted in studying for several days, but she could no longer hold on.
Wen Yiqing: "..."
...Forget it, this lazy egg was born by himself too.
…
A guest came to Uncle Zhongyong’s house today.
Xuan Pinghou's sister fell in love with He Lanzhou, the former top criminal record, and sent a matchmaker to propose marriage but was rejected. She cried at home for a long time and still didn't give up. Thinking that Mr. Xiao He and his brother were in the Hanlin together and had frequent contacts on weekdays, Mrs. Xuanpinghou came to ask Mrs. Qi to come forward again and asked Mrs. Qi to find her eldest son to help arrange the marriage. After going around in circles and resting for the day, Qi Wenqian finally invited He Lanzhou to his residence.
After tea and wine were prepared, we first discussed poetry, then family matters, and business matters, and the topic finally turned to marriage.
Unexpectedly, I was rejected as soon as I opened my mouth.
Qi Wenqian was puzzled: "I heard that the girl from the Xuanping Marquis Mansion is gentle and virtuous, and she is infatuated with Mr. He. Mr. He doesn't consider it at all?"
"Master Qi has misunderstood. He already has someone he likes."
"Oh?" Qi Wenqian became interested.
He Lanzhou was young and handsome, and his appearance was as outstanding as his literary talent. He wore a red robe and paraded through the streets, throwing flowers into his arms. He Lanzhou attracted the attention of countless girls. Countless matchmakers came to propose marriage, but they were all turned away by him.
He usually concentrates on his official duties and has never heard of a girl from any family getting close to him, yet he says he already has someone he likes?
"Whose girl is she from?"
He Lanzhou smiled and said: "Master Qi also knows that I was born in a poor family, and it was very difficult to make a living, not to mention studying. At that time, there was a kind-hearted lady in the city. After hearing about my difficulties, she specially supported me and asked me to study with peace of mind. If it weren't for her, I wouldn't be able to make a living. I can’t pass the exam either.”
"Where's that girl?"
He Lanzhou said sadly: "After I won the top prize in the exam, I wrote a letter back to announce the good news. I wanted to return home in fine clothes and come to ask for my hand in marriage, but before I left, I received a reply from her that she was already married."
"It's a pity." Qi Wenqian sighed: "Master He, that young lady is already married to someone else. Since we are not destined to be together, why shouldn't we marry in the Xuanping Marquis Mansion?"
He Lanzhou shook his head and said: "There is someone in He's heart, and I'm afraid it will be unfair to others."
Qi Wenqian was speechless.
"Besides, the young lady once told me to study for merit and become a good official who can serve the people in the future. This is also my ambition." He said easily: "Now that I am appreciated by the emperor, I can relieve the emperor's worries. I also have to take care of teaching at Qingsong Academy, so I can’t spare any extra time. Rather than let down the others, it’s better to forget it.”
Qi Wenqian didn't force it either.
He raised his hand to pour a cup of tea and brought it to his friend: "Master He, don't talk about that, just drink tea."
…
Shanshan was carrying her little goldfish money bag, which contained wooden Shanshan. She followed her mother slowly, swaying as she walked.
Wen Yiqing walked for a while and stopped helplessly.
"Shanshan, why are you following me?"
Shanshan didn't say anything. She raised her head and looked at her unblinkingly with her round eyes, so innocent.
Wen Yiqing had no choice but to continue walking forward, and sure enough, he soon heard familiar footsteps following behind him. She sighed and stretched out her hand behind her: "Come here."
The little girl immediately ran up.
She held her mother's hand tightly and looked at everyone passing by. She still remembered her mother's sad appearance yesterday, and as soon as she opened her eyes today, she made plans to stay close to her mother to protect her.
But she saw her mother taking her around, and finally stopped in front of her uncle's yard.
The servant stopped them: "The master has guests today, girls should go back first."
Shanshan poked his head out: "Is the aunt here?"
"The eldest lady has gone out."
"Where's my eldest cousin?"
"The eldest young master has also gone out."
Shanshan sighed and said skillfully: "Okay, then I'll come back next time."
With that said, she turned around and was about to leave, but was pulled back firmly by her mother.
Wen Yiqing silently glanced at the hair on her daughter's head, raised her head and said, "We'll sit here and wait."
The servants served them tea.
Shanshan asked boredly: "Mom, what are we doing here?"
Wen Yiqing picked up a piece of snack and fed it to her, which immediately diverted her attention.
If you can't enter the family tree, you can't go to Qingsong Academy. The little girl at home doesn't mind at all, but Wen Yiqing doesn't want to give up this opportunity. She thought of her brother, who was a Hanlin bachelor at the time.
Even if he is not included in the family tree, at least he can use the help of Zhongyong Bofu.
Fortunately, they didn't wait long before the guest walked out of the study.
Wen Yiqing stood up. Shanshan still remembered his important responsibility and quickly jumped down from the stool.
"Miss Wen?!"
Shanshan raised his head and looked, and saw a man striding this way. He walked to the mother and daughter and stood still, and Shanshan could see his appearance clearly.
He is a handsome young man, wearing a green gown, with warm and bright eyebrows, like the spring water of a green lake.
He Lanzhou said in surprise: "Miss Wen, is it really you?"
Wen Yiqing observed him carefully for a while, then hesitantly said: "Master He?"
"it's me."
Thinking of something, she changed her words again: "Master He."
"Miss Wen, there is no need to be polite to He." He Lanzhou said with a smile: "If it weren't for your help back then, I wouldn't be where I am today. By the way, why are you here?"
"I'll stay here temporarily."
He Lanzhou was even more happy when he heard this, with joy on his brows, but he suppressed it. He said: "After the imperial examination, I have long wanted to go back to Yuncheng to thank the young lady, but I am so busy with worldly things that I can't spare the time. Now that you have arrived in the capital, if there is anything that He can do to help in the future, just ask me. yes."
"Master He is interested."
He Lanzhou opened his mouth, his eyes touched her cold and distant eyebrows, and then he remembered that the person opposite was someone else's wife. He paused and took a step back.
He asked restrainedly: "I don't know the name of your husband, young lady? I was deeply gracious back then, so I should prepare generous gifts and come to my door to say thank you."
Wen Yiqing lowered her eyes and said, "He has already gone."
"He passed away?!"
He Lanzhou reacted quickly, put his hands behind his back and clenched them, "My condolences."
Shanshan raised his head and observed this uncle whom he met for the first time from bottom to top. For such a big kid, she didn't even occupy a single place in his eyes.
Shanshan looked at his face, and then sighed skillfully.
Uncle Shen looked like this every time he saw his mother, with a smile on his face. No matter how happy he was with Shanshan before, when his mother appeared, all he could see was her mother.
She could see it right away.
This uncle also wants to be her stepfather!
"Master He?"
Qi Wenqian walked over slowly and saw the mother and daughter, "Qing Niang? What do you want from me?"
Wen Yiqing called him: "Brother."
He Lanzhou's confused eyes fell on her.
Qi Wenqian didn't notice, and said in a friendly manner: "Qing Niang, please wait here for a moment, I will send Master He out and come back."
He stretched out his hand, turned around and said, "Master He, please."
He Lanzhou paused for a moment and walked forward.
After he had gone far away and left the courtyard of the main house, and could no longer see the figure, he couldn't wait to ask: "Master Qi, is Miss Wen your sister?"
"Exactly." Qi Wenqian said, "I just found it recently."
It was inconvenient to discuss those household matters with outsiders, but fortunately He Lanzhou didn't want to ask any more questions.
"Master Qi, do you still remember that I told you just now about the kind lady in my hometown who helped me?"
"Remember, she..." Qi Wenqian paused, and suddenly remembered the hometown of this colleague. He raised his head in surprise: "Is it possible..."
"That's Miss Wen just now!"
He Lanzhou had walked to the gate of Uncle Zhongyong's Mansion. He raised his head and glanced at the sky outside. It was blue and cloudless. It was just as clear as the day when he was the top pick in high school and paraded through the streets. At this moment, it was also the same in his heart. As happy as the spring breeze.
He turned around and cupped his hands towards his friend: "Master Qi, I also want to ask Master Qi to arrange a marriage."
Qi Wenqian still hadn't come to his senses when he saw the top scholar in front of him, who had just said that he had no mood for love not long ago, with a smile on his face, "Master Qi, can you please marry me to me?"
Qi Wenqian: "..."
