If Mrs. Wu had found a scholar from a poor family in her eyes, he must be a talent with good family background and good character.
If Mrs. Wu had set her sights on a country boy, he must also be an honest, reliable and reliable person.
As for the Shen family——
Liu Yingying saw it clearly than anyone else. The Shen family was probably the pinnacle of the most unreachable power and wealth that the Liu family could achieve in their lifetime. It was the largest family in Dayu and the head of the four major families. Not only the Liu family, but also the Liu family. It is an existence that is out of reach in the entire Da Yu!
For Liu Yingying, there is no more humble road in the world than Wanhua Tower. To her, the Shen family is comparable to the road to heaven.
Why does Liu Yingying have any complaints?
Thinking like this, Liu Yingying untied the bundle that Wu had stuffed into her arms before leaving, and surprisingly she saw two rolls of fine cloth hidden inside.
Looking at the fine cloth, and then looking down at her plump and graceful breasts, Liu Yingying couldn't help but laugh. After a while, she couldn't help but feel a little warmth in her heart.
Continuing to look inside, I saw a package of silver hidden under two rolls of fine cloth. There were four ingots of five taels each, and there were still one or two taels of loose silver, more than twenty taels, and a few slings of copper coins. Look. Looking at these neatly wrapped silver coins, she paused and took out a large-denomination silver note from her sleeve. It turned out to be a thousand-tael silver note with a huge denomination.
This was the bank note that Wu secretly stuffed into her sleeve on the boat.
A whole thousand and fifty taels!
The Liu family is not a wealthy family. It is said that the eldest son of the Liu family, her father, only has a salary of more than a hundred taels a year. He had already spent everything to redeem her. Now the one thousand taels of silver notes should be Wu's. It's just the money or dowry that the family has saved for many years.
Looking at the more than a thousand taels of silver that was still warm in her hand, and recalling Mrs. Wu's tearful departure just now, Liu Yingying couldn't hold back the sore tip of her nose. After a while, she raised her hand to stroke her hair and took it away. A hint of astringency at the end of his eyes.
Immediately, he couldn't help but secretly calculate in his mind, how many taels could be exchanged for these more than a thousand taels of silver. When Taoyao arrived, at that moment, Taoyao packed up everything in Liu Yingying's two boxes and poured a cup of tea. I was about to offer it to Liu Yingying.
After entering the room, when I saw the shining silver ingots on the desk, my heart skipped a beat and I wanted to leave immediately.
At this time, Liu Yingying said: "It's okay, Taoyao, come in."
Taoyao came in with pursed lips and handed the tea to Liu Yingying. She paused, looked at Liu Yingying's bag of silver, and quickly looked away.
Liu Yingying looked at Taoyao with a faint smile and said, "Taoyao, you will be my personal servant from now on. Keep this money on my behalf."
His slightly lazy words were surprisingly surprising.
Tao Yao's eyes suddenly froze when she heard this, as if she was a little surprised and a little embarrassed. She looked at Liu Yingying, and then at the pile of dazzling white silver. After a long time, she just pursed her lips and said: "Girl, slave... I'm afraid... Something is wrong!”
Liu Yingying said gently with the end of her eyes: "I believe you."
As soon as he finished speaking, he just pushed the baggage on the table to Taoyao. Before Taoyao could react, Liu Yingying suddenly looked at Taoyao with a serious face and said word by word: "From now on, I'm afraid you and I will have to stay here." We depend on each other for our lives.”
After saying that, Liu Yingying said again: "I will never go back to the Shen family this time!"
After that, Liu Yingying stood up slowly, walked to the window, looked at the green shade outside the window, and said word by word: "There are many things that I can't express to you clearly. I will talk to you in detail when I have the opportunity in the future. Right now All you need to know is that I am not here to stay with the Shen family. I, Liu Yingying, must marry into the Shen family within three months, and at least find a good match within this period. I If you need help, at least you can’t hold me back, Taoyao, do you know?”
Liu Yingying turned her back to Taoyao and told Taoyao her purpose truthfully. As soon as she finished speaking, before the other party could react, Liu Yingying slowly turned around and stared into Taoyao's eyes, with unprecedented seriousness and solemnity. He said: "During these days in the Shen family, I hope that both of us can understand what we should say, what we should do, what we should not say, and what we should not do."
It was probably because the honesty and trust in Liu Yingying's eyes were so clear and firm that after hearing this heartfelt confession and instructions, Tao Yao was stunned for a moment, and almost without thinking, she subconsciously blurted out: "I will definitely... …Tight-lipped!”
Halfway through, after realizing the weight of these words, the determination in his tone did not diminish. Instead, he slowly became more determined and solemn. After a long time, he added word by word: "I will help the girl achieve what she wants." willing!"
Just as the master and servant were talking to each other, they suddenly heard a noise coming from outside.
Liu Yingying and the alert Taoyao looked at each other.
The two collected their money and stepped out slowly.
"Sister Suoqiu, how come you are as unlucky as me? My mother finally asked someone to send me to the old lady's courtyard. I never thought that I would be sent to such a cold place after only a few days here. , If I had known that she had racked her brains at the beginning, she should have asked my mother to think of a way to stuff me into the second wife's courtyard. I heard that Dai Mei was sent to serve in my cousin's courtyard. I heard that my cousin's courtyard was golden. Twinkle, it’s not even inferior to the eldest girl’s yard. You said we both entered the mansion at the same time, why is it that Dai Mei is so lucky, but I’m so unlucky that I’ve been sent to this ungrateful place.”
On the cobblestone path leading to Qinfang Courtyard, Suoqiu and Pinyue were walking forward one after another with a baggage in their arms.
Pinyuexu didn't want to come to Qinfang Garden to serve, so she had a sad look on her face and kicked the cobblestones on the path away as she walked.
Suo Qiu in front didn't even look back and said, "You're already here, so don't complain."
Then he said: "Stop your temper. I heard that the Liu family will not stay here for long and will leave soon. Then he will be able to return to Beiyuan."
Suo Qiu patiently comforted her.
Pinyue said, "But what if she is as shameless as those two in the fourth room and refuses to leave."
Pinyue muttered: "Don't think that I am too young to know. Who doesn't know that the Shen family has a great business. The young masters in our mansion are among the best among men, and are the top figures in the sky. Looking at the entire Central Plains and even the entire Jiangnan people, which one Who doesn't want to climb this high branch without being greedy? Huh, maybe this Liu family member also has this idea, otherwise why would he come here in such a hurry after so many years of breaking off the relationship? Over the years, Lai Zai Shen There are not many people in the house, some shameless ones can't be chased away like flies, but the two in the fourth bedroom are at least caring about each other, not to mention the cousin in the second bedroom, so that's It’s nothing to call a real relative like the Liu family. I heard that they are beyond reach, and their ancestors are still humble businessmen. They are called like this. How can they have the nerve to come to the front door of the Shen family and ask me to see it? Even though our old lady is kind-hearted, such a down-and-out family deserves to be beaten out with a stick, so as not to implicate me and suffer this kind of crime."
"It would be great if all the people who are coming are named like my cousin!"
It is said that Pinyue was resentful and chattering all the way.
Hearing this, Suo Qiu was frightened and couldn't help but quicken his pace, but he didn't dare to agree with her, but Pinyue was still behind him and kept talking more and more: "I heard that I didn't dare to take off my veil all the way. Maybe I'm ugly—— "
Just as he was talking excitedly, at this moment, Mother Wu, who was walking in front, urged: "Hurry up, you are still mumbling something in the back."
With a scolding, the two had no choice but to run away with their bundles in their arms.
Chapter 010
As soon as Liu Yingying led Tao Yaofang out, she saw Wu's mother leading two maids into the courtyard. Outside the courtyard, separated by a wall with ancient carved windows, there were two maids looking around. Liu Yingying subconsciously looked around. At that time, the other side quickly shrank back.
The Qinfang Courtyard is not big. Although the boundary is slightly remote, it is better for its beautiful environment and elegant courtyard. Liu Yingying originally planned to take a rest before visiting it, but when she saw the carved window wall courtyard, she remembered that Qingfang had sent them here just now. At that time, it was said that the courtyard was divided into two, and another girl Yao lived in the courtyard.
The left side of the courtyard is blocked by carved windows and green shades, which extend to the gate of the courtyard. It is divided into two in the center of the gate, with one side facing east and the other side facing west. Liu Yingying lives in the west courtyard. , I think it is Miss Yao who lives in the east courtyard.
Although it is divided into two, it seems to be a separate house. Although the two sides are adjacent, they do not disturb each other.
As Liu Yingying looked around, she saw that Mother Wu had led someone over and said with a smile from a distance: "Miss Liu, please wait for a long time. This is what the old lady has specially sent here to serve you -
By the way, Mother Wu has a round figure, and she speaks with great energy and confidence. She is still in the middle of the yard, and her big voice is like a firecracker, jumping all the way out, but she just finished her words. Half of them suddenly and bizarrely misfired.
Not only did the sound disappear, but even Mother Wu seemed to have seen a ghost. Her eyes widened and she stopped where she was, looking in the direction of Liu Yingying with a look of surprise.
It turned out that Liu Yingying had taken off the veil on her face at this moment. Mother Wu was old and had some presbyopia, so she couldn't see clearly when she was far away. Now she got closer, and she could clearly see the figure from far to near. And that face, after seeing the glowing youth on that face, Mother Wu immediately froze on the spot and completely forgot to react.
She was so stunned that she subconsciously wanted to rub her eyes.
In the distance, I saw Miss Liu's red and green moth, her beautiful eyes were gloomy, and she had obviously not applied makeup, but her beauty was more beautiful than flowers, and her jade face was more beautiful than spring. I saw her standing there quietly with a faint smile on her lips, far away From a distance, it looks like Chang'e in the moon, so beautiful that there are so many beautiful things.
She led them all the way today, and saw that although Miss Liu was wearing a veil, she seemed to have good looks, but she never expected that she was so beautiful.
Mother Wu has been serving the Shen family for four generations. The Shen family are all the best among people. She has seen many handsome men and beautiful women. Looking at the entire Central Plains and even the Jiangnan region, the sons and daughters of the Shen family are the first. Yes, she thought she was well-informed, but the moment her eyes touched Liu Yingying's face, she still couldn't help being surprised.
I couldn't help but click my tongue and exclaim: The Liu family is so handsome, how dare they send it to the Shen family for no reason.
Mother Wu originally looked down upon the Liu family, who were beyond their control. The Shen family had a great business and a wide family network. Over the years, how many people had come to the Shen family to fight in the autumn wind?
But now, I can instantly recall the feeling. Such a name is really not to be underestimated. Over the years, this is the first person I have seen who can be compared with my cousin in appearance, that is the Shen family. A real cousin!
After marveling, I subconsciously thought about how I had offended this person by leading him through the side door. But then I thought about it, and then I remembered that the Shen family is so beautiful, and in this mansion, stunning beauty is not unique.
They are all human beings.
Mother Wu thought about it for a while in her heart. When she spoke again, her face became even brighter. She quickened her pace a few steps and enthusiastically chased her up. She took Liu Yingying's hand and said, "I'm such a good boy." , How does Miss Liu grow? Lord Heavenly Emperor, dear, there are such beautiful people in the world, this old slave has opened his eyes today."
Speaking of which, Mother Wu pulled Liu Yingying and couldn't stop praising her. She stared at Liu Yingying's face with her good eyes and looked at her again and again. She was shocked and shocked. She wished she could praise Liu Yingying's beauty so much. Come in two.
Liu Yingying pretended to be reserved and shy.
The two of them exchanged compliments and humility. Mother Wu finally remembered the reason for her visit. She immediately called the two girls behind her and said to Liu Yingying: "This is called Suo Qiu, from the old lady's courtyard." The third-class maid here is highly valued by the old lady. She is a steady and honest person. This one is called Pinyue. Although she has just entered the house, she is also smart. If there is anything to be ordered by Miss Liu in the future, just do it. Don't do it. You're welcome."
Mother Wu introduced the two of them, and then said: "As for me, old lady, I originally lived in this courtyard. I have been guarding it for more than ten years. Because my west courtyard is empty, girl, I have been living next door in the past few years. In the east courtyard, if the girl needs anything, just send someone over to find it, there is only a wall."
It turned out that Mother Wu was the guardian of Qinfang Courtyard, and she was surprised that Mrs. Shen had sent her to greet her early in the morning.
While Mother Wu was talking, Suoqiu and Pinyue quickly saluted Liu Yingying.
Suo Qiu quickly glanced at Liu Yingying's face, and there was a huge wave in his eyes. It turned out to be the old lady and the third-class maid. After being surprised, he quickly realized and announced his home.
When Pinyue was in Beiyuan just now, she actually saw Miss Liu entering the courtyard from a distance. She saw that her face was covered with a veil. She also saw that mother and daughter were dressed in ordinary clothes, and they were wearing ordinary clothes on their heads. Jin Hairpinzi heard that she was just the daughter of a county magistrate. Immediately there was contempt and complaint on her face, and she decided that she was ugly and poor. Unexpectedly, when she took a closer look, she almost went blind.
Behind the disbelief, some unspeakable resentment and jealousy could not help but arise.
She was a slave born in the Shen family, and she thought she was born well. She originally thought that after joining the mansion, she would get a lot of opportunities and be able to flourish in the mansion. She imagined that the young masters in the mansion would move away one by one when they saw her. She didn't open her eyes, but after entering the house, she realized that she was just ordinary, and the daughter of the county magistrate was a kind of extreme crushing for her. The moment she saw Liu Yingying, she The daydream I had been having for more than ten years seemed to be shattered by life at this moment and I woke up. How could I not make Pinyue angry?
Liu Yingying looked at the faces of the two maids, and saw that Suoqiu was about sixteen or seventeen years old. She was tall and thin, with slightly dark skin, but her facial features were very regular, her eyebrows were also very delicate, she was dressed properly, and she did not open her eyes. With a faint smile, he seemed to be a reliable and well-behaved person.
I also saw the young Pinyue, who looked about thirteen or fourteen years old. She was neat and delicate, especially the rare pair of slender hanging eyes on her face, which made people couldn't help but take a second look, but her whole temperament also seemed to be calculating. , after meeting Liu Yingying, her face was full of excitement, I am afraid she is a quick-thinking person.
Liu Yingying sorted out the two people's temperaments, but said with a smile on her face: "The old lady is so polite, how can Ying'er bear it?"
Then they looked at Suo Qiu, and Pinyue and the others said, "Since we are here, it is also a fate. From now on, we can treat each other as sisters."
As he spoke, he glanced at Tao Yao beside him. Tao Yao presented two purses. Liu Yingying took out two pairs of red cherry and red gold earrings from her purse and stuffed them into their hands, saying: "During the Lantern Festival, I went with my little sister at home. I picked it up casually on the street. I think it is exquisite and interesting. It is not a valuable thing. It should be treated as a greeting gift. Don't dislike it."
Suo Qiu was a little surprised when he saw that Liu Yingying came from a small place and even prepared a meeting gift for the maids. However, he took a high look at the person and saw that the red and peach red colors were lifelike. He suddenly felt exquisite and happy, and immediately rushed to Liu Yingying. Said: "Girl, you are so polite. I like it very much."
Pinyue saw that the gold on top was pitifully small, and the golden leaves and melon seeds that the old lady randomly rewarded were bigger than this. She just felt that she really came from a small place, she was poor and stingy, but she had to express her gratitude perfunctorily.
Liu Yingying pretended not to see what the other party was doing. She crossed the two of them for a moment, took out another purse and stuffed it into Wu's mother's hand. She said, "Thank you for your hard work, mother. I'm busy with you today. You should buy me a bowl of tea." Eat, and hope mom won’t make fun of you.”
Mother Wu was not very willing to go to the ferry to pick up people today, but she couldn't push her. Seeing that the Liu family's mother and daughter were not going to come, she ignored them all the way, so she embarrassed them in front of the door. Unexpectedly, this girl Liu suddenly got into trouble, and she was a little surprised.
Oh, no, it should be Mrs. Liu who is not going to do anything. As for Miss Liu, she looks at her coldly and is thoughtful.
He immediately took the purse happily, weighed it, and his smile deepened in surprise, and he said: "They are all from the Wu family, how can they be laughed at!"
At this time, Liu Yingying invited Wu's mother into the house to have tea and said: "Ying'er has had some old illnesses since she was a child. It is inevitable that she will need to drink medicinal water during the few months she lives in the Shen family. She is afraid that she might accidentally hit the house. The elders and young masters are going, and my mother saw that they are old people in the mansion. Can you introduce Ying'er to the situation in the mansion, so as not to accidentally offend someone when walking in the mansion?"
Mother Wu was so shrewd that she immediately heard the other person's intention to find out the information, and couldn't help but praise him in her heart. She took the person's money and wanted to eat the person's refreshments, so of course she was happy to help.
So, in the next half hour, the situation of each room in the Shen family was described in detail.
It turns out that the Shen family has a great business, the Shen family has relatives spread far and wide, and the clan is powerful. There are more than 30,000 branches and branches in Qingyuan alone, not to mention the various clans and clans outside Qingyuan.
Qingyuan is mainly dominated by the branch directly descended from the old house of the Shen family. Outside the old house, there are also three branch branches with second, third and fifth bedrooms that are also more prominent.
Mr. Shen of this branch of the Shen family is nearly eighty years old, and he is still calling the shots in the court. He is the elder Shen Ge who has a prominent position in the court. He is still killing four people in the court every day.
Mrs. Shen has six sons and one daughter. The eldest, third, fifth and eldest aunts of the Mi family, who married into one of the four major families, were all born from Mrs. Shen’s belly. Among them, the third brother passed away on the battlefield many years ago. He left behind a widow and a daughter. The eldest son of the remaining two families, the eldest son, is in charge of the family, but he is not often in the house. He has two sons and a daughter, all of whom are legitimate children.
The fifth master was a romantic man and had countless birds and birds in his backyard. The fifth wife's wife had been sick for many years, but she only had an only son.
The second, fourth, and sixth houses are concubines. Because the eldest wife, Princess Qinghe, is not in the mansion all the year round, the Shen family is apparently headed by the princess. However, the actual head of the Shen family's large mansion is the second wife, Mrs. Su. The second house has two legitimate sons. There are three concubines, one concubine each, and seven children. Among them, the Shen Mo whom I saw at the ferry during the day is the eldest son of the second wife.
The remaining four houses have two sons and two daughters, and the sixth house has one son and one daughter.
It is indeed a mighty family.
Not to mention that there are three other branches. If they were gathered together, there would be thirty or fifty people from this generation alone. It is strange that the Shen family is so prominent and prosperous.
Mother Wu seemed to have opened up her chatterbox, and she spoke eloquently. Naturally, the second bedroom she mentioned the most was the second bedroom that was now the actual head of the house, and she talked endlessly about the fifth bedroom. It was said that there were countless beauties in the backyard, and the concubines talked about the two bedrooms.
Of course, when Dafang was mentioned, his expressions of respect were even greater. When Dafang’s second son was mentioned, he was even more amazed. His eyes were shining and lifelike. It was said that he was as handsome as Pan An, and he was a man on the top of the sky. Liu Yingying would definitely be amazed when she saw him in the future, but she never mentioned Dafang's eldest son and grandson.
