Mrs. Zheng is indeed considering this issue, the question of whether to change people. She always feels that the world is as dark as crows. For example, Mrs. Rong'er is very good, but she doesn't have the ability. Even if an incompetent person sits in that position, she will do worse and worse.
When the third uncle and the third aunt were still alive, they were so honest and self-sufficient, and devoted themselves to doing things for the people of the clan. In this way, Mrs. Zheng could safely leave the affairs of the clan to Sanfang. She didn't expect that Sanfang's daughter-in-law was so evil-hearted.
I used to think she was from a wealthy family, but she wasn't like this.
Mrs. Zheng couldn't decide on her own, so she went to Mr. Zheng first and told the matter: "Brother Hao's daughter-in-law is born in the same zodiac as her father. She couldn't get rid of the sand in her eyes, so she revealed this matter."
"So, Brother Hao's daughter-in-law settled all these people with 12,000 taels." Mr. Zheng was also shocked.
You must know that he has not come into contact with these people in the clan, and those who are ignorant will definitely be deceived. Moreover, before you can reason things out, even if the masters are slightly weaker, the servants will bully you.
Mrs. Zheng nodded: "Yes, she said that ten thousand taels is enough, and the two thousand taels are for the hard work of those few of them. You said this child..."
Mr. Zheng said warmly: "I think it is indeed necessary to change the management. To be honest, brother Hao also said that he went to the clan school and looked at it. He was really heartbroken. The clan school is in a mess. It's no wonder that my Zheng family is now ranked first. There are fewer and fewer people.”
Afraid that Mr. Zheng would be too angry, Mrs. Zheng said calmly for him: "Don't be angry. The Liu family also said that Brother Qi is a good scholar and is smarter than the Liu family. Brother Shu is also tough-minded. What are you worried about? "
"Yes, I'm not worried about their little brothers. The in-laws personally enlighten them. I think Brother Qi is a child prodigy, but he is too young. Brother Hao and his wife both said not to praise him too much for fear of him It hurts Zhongyong and his mood is unstable. When the time comes, he will no longer be interested in the imperial examination and official career." Master Zheng saw that his family was getting better and better, and he felt a lot better.
He quickly gave instructions: "Then let Brother Hao's daughter-in-law take care of it first, and when she is about to leave, we can choose someone to be her replacement."
Mrs. Zheng breathed a sigh of relief after receiving the approval and planned to tell Li Shu about it tomorrow. Because she was not in good health, she was already a little tired after this trip.
Little did she know that Lishu hadn't come over in the morning, but Grandma Shu came over first to say hello.
Mrs. Zheng's eyes twitched when she mentioned the Shu family. Their family felt a little guilty towards the Shu family. Back then, Brother Hao was confused for a moment, and someone actually took advantage of him.
Brother Hao was also kind-hearted. Mrs. Zheng later went to the doctor to inquire about the situation at that time. If she was not rescued as soon as possible, there would be one dead and two dead. I desperately asked the midwife to pull the baby out, but the baby was already blue and blue and could not survive.
But it would be fine if Brother Hao didn't say anything about Baoda, but he did.
"Let her in."
When Mrs. Shu came in, Mrs. Zheng glanced at her and knew that Mrs. Shu was not from a high background. Her father was the prefect of Kaifeng back then, and she tried every possible means to send her daughter to the Zheng family. She still remembered that when she first met Shu, she thought she was neither showy nor revealing, very quiet and didn't talk much.
Later, something happened, and I realized that she was extremely alert and not an ordinary person.
"Auntie." Mrs. Shu sat down nervously.
Mrs. Zheng secretly thought about her purpose of coming and only chatted a few words. Seeing that her expression became relaxed, she asked, "How is your father doing in office?"
Mentioning Zheng Yu, Shu's eyes darkened: "I don't know either."
Zheng Yu was the only son of the seventh family. He had won the top three imperial examinations in his previous career. However, he did not intend to take the imperial examination and was unwilling to work hard in Beijing, so he went to Nanjing to work as an idle official. However, Mrs. Zheng did not expect that she did not take Shu with her. .
"Your mother-in-law has also passed away. Brother Yu still won't take you there. This is really outrageous."
Maybe letting myself make the decision for her? Mrs. Zheng thought so and started talking about it.
But Mrs. Shu said: "Our father asked me to take care of the family business at home. Now I have Sister Ling under my knees. I can't leave."
"I heard that the third-bedroom sister is being raised by you. Ahem..." Mrs. Zheng couldn't figure out what she wanted to do, money or salary? Otherwise, why would you come here for no reason?
Mother Gong hurried forward to serve her, because Lishu already had a set of people of her own, and the housekeeper wanted new people, so Mother Gong came back to Mrs. Zheng.
She knew the signal of Mrs. Zheng's cough and immediately came over to pat her on the back, making a lot of noise.
Shu Shi wanted to leave more and more. She was not stupid and knew that she did come here to ask for something. After several hints from Mrs. Zheng, she finally spoke: "My niece has lost her age because of her observance of filial piety. Originally, your family was in Xiaozhong, so I shouldn't have said such things. But..."
Originally, Mrs. Zheng thought she was asking her to help arrange a marriage, so she just smiled and said, "If you have any difficulties, just come to me. Is Miss Shu at home?"
"Here, I have nothing to do these days. She is coming to my place to stay with me." Mrs. Shu immediately called her niece over.
When Lishu came to Mrs. Zheng's place, she saw a young woman inside. This girl was elegant and beautiful, but she didn't have a trace of gorgeous makeup. She looked like a daughter in a Jingchai sarong. Seeing Lishu look over, she immediately It seems a bit cramped.
"Brother Hao's daughter-in-law, this is your sister-in-law Yu's niece. I happened to go back to my hometown to live. Shang felt bored. Seeing that this girl behaved elegantly, she stayed here to keep me company." Mrs. Zheng said with a smile.
Since her mother-in-law wanted to be like this, Li Shu didn't dare to disobey, so she naturally asked Miss Shu to praise her a few times: "Since you are accompanying our wife, I will clean the house for you in a while and send it to you as a gift." , if you are missing anything, just tell me."
Seeing this, Mrs. Shu was also very happy. She had a secret thought in her heart. It would be great if her niece could marry into Zheng Hao's family and become the second wife. Zheng Hao was a talented and handsome man, a close minister of the emperor, and the eldest son of the Zheng family. Even being a serious second wife was better than marrying just anyone.
Although Shu blamed Zheng Hao in his heart, he didn't understand anything and let his son die. But the side also shows that he is a man who treats women very well. If he knew his current situation, then it would be nothing more than taking a concubine. With his niece's temperament, it will not affect the status of the eldest family. As long as he feels guilty and promises himself, Then she would forgive Zheng Hao.
They were all women. Li Shu was also stunned when she saw Shu's eyes.
She knew very well that men taking concubines were like drinking water. Tan was very jealous. After she gave birth to a child, she took concubines for her husband. Not to mention that her father Liu Chengxu was already considered a good man by everyone. Yes, I still have several concubines.
The elder gave him a gift that he couldn't refuse. Will Zheng Hao refuse?
Just like dad likes mom very much, so what? After his mother passed away in his previous life, he would not have many lovers again.
Li Shu felt weak for a moment, but quickly cheered up again. It's just that because of the Shu family's incident today, Mrs. Zheng didn't tell her about taking over the clan affairs.
Miss Shu's name only has the character "xin", and I heard that she knows a few characters. Her grandfather also served as the prefect. If the Shu family hadn't been in decline, she would definitely be extraordinary.
"Brother Hao's daughter-in-law, I see that you are similar in stature to her. I will send you two sets of clothes first. After a few days, I will call the tailor to make some clothes for Xiner." Mrs. Zheng thought that it would be better to meet someone in the future. To marry her or marry her is considered a good relationship. If Mrs. Shu wants to do something to blame her son again in the future, then don't blame her for being rude.
Li Shu smiled and agreed. She was not stupid. She showed great hostility at this time, and she would be the only one who would suffer.
After learning that Shu Xin moved into the Zheng family's ancestral house, Mrs. Gu's illness recovered immediately. She smiled and said to Mother Zhong, "I really didn't expect that Mr. Shu would do things so quickly."
"Back then, the eldest young master of the clan wanted to save her, but he failed to save her son. It was natural that the clan felt a little guilty towards her." Mother Zhong said.
Mrs. Ju Er said: "I think Mr. Liu is a proud and arrogant person. He will boil a frog in such warm water until the Year of the Monkey and the Horse. Just let the word go and say that after the clan prepares to pay filial piety, he will take the girl from the Shu family as his second wife." , it would be better if everyone knew about it.”
She had to let the clan house get into trouble, so that she could take care of herself and still have the power of housekeeping in her hands.
He couldn't let her gain a foothold, and then he would be completely unable to deal with it.
I'm really tired of trying to take away my power so quickly.
The news that Zheng Hao wanted to take in a second wife immediately spread. Cui had always had a good relationship with Li Shu. Her daughter was engaged, and Li Shu had given her a generous gift. She also immediately came to the clan house to report the news.
At this time, Lishu had just gotten up from her nap, and she must take a nap. I got up early in the morning and felt very sleepy after lunch. After a short nap, I felt much better in the afternoon.
The servant was combing her hair. When Cui saw Li Shu, she always looked very energetic. Now that she was lazily combing her hair by the window, she actually showed a hint of charm, which made even a woman stare at her.
"Sister-in-law, I heard some news and came here to tell you."
"Say." Li Shu didn't take it seriously.
Cui Shi said: "It's been said everywhere that your family took Miss Shu as a concubine? Why haven't I told you before? They also said that as soon as you have a filial piety, you will ask her to be your second wife. This... the Shu family is in ruins. What is your identity? You have given birth to two sons, how can you let her come in as your second wife?"
Li Shu frowned: "Where did you hear this?"
Ms. Cui said, "I heard what Brother Qing's daughter-in-law and a few of his servants said, and I saw that what they said was conclusive."
Li Shu was also very annoyed. She was so angry that she threw the comb to the ground, and the white jade flower and bird comb instantly broke into two halves. It's one thing to know that Mrs. Zheng has this intention, but now that the news is spreading, what is this going to do?
When Li Shu got angry, all the servants around him were frightened. Zheng Hao happened to come over. Yesterday, Li Shu sent scones to him. Today, he had people specially buy snacks from outside and bring them to Li Shu. Shu, you might as well get angry when she encounters her, Zheng Hao came in quickly.
As soon as Zheng Hao came in, Ms. Cui left quickly for fear that it would be contaminated by herself.
"Shu'er, what's going on?"
Li Shu was not sad at first, after all, that Miss Shu could not shake her status at all, but when she thought about someone wanting to break up her husband, she felt unhappy. This was something that could not be done no matter what.
Zheng Hao is hers, and no one can compete with her. She can only have her body, heart, and even spirit.
But when such words came from her, a person from a noble family who was married to the eldest son, when the relationship was still good, Zheng Hao would think that she cared about him and was willing to indulge him. But what if one day he gets tired? He also felt that he was being unreasonable.
Thinking of this, she looked at Zheng Hao: "I really didn't expect that now everyone knows that you want a second wife? I can tell you that I am different from other women. If you betray me, I will never be nice to you again. .”
What is a second room?
Zheng Hao was shocked when he heard this: "What nonsense are you talking about? How dare I."
"Your mother has already taken her over, and it has been spread throughout the clan that this Miss Shu is Grandma Yu's niece." Lishu knew that in addition to studying at home, Zheng Hao also taught Brother Qi how to read. You may not know this. The couple had to sleep in separate rooms, which made it impossible for Lishu, who used to chat with him every day, to communicate with him in time.
Zheng Hao thought it was a fantasy: "What kind of nonsense is this? Not to mention that Miss Shu is my junior, nor that you and I are in filial piety, but how do I treat you? How can you disgust us by taking concubines like this?" "
These words made Li Shu calm down a lot. She didn't want to make her home even more chaotic because of the chaos outside, so she said: "Well, if I didn't believe you, I would have taken my sons away from you long ago. That’s it. Think about what to do first?”
Zheng Hao said: "What else can we do? To clear up the misunderstanding, this Miss Shu must not stay. As the saying goes, under the melons and plums, people will be ginseng even if nothing happens."
"Well, you go talk about this matter. Also, we can't just listen to the wind and rain. Let's inquire first." Li Shu took Zheng Hao to sit down and sent her confidants to inquire in each room. Unexpectedly, everyone We all know it.
Zheng Hao immediately went to Mrs. Zheng's place. Mrs. Zheng didn't know that outsiders were talking nonsense. She also cried out: "I was thinking that the people in the seventh room spilled blood in front of your door and made others slander you and the Shu family." Relationship, if your grandmother had not suppressed it and the six old ladies had helped, this matter would not have happened again. Now that Shu suddenly came to visit, I naturally want to make a good relationship. The Shu family is poor, and Shu's money is tight, so I will do it for you. She got married and got married, and at least the matter was resolved."
"Mom, you are not wrong at all to think this way, but others may not think so." Zheng Hao always felt that he was being plotted: "Do you think if something really happened during the filial period, how many people would be watching your son? What should my son do with his position as a bachelor's student?"
He knew very well that if Li Shu was brought out, it would cause discord between the mother-in-law and daughter-in-law, but when it came to his own future, his mother would definitely be worried.
Mrs. Zheng looked kind and she was not a helpless person. She was also dedicated to her son. She first called Mr. Shu to come over and explain clearly, and then said: "I don't know who spread rumors like this? We are so different in seniority, how dare you make random speculations, but Don't worry, I will accept Miss Shu as my god-granddaughter. You can give this thousand taels to the Shu family as a gift for me to accept my adopted daughter. When she gets married, I will prepare a dowry for her."
However, Mrs. Shu knew that the Shu family's family status was declining and that her younger brother was a bad gambler. The one thousand taels she gave to her younger brother was just to play at the card table for a few more months. What she wanted was the protection of a wealthy family. Looking at the food and clothing expenses of the maids in the clan, it is very ordinary, not to mention Zheng Qing's concubine, the one named Ningxiang, who earns ten taels of silver a month, generous gifts during the four seasons and eight festivals, and is also served by maids, even I heard that the father of another concubine of Zheng Qing bought two shops and was the shopkeeper.
The people of the clan obviously owed her and her son. If she died and saved her son, then her son would be the eldest son. He would be quite young now. The Zheng family would help the Shu family just for the sake of their eldest son.
But Mrs. Zheng’s words left no room for comment.
…
Everything was going according to Mrs. Ju Er's plan. The reason why she left so smoothly was because she was much more familiar with the people in the clan than Li Shu. Just like Li Shu thought that if Miss Shu was taken away, her mother-in-law Qian would also I gave it and accepted the marriage, which was considered a complete solution.
Who knows that all interests can corrupt people's hearts.
Mrs. Ju Er knew that Mrs. Shu was short of money, so she had already bribed the mother-in-law beside her. Therefore, the woman followed Mrs. Ju Er's instructions and said to Mrs. Shu: "Sorry, grandma, I just went out to listen to some little boys." Hooves are laughing at us, saying something about selling something, and it’s very embarrassing.”
The Shu family has been in the family for so many years, and they have long known that this aristocratic family has a lot of dirty things. Those people all look polite, but they are all a group of people who hate others, laugh at others, dislike others for being poor, and are afraid of others' wealth. Especially when Mrs. Zheng spread the word about the marriage and the gift of dowry and money, many people were jealous.
In fact, Mrs. Shu felt that her son had been tainted by such filthy money. No matter how much money they gave her, they could not get her son back.
When her mind was in confusion, she heard her mother-in-law say: "I'm afraid they will talk to our father about these words in the future. Last time he went to Beijing to take the exam, he also told us not to mention these things again. Will he think you are wrong then?" Deliberately extorting money."
"I really can't wash myself off by jumping into the Yellow River."
"Is it true that only death can prove that you are like this?"
Mrs. Shu listened to the mother-in-law's ramblings, especially since she had just had a cup of tea, which made her even more confused. There is even only one sentence in my mind, death will be a relief, no one will say that I can't have a child, and I will despise my parents' family for being poor, and my niece and brother will not blame me!
…
Li Shu was having tea with Zheng Hao. The couple clinked glasses, drank tea instead of wine, and smiled at each other.
But Zhulan came in hurriedly and said, "Uncle, Grandma is not in good condition. Grandma Yu has hanged herself.":,,
