Mrs. Xu and Lizhen came back from Mrs. Liu. The mother and daughter changed their clothes again. Mrs. Xu was still very satisfied with her daughter's performance today: "You performed very well today. You are Mrs. Hou, so you must be magnanimous. You can't be like black-eyed chickens like before. Now that you have children, and your Lord Marquis values you, you should know that men like sensible and generous women, and the more trouble they make, the more rigid they will become."
"How could I not know this? After the trouble my third sister made back then, I couldn't go out for more than half a year. Whenever I go out, I think about other people's ridicule. I don't know how I survived." Li Zhen was very confused. , thinking that I finally got over it.
Mrs. Xu patted her shoulder: "The closer the critical moment is, the more calm you have to be. I have heard that the third uncle has filled the vacancy of the right minister of the Ministry of Civil Affairs. He can really hold back. He was in vain back then. When Bai Xingzhong was sent out, he immediately observed his filial piety at home. Now that Bai Xingzhong has come back, he has waited two more years, but has made further progress in his official career."
Li Zhen sneered: "The third sister doesn't seem to care about the career of the third brother-in-law, but now she is beautiful and young. When she gets old and loses her looks in the future, she may not be the same as before. My daughter has figured this out, so she I don't want to argue with her. I used to be young and ignorant, and I always envied her. Now that I think about it, people like them, even if they are from aristocratic families, still have to take the imperial examination and serve as officials. But in three years and thousands of examinations, only three candidates were selected. Hundreds of people, her son also has to work hard to pass the exam. I see that the third brother Shurui has black hair mixed with white hair, which shows that he has worked hard to study, but my son can just inherit the position of the prince of the Hou family."
Mrs. Xu was pleased that her daughter had finally seen the true nature: "You are an honorable person, completely different, but now the third uncle has to use it. You know that the emperor likes Zheng Hao very much. Now for the sake of the East Palace, you will not lose this famous person." member."
Li Zhen knew this, so she was so indifferent to it today. Of course, the more important reason was hers, which she would not say.
However, today Li Zhen thought of her biological sister today and couldn't help but said: "Didn't you say that I invited grandma to live in the house, why is she still so muddy that she can't hold up the wall?"
Mrs. Xu said: "At this time and that time, although the family criticized her a lot, from the time she was elected as the Crown Prince Liangdi, she was the first person under the Crown Princess. She is the future master. Who dares to really control her? , even your grandmother asked San Yatou to take charge of it because San Yatou has always been very courageous. There is no one in the world she is afraid of. What's more, Zheng Hao and his father were originally affiliated with Zhan Shifu officials and were originally considered to be members of the East Palace. Let her Discipline is nothing.”
Cen Shifang is Dong Gong's confidant, and the seventh girl will be Li Zhen's mistress in the future. Even Li Zhen, her eldest sister, cannot really do anything to her. This can be regarded as Mrs. Xu's motive for suggesting Mrs. Liu to let Li Shu teach her.
The little maid outside said: "Madam, Fifth Aunt, grandma, the old lady is having a feast over there and is inviting you two to come over."
Mrs. Xu and Li Zhen looked at each other, and they asked someone to drive over.
At this time, Lishu, Xiao Fu and Liwan were already at Xishun Hall. At this time, Cen Shifang had just walked to the door. When he entered, he pulled Zheng Hao to greet him: "We are still talking about when will you, third brother-in-law?" Coming back, I never thought that I would be able to take a step further now that I am back.”
Although he already knew the result, Zheng Hao still said humbly: "What are you talking about, fifth brother-in-law? Come on, we haven't had a drink together for a long time, so we will meet for a drink today."
Cen Shifang smiled boldly: "Why don't you only have one cup? How many more cups should you have?"
"Okay, then I won't come back until I'm drunk." Zheng Hao raised his glass.
Lishu rarely saw Zheng Hao socializing because she knew very well that Zheng Hao was not a big drinker and even kept his home very clean, with his body always exuding a fresh fragrance. As for the men of the same age, Li Shu could smell the stench of wine and meat on their bodies even if she got a little closer, which was very unpleasant.
The reason why Zheng Hao is always dry and smells good is because he seldom drinks alcohol and does not like to eat meat. He even finds it difficult to eat, and he does not eat anything sour or spicy, and eats very lightly.
Just like Lishu loves to eat stinky tofu, even if Zheng Hao loves Lishu very much, he will throw it away and will not force himself to eat it. There is also mutton that has a strong smell. No matter how delicious it is, he can only eat one bite before rinsing his mouth with tea.
But it is such a person who has to socialize and do things that force himself to do outside. He really wants to protect his family, which makes people pity him, but he feels that his husband is becoming more and more handsome and refined.
Lishu couldn't help but share it with little Fu: "Mother, do you think Brother Qi's father is very handsome?"
Little Mrs. Fu was shocked by her daughter's shameless words, "Keep your voice down."
"Keep your voice down." If Lishu was at home, she would definitely hold her chin up and look at her husband closely.
Of course, Li Shu's little moves were clearly seen by Li Zhen. When Li Zhen was still young, she was also very obsessed with Zheng Hao's appearance and demeanor. That kind of fairy-like posture was enough to make every woman blush.
Liwan was watching the fire from the other side, so she could naturally understand everything.
Zeng Yunxi must be present at such an occasion. He is very attentive. It should be said that in the past few years, he has become more interested in the Liu family than before. Liwan can often be with him and speak out in the house, and her position is extremely stable.
In the past few years, the eldest uncle of the Zeng family has been serving as Minister of Industry. He has become old and sick, and only the orphans and widows are left in the third house. The second house is in danger. No matter how much money a businessman makes, without a backer, it is like a child holding on to gold. Through the busy city.
Fortunately, Zeng Yunxi had such a big backing as the Liu family. Once upon a time, the Zeng family was more powerful than the Liu family, and the Liu family's daughters had to go to the Zeng family to attend family studies. Because of this, the second wife of the Zeng family has contacts with every girl from the Liu family. Even if they are married, they all have a warm relationship.
As a businessman, you hope to get a return on every penny you spend. Look, the investment made twenty years ago is getting a return today.
Although the eldest girl of the Liu family was unlucky, the husband of the third girl was promoted to the left minister of the Ministry of Civil Affairs, and the fifth girl was made a marquise.
Otherwise, how could Zeng Yunxi, with his current status, sit at the same table as the top dignitaries and the most respected officials in the imperial court.
Zeng Yunxi smiled and said: "This is the good wine I brought here today. Third brother-in-law, I sent ten jars to your place. I know your family is not short of it, but this wine is rare. You want to taste it fresh."
Compared to Cen Shifang, Zeng Yunxi still prefers to deal with Zheng Hao. Although Cen Shifang seems to be a good corporal, he has a sinister temperament and a lot of calculations, but he hides it under his bold and unrestrained temperament. But Zheng Hao was different. Zeng Yunxi once had a difficult matter and asked Zheng Hao to solve it. He quickly found someone to help him and never took credit afterwards.
Moreover, Zheng Hao never disliked merchants. He lived a very simple life on weekdays. His wife once said that when she went to Zheng's house, her third aunt brought meat and dishes but was returned. She said that Zheng Hao only ate one plate of tofu. He was not pretending, but Really.
Zeng Yunxi also likes such a good person.
"Thank you, second brother-in-law." Zheng Hao took the initiative to clink glasses with him.
Of course, Cen Shifang found that Zeng Yunxi and Zheng Hao were very close. He thought that he could talk to Zeng Yunxi on weekdays and take good care of him, but he was actually closer to Zheng Hao, which puzzled him.
The men's undercurrent was raging, and the brothers Liu Chengzong and Liu Chengxu, who were sitting at the top, could see it clearly. One of the brothers was taciturn, the other was straightforward, but both remained silent.
Lishu started to eat with a good appetite. Every time she went back to her parents' home, she felt very comfortable. Now that her parents-in-law were not here, she didn't have to go back earlier for fear that her parents-in-law would be unhappy, so she felt even more relaxed.
Besides, most of the food today was Huguang dishes, especially the chili. She was very satisfied with it. She was sweating, but she was very satisfied with the meal. She added an extra bowl, and Xiao Fu had someone give her hawthorn soup to help her digest.
Even though she has sons and grandsons, Mrs. Fu still treats her daughter like a child and feeds her. Li Shu quickly said: "I can just drink it myself."
"This kid..." Little Fu laughed.
After Lishu finished drinking, she invited Mrs. Liu, Mrs. Xu and others to play at home. She thought Mrs. Liu would not go, but she did not expect Mrs. Liu to agree.
Strangely enough, they all also like to go to Zheng's house. When it comes to going to Zheng's house, even Shulin, who never likes to visit relatives, agrees.
Lishu didn't know why, but little Fu knew: "Because you can make the decision in your home, they are all willing to play. If you can't make the decision, who will be willing to go? You are a lively person, and the house is lively, not Keep guests restrained.”
So it turns out that in the next few days, Zheng Hao's official position was conferred, and now he has been named the Right Assistant Minister of the Ministry of Personnel. The current official is no longer Mr. Wu. Mr. Wu has been appointed to the official position this year and passed away on his way home. , In the huge Wu family, the person who becomes an official is Yin Guan. Once Mr. Wu leaves, the future of his children still doesn’t know.
Although he was rich, his wealth was unknown. This was also the reason why he didn't see Lirou after returning to Beijing.
When they were young, the sisters lived together and did not have a good relationship with each other. Now that they have grown up, they realize that people have disappeared, and some people say that they will never see each other again.
Although I was thinking wildly, I still prepared the banquet one by one, including appetizers, hot soup, cold dishes, seasonal fresh fruits, snacks, and the invited vaudeville troupe.
Zhu Lingxuan also came to help. Her grandmother came from the Jinghu Liu family and was usually proud of her family, but tomorrow she was going to meet someone at the top of the Jinghu Liu family. What will others do to her? If she is affectionate, she will inevitably be called clinging to her. If she is not affectionate, it will definitely not work.
Thinking of this, she recalled her aunt's attitude when she went to her house. She didn't blame her at all. She also knew that she was getting better and better when she lived in the Zheng family. Zhu Lingxuan certainly understood that Uncle Hao was promoted to Minister of the Ministry of Civil Affairs, which was the first choice. As officials and highly respected ministers, they also benefited from the honor, especially the Zheng family in Xingyang, whose reputation was very great. This was probably the strength of the family.
"Aunt, are these fruits made from these plates?" Zhu Lingxuan brought two citron plates to Li Shu.
Li Shu nodded: "This is very beautiful. I remember that there are two high-legged trays with ink flowers and bird patterns on the green ground. When placed together like this, the high and low are well-proportioned."
Even though family members are coming, it cannot be simple. They must have a great time and feel more at home.
Zhu Lingxuan saw that Li Shu attached so much importance to her. Although she and Li Shu had a different relationship, they were both young people, and Li Shu rarely put on airs. She couldn't help but ask: "My aunt must have a good relationship with her mother's family, otherwise it wouldn't be like this." I’m so envious of you.”
Li Shu smiled and said, "I see that Mrs. Zhu is also very kind to you."
No matter how good it is, we are far away now. Zhu Lingxuan is also a newlywed, but she still misses home. Li Shu couldn't help comforting her: "You can't help but feel cold when you come to live in Beijing, but this coldness is not bad at all. At least you can do whatever you want. Now you have to cherish the time you spend with your Liulang, otherwise, you will be born again. Children, there are bonds everywhere, and it’s not convenient to go anywhere.”
This is also the experience of people who have been there. There is a big difference between having children and not having children. Even if you want to play, you will never have enough fun.
Zhu Lingxuan found that he didn't have a mother-in-law, and he lived alone in a single household. In fact, his life was very comfortable. His relationship with Zheng Miao naturally improved day by day, and the so-called feelings were all based on getting along.
The next day, the whole Liu family came over, even the eldest uncle who always saw the beginning and end of the dragon came over. Even Zheng Hao was a little surprised.
"Uncle." Li Shu hurriedly stepped forward. They were all members of the same family, and they welcomed the guests together in the flower hall without any hesitation.
When Liu Chengzong saw Li Shu greeting her warmly, he just paused slightly. Li Shu was very used to him being like this. She was not very afraid of her uncle. Instead, she introduced: "The peach blossoms and peonies are blooming very well in the garden. Uncle, do you want to Going to enjoy the flowers?"
"No." Liu Chengzong said concisely and to the point.
Mrs. Liu was also very interested. Everyone went to the garden together, talking in twos and threes. Zeng Yingxiu has not changed much over the years. Although her eldest brother Shujing has great ambitions, talents, and a good temper, he is pressured by his elders and does not dare to go too far. She has a pair of twin sons, and her mother-in-law is loose, but she is still the same as before.
Li Shu and Zeng Yingxiu didn't have time to chat last time, so when they got together today, they couldn't finish talking.
Zeng Yingxiu said: "Qiniang is much more humble these days. She always wonders if you said something to her."
Li Shu shook her head: "I just said a few words casually."
"It's good to have a few words of advice from you. In fact, our family can see that she is too young and has impetuous behavior, so we are very worried about her. I only hope that the prince can take the consideration of our Liu family being a loyal minister for generations. The only person who can respect her is Amitabha."
"That's true."
Although Zeng Yingxiu has a carefree temper, she is actually a very transparent person. For example, her eldest brother is not a knowledgeable person, but Zeng Yingxiu is very open-minded and does not force his career. She only works hard to cultivate her son and serves her parents-in-law more. .
Li Shu smiled and said, "When I came back this time, I saw that the fifth sister was different from before."
Zeng Yingxiu knew about the grudge between Li Shu and Li Zhen. When she saw Li Shu asking like this, she whispered: "The Marquis of Guangyang is back. From now on, she has someone to support her. I heard that the Marquis really wants a legitimate son." , the couple gave birth to a son soon, and their relationship has been good since then. Li Zhen is also very virtuous. Last year, she helped the Marquis take a beautiful concubine. We met during the Chinese New Year, and the child was really juicy. .”
Li Shu thought that there was a real difference between a man marrying a wife or taking a concubine. It was said that Cen Shifang had several concubines, but he still wanted a legitimate son and treated women according to their rank.
"She used to fight with me over trivial matters, but now she is happy to share her husband with others." Lishu really didn't understand.
She had always known that she was a deviant, unwilling to share her husband with others, and was horrified by the world. Others would call such a person a shrew.
Such words came out of her mouth, and Zeng Yingxiu also felt that Li Shu's words were too fussy. Not to mention Mr. Wang and Sun, even from an official family like them, who didn't have three bedrooms and four concubines. If the room was bare, others would still laugh.
Li Shu saw Zeng Yingxiu's expression and knew she would think so.
She cheered up and asked the troupe to come over with all the jugglers. The children watched it very lively. Even little Fu was very happy and asked Lishu: "Why did I find such a beautiful acrobatic after just a few days back?" , there are also storytellers, this "The Heroes of Sui and Tang Dynasties" is really good."
"I just asked the housekeeper to inquire, and some of them recommended themselves, so let's just leave it at that." Li Shu pouted.
When Mrs. Fu saw her daughter like this, she knew she had something on her mind, so she asked, "What's wrong with you?"
Li Shu stood up and said: "A few days ago, someone sent a pair of orchids over, and our uncle sent them away. The pair of orchids were so beautiful. They had blue eyes, a high bridge of nose, and white skin. I was ashamed of myself. You said I was thinking at that time, what would happen to me if the uncle really accepted it? I have seen enough of men having three wives and four concubines, and they only like to stay together for the rest of their lives. Even men have to treat women from the same side. But only in the end.”
It turned out that it was because of this, little Fu said: "Isn't my uncle very good to you? Why do you think so much?"
"I always keep thinking, maybe this is called worrying about gains and losses." It was difficult for Li Shu to have such an emotion before, but now she doesn't know why, maybe she likes Zheng Hao a little bit.
It’s not just the love between husband and wife, it’s the relationship between men and women.
Little Fu smiled: "I don't know how to answer you. Although your father and I are very good now, if I are gone, your father may have other concubines. I advise you to maintain a relationship between men and women." Don’t be too persistent.”
Lishu knew that her mother decided to rekindle her feelings for her father because of her. After so many years, everyone only saw that Liu Chengxu and Xiao Fu had a good relationship, but after Lishu's previous life, she could see clearly that her father did indeed There is a doting concubine.
She suddenly felt a little discouraged. Although it was so lively now, she felt very discouraged, as if she was fighting against everyone.
But will she submit?
No, never.
"I don't care. If he dares to betray me, I will never let him go. If he finds one, I will find ten."
Mrs. Fu was simply shocked by her daughter's arrogance. She couldn't react until she got home. Mrs. Liu was still joking from the side: "I see you were fascinated by the vaudeville show today. When you got home, you are still addicted to it." Woolen cloth."
"Yes." Little Fu smiled awkwardly.
Seeing Mr. Fu's deep affection, Mrs. Xu looked over and was a little curious, but Liu Chengxu was very worried.
When the couple returned to their room, Liu Chengxu asked her: "What's wrong with you? Why are you so distracted? Isn't it nice to be at Lishu's house today? Everyone is having a good time."
Little Mrs. Fu patted her chest: "Your daughter Lishu is talking wildly to me today. It's probably because someone gave a woman to my uncle, but he sent her away without even looking at it. She was thinking wildly there. You know what she is doing today?" What did my son say? She said that if my uncle went behind her back to find one, she would be ready to find ten. I almost fainted at that time. Do you think this is what my daughter’s family said? She was too courageous. "
I originally thought that Liu Chengxu would be angry, but he didn't expect that he would be more understanding than the young Fu family: "When I was an official in Shanyang County, there was a family who couldn't bear the pain of giving birth to their daughter, so they bought an ultimatum for their daughter. If Li Shu If I really have this intention, I will scold her verbally, but if she can really live a comfortable life, as long as she doesn't act recklessly, it won't be a bad idea to find someone she loves."
These words made little Fu's eyes widen in disbelief: "How could you say such a thing?"
"It's okay. Don't worry too much. I think Lishu has her own sense of proportion. I always feel that she is different from other children. There is nothing wrong with being deviant. The world is too pedantic and stubborn, and so is the court." Liu Chengxu said about today It is also very sad to see corruption among officials.
He found out from his son-in-law that his daughter had made great efforts to get rid of the pros and cons in the Zheng family clan. In just over two years, the entire clan had been completely transformed. There is a saying that goes well. Since ancient times, capable people have very good tempers. If the daughter is a boy, , must be his arm in the court.
Those who are independent, honest, capable, and very tenacious are the talents of the country.
Dare to think that ordinary people dare not think, dare to do things that ordinary people dare not do.
On the first day of the lunar month in May, the palace decreed that the seventh wife of the Liu family was made Liangdi of the Prince of the East Palace. She entered the palace and her status was second only to that of the Crown Princess Wang.
Lishu was preparing for the Dragon Boat Festival, and her brother-in-law had a new husband at home. After all, Zheng Hao was an official in the court and was often busy with official matters and could not take care of his son. The younger son Shu Geer also hired a tutor. Finally, Li Shu no longer had to take care of the children all day long, and she felt much quieter.
Who knew that the Dragon Boat Festival had not yet passed, and it was the prince's birthday first. Lishu rarely entered the palace before, but now because Zheng Haorong was promoted to Minister of the Ministry of Civil Affairs, of course she was also invited.
She was only twenty-five years old and was the wife of a third-rank official. She stood out among many gray-haired old women. Many people were talking: "Who is this? Why is he so young? Who is his newly married step-sister?"
"No, that is the wife of Mr. Zheng, the Minister of Civil Affairs. She is the first wife."
"It's incredible. She is so young and she is the wife of the Minister of Civil Affairs."
…
These comments also reached Li Shu's ears. Li Shu calmly entered the inner hall facing everyone's gaze. The current crown princess also came from a wealthy family. She was quite young and looked graceful. She sat upright and raised her hands slightly.
The female officer called her names one by one, and everyone came to see her in turn. When Lishu entered the palace, the female officer said in Wang's ear: "This is Mrs. Liu, the wife of Zheng Hao, the right minister of the Ministry of Personnel, and also the cousin of Liu Liangdi."
Mrs. Wang raised her eyes and saw a young woman bowing down. Her appearance and demeanor shocked everyone. Her apricot eyes were full of wisdom and firmness. She was a woman who made people's hearts beat at the first sight.
No wonder, no wonder...
The female family members were chatting here, and Mrs. Wang smiled and said: "Today, the prince said that these days are the days when the horse racing field is open. Maybe I haven't played polo for a long time, why don't we all go and have a quickie today?"
Li Shu was naturally good at riding horses in her previous life, but she didn't have many opportunities to ride horses in this life, but she knew that the Crown Princess was saying this to the wives of the warriors present. Look, Li Zhen was also eager to try.
But if you can run a horse today, you can also go faster. Just as Mrs. Wang also looked at Lishu: "Mrs. Zheng, you must come. You come from a noble family. Playing polo is my favorite among the women in Beijing. They all say that you are The hero among the fans needs to give it a try now."
Li Shu had no choice but to respond, but her left eyelid twitched. :,,
