"Sir, do you want to buy fish? A big squirrel that's jumping around."
"Auntie, I want to ask you for a stone."
The lady who bought the fish was stunned, and saw Fu Xie pointing at the stones in her tank, and responded: "Young Master, you can take as many as you want. I picked these from the river. I only made these to make the fish look energetic."
"One is enough. If you have more, it won't be precious."
Xie Fu picked a shaped one at random, put it on the tip of his nose and took a sip: "It's so fishy, so good!"
After passing Lumen and walking west, you will reach Shantang. This is the time when cargo ships are loading and unloading cargo. There are mountains of cargo on the shore, and the boatmen and porters are particularly busy.
Looking at this scene with a strong commercial atmosphere, Xie Fu thought of Lu Tao, the official of Suzhou's parents. With Lu Tao here, the people of Suzhou were prosperous and healthy.
After walking more than half way up Shantang Street, carriages began to be parked on one side of the street, lining up all the way to the entrance of Yuyuan.
There are also many people gathered at the entrance of Yuyuan. Some of them are dressed in noble clothes, some are tall and broad-shouldered, and have heroic faces. At first glance, they are military generals.
Although the gate of Yuyuan was open, no one dared to break in. They only looked inside from time to time, with anxious expressions on their faces.
Xie Fu was curious as to why there were so many people gathered at the door. Could it be that today was Mrs. Wang's birthday.
He didn't feel comfortable asking questions, for fear of making his generosity laugh, so when he saw that there was no one guarding the door, he strode forward.
These people also noticed Xie Fu's arrival and saw that he was dressed in casual clothes and had a calm temperament. After taking a look, they didn't pay much attention to him. Who came to Yuyuan today to meet Mrs. Wang and fight for a place in the competition.
Although they are all members of the royal clan, there are differences between the rich and the humble within the clan. This is a good opportunity to show off. If Mrs. Wang can be remembered, my clan will be considered to be the leader.
Suddenly Xie Fu was about to go in, and someone immediately shouted: "What are you doing!"
The two tall men closest to Xie Fu stretched out their hands to grab Xie Fu back.
Xie Fu suddenly stopped at the threshold, and the two of them took their hands back. One of them said displeasedly: "It's a first-come, first-served basis, understand? I've been waiting since early in the morning, and I still have to wait patiently. It's better for you." Just jump in line, which branch are you from, and what is your seniority?"
Fu Xie pondered for a moment, bowed and saluted, and shouted loudly: "Mrs. Wang is here, I would like to pay my respects to Fu Xie, who is a late student!"
With Xie Fu's current status, there is no need to call him a late student, he just needs to be honest about his name.
It's just that he and Wang Wanzhi are already engaged, and this Mrs. Wang is his elder and future mother-in-law.
If he calls himself his son-in-law, he and Wang Wanzhi have not yet consummated their marriage, so Mrs. Wang is not his mother-in-law.
Therefore, it is more appropriate to describe myself as a late-born person who is humble. The status of this second-grade official shows his respect for Mrs. Wang.
When everyone heard whether his surname was Xie or Wang, they immediately exploded.
Some people reacted more keenly, shook their bodies slightly, and blurted out: "Master Jieduzhi!"
The words "Master Jieduzhi" made other people realize that Xie Fu was the Jiedushi Master Xie Fu of Huainan Road, the uncle of their prince.
Ding~~
An idea flashed through their heads. This military competition was organized by Mr. Xie. It would be better to ask Mr. Xie directly to ask for Mrs. Wang.
"Thank you, Sir...Thank you, Sir..."
Everyone swarmed forward, surrounded Mr. Xie in the center, and rushed to recommend themselves.
"Thank you, sir, the final general is..."
"Thank you, sir, my humble position is..."
This is not the first time Xie Fu has encountered such a swarming scene. It is impossible to respond to everyone one by one.
The familiar man said: "My lords and generals, I have learned your thoughts from Lord Lu Taolu. Please be patient and wait until I see my wife."
At this time, a handsome maid with a graceful figure walked quickly from the inner court to the gate. She was Xiuyun, Xie Fu's old acquaintance.
When Xiuyun saw Fu Xie being surrounded by a group of people, he immediately understood what was going on and spoke out to help him: "Master, Madam has invited you!"
This call of the young master was very skillful. There was no surname in front of it. Generally, it was used to address one's own young master. In other words, Xie Fu was one of the prince's own.
When Xie Fu saw this, he said happily: "Xiuyun, please lead the way."
Seeing Xiuyun leading Xie Fu into the entrance hall, Yu Zhongjing honestly stopped at the door, not daring to follow him without permission.
After walking for a while, Xie Fucai said, "Xiuyun, what is Mrs. Wang doing now?"
"Madam is meeting some adults in the flower hall, General."
Xie Fu said casually and asked casually: "Is Mrs. Wang okay?"
Xiuyun stopped when he heard this, turned around and looked at Xie Fu with doubts, "Master, are you asking about Madam's health or something else?"
Only then did Xie Fu realize that he had been a bit too polite to ask that question just now. He smiled and said, "Ask everything."
Xiuyun then smiled and said: "Madam is in good health, but she has been a little busy recently. People come to her every day to do things."
Xie Fu smiled and said nothing. He had already seen the scene at the door just now.
Xiuyun continued: "Madam likes Suzhou very much."
"How long have you stayed in Suzhou?"
Xiuyun counted with her fingers: "Well, it's been several months. Madam has only left Suzhou for a few days and stayed in Suzhou the whole time."
Xie Fu thought about it and realized that she had stayed in Suzhou since she killed Zhu Fenggong. As for the few days she left Suzhou, it was probably that time when she went to Yangzhou to see a doctor for herself.
"But Madam has been hating Suzhou lately."
Xie Fu asked curiously: "Are you tired of living here?" Strictly speaking, Suzhou is more suitable for living than Jinling, and Suzhou's winter is also warmer than Jinling.
Xiuyun smiled and said, "That's not true. It's just that I was annoyed by others. This Yuyuan has never been clean these days."
Xie Fu smiled. He couldn't figure out whether Xiaoyun liked liveliness or purity.
It seems that she likes to be alone and alone, but also likes to be lively. At least when she stays with herself, she likes to fight and make noise.
Sometimes Fu Xie couldn't tell whether she was a noble, cold and arrogant lady, or a girl with a childlike innocence.
"Sir, Madam is very worried about your death. It can be seen that Madam really loves you."
"After all, I'm hers too..."
Xie Fu said, holding back and smiling.
"Yes, what mother-in-law doesn't love a son-in-law like you?"
Xie Fu couldn't help but cough. This probably meant that it was unintentional and the listener had the intention.
"My wife loves you dearly. Young master, you and your lady must respect your wife well in the future."
Xie Fu smiled awkwardly: "That's... of course."
Xiuyun seemed to have thought of something, pursed her lips and smiled: "Madam's personality is not easy to get along with. Young Master, you are really capable. Madam hated you so much at the beginning, but you can still turn things around and make Madam like you."
Xie Fuying said: "As the saying goes, it takes time to see people's hearts. No matter how many misunderstandings there are, you can still see my sincere heart in the end."
The two of them were chatting, and Xiuyun stopped and said, "Sir, please wait a moment, I'll go make the announcement."
Xie Fu looked puzzled. If he didn't invite me in, why would he inform me?
Xiuyun said with a smile: "Madam is not a good listener. How could she hear you when you shouted at the door?"
Xie Fu suddenly realized that Xiuyun was eager to save himself from the siege, so he said that, nodded and said: "Xiuyun, I'll help you."
"Tsk, young master, you are still so polite." Xiuyun sneered and moved away lightly.
Soon Xiuyun left and came back. He stepped forward and asked, "Sir, where is your greeting card from Madam?"
Xie Fu was stunned when he heard this: "Better greetings?"
Xiuyun asked softly: "There is no greeting card, is there?"
Xie Fu asked in embarrassment: "Do you need a greeting card?" But he asked Mrs. Wang that someone with such a status needs a greeting card, but does he need it too?
Xiuyun smiled: "There is no greeting card, so how do I know what identity you are here to visit?"
Xie Fu asked: "Xiuyun, what do you mean?"
Xiuyun reminded: "Business or private matter?"
"What about business matters? What about private matters?"
"If it's business, Madam can see you now. If it's private, please move to the side hall and Madam will come see you after she's done."
Xie Fu glanced at the sky and replied: "Business." He was indeed here for business.
After Xiu'er heard this, she led Mr. Xie directly into the flower hall: "Madam, Mr. Xie is here."
Mrs. Wang's clear and melodious voice came: "Thank you, sir, for coming in."
There is a silver curtain in the middle of the flower hall, and there is a person sitting on the couch, with a beautiful figure.
Outside the silver curtain, two rows were filled with people, all of whom belonged to the royal family. It was deep winter, but everyone was sweating profusely. It seemed that they had been having a lot of heated arguments.
Seeing Fu Xie coming in, everyone stood up and bowed slightly in greeting.
Xie Fu smiled and said hello to everyone.
Mr. Xie has always known etiquette, especially in such a public place. He stepped forward and saluted: "Mrs. Wang, I am here to pay my respects to Mr. Xie, who is late in life!"
Mrs. Wang smiled and said, "Thank you, Fu, for coming." Her voice was cordial.
The tone of address is like that of a relative, putting aside status.
"Yes, I just returned to Suzhou. I knew you were in Suzhou, Mrs. Wang, so I rushed to visit you. This is a little souvenir." Xie Fu said and offered the Su cake with both hands.
Mrs. Wang said: "Xiu Ling, please accept the things."
The silver curtain rippled, and Xiu Ling walked out. Xie Fu couldn't help but look inside the curtain. He couldn't see clearly, but he smelled a scent of bluegrass that shouldn't be there in winter, which tickled the tip of his nose. .
Facing each other across the curtain like this, my heartstrings were inexplicably twitched, and it seemed I couldn't help it.
"Thank you, please sit down."
Xie Fu glanced around and saw that both sides were full. There was nowhere left to sit. He didn't know if Mrs. Wang was deliberately making things difficult for him. He smiled in his heart. Although you are naughty, you still have to look at the time. How can you take it in front of others? I'm here to tease.
He responded calmly: "Wan Sheng will just take a seat."
Mrs. Wang smiled lightly: "Come and sit on the couch."
When everyone heard this, they felt that Mrs. Wang was very affectionate and doting towards her future son-in-law.
Xie Fu couldn't help but his heart was pounding after hearing this. At this time, you are the noble Mrs. Wang, my future mother-in-law.
A feeling of guilt permeated his heart, and he said respectfully: "Thank you for sitting down, I still think it is disrespectful. How can I dare to sit across from my wife?"
Mrs. Wang chuckled: "Thank you, Fu, I don't want to be a stranger to you, but you are a stranger to me."
