When you go to Gusu, you will see that all the houses are nestled by the river; the ancient palaces have little free space and there are many water lanes and small bridges.
The Lin family, the residence of the princes, lives near the water, with carved beams and painted buildings, pavilions, gardens and rocks.
The courtyard, the inner room.
The five-year-old girl Lin Daiyu sat upright on the chair in a formal manner, looking at the bowl of medicine with a strong smell in front of her with a sad face.
The little girl has a small mouth under her small nose. The lips are thin and the corners of her mouth are slightly curved upward. Wearing a white floral shirt and a white pleated skirt. Sitting there, quiet and elegant.
The only drawback is that the girl is too thin and pale, and the maid Xue Yan who is in charge of serving next to her doesn't dare to vent her anger, for fear that her anger will get louder and blow her lady down.
"Miss, Madam said that you must drink this medicine. If you don't drink it, she will come and drink it for you herself!" Xue Yan stood aside, placing his hands in front of his belly and said respectfully.
Lin Daiyu's face turned even more bitter. She had been drinking medicine as long as she could remember. If she took ready-made pills with her when she went out, when would she stop drinking these?
It tastes so bad!
"Xueyan, go get me a piece of candied fruit." The girl said firmly.
She must drink this medicine, otherwise her mother will have to come and hold her while she cries. After crying, she will give her the medicine without mercy.
"Okay, miss!" Xue Yan agreed quickly and went to the kitchen quickly, otherwise the medicine would lose its effect when it gets cold.
Sold to the Lin family since she was a child, Xue Yan, who is only ten years old, is obedient and quite sensible.
After the maid left, Lin Daiyu rolled her eyes and quickly looked around, at the flowerpot, the window, and under the bed. After a moment, she sighed and began to accept her fate.
These places will definitely be checked when the snow geese come back.
"Meow~"
A little yellow cat suddenly appeared on the table, and the girl's eyes lit up.
She has been frail since she was a child, and her parents did not allow her to go out at all, let alone contact small animals. The only thing she could usually see were the birds outside the window.
This is the first time I have seen such a golden, cute and delicate little animal.
Lin Daiyu was a little nervous, and she stretched out her tender white fingers and touched the little animal's young body.
"Meow!"
Are you my shit-sweeper?
"Shovel shit? Oh, you are so mean!" Lin Daiyu blushed. This cat is such a gangster. How could he say this to his daughter's family?
Little yellow cat:......
After a while, Lin Daiyu realized that this little animal could actually talk? Could it be that my mother said that if I don’t take medicine, monsters will come to catch me?
He quickly asked the little yellow cat nervously: "Are you a monster? Are you here to catch me?"
Miao Le jumped on the girl's shoulder and licked the small earlobe: "Meow~"
Lin Daiyu's pretty face blushed, and then the feeling of comfort from the soles of her feet to her soul instantly spread throughout her body. Her slender body trembled, and the almost endless warmth directly washed away the cold that had been attached to her hands and feet since childhood.
"Wow, Lele, you are so awesome!" The girl opened her eyes wide and said excitedly.
"Meow!" The little yellow cat grinned, smiling a little reservedly.
Alas, they are all useless!
"You are so powerful, can you help me drink the medicine?" Lin Daiyu said even more excitedly.
As he spoke, he grabbed the little yellow cat's young body, put it on the table, opened its mouth, then picked up the medicine bowl next to it and poured it into it.
"Gulu, Gulu~" Because she was so excited, the little girl stuffed her fingers into her mouth.
Miao Le:......
This year’s poop shovelers understand cats!
呲冘!
"Oh, Lele, don't lick it, it's so ticklish! Grrrr~" The little girl laughed heartily.
Ever since she could remember, she had been out of breath every winter in the twelfth lunar month. This was the first time she could breathe so freely. The little girl's worries disappeared in an instant, and she felt extremely cheerful.
"Miss, the preserves are here!" Xue Yan opened the door and ran in, panting. When she saw the clean as new bowl on the table, she couldn't believe it.
"Hey, where did this wild cat come from? It's broken!" Xue Yan was shocked.
She knew that her young lady's body was like porcelain, breaking at the touch of a touch. If the cat lost its hair and was sucked into the lady's mouth, it would immediately become out of breath.
Madam had repeatedly warned her to keep an eye on those birds, wild cats and the like, and never let them enter the lady's room.
"Quick, quick, quick, miss, throw this little wild cat away!" Xue Yan stepped forward and said hurriedly.
Lin Daiyu, who was only five years old, quickly hugged the little yellow cat tightly into her arms: "I don't!"
"Give it to me quickly, miss, or your body will collapse!" Xueyan was very anxious. If the lady came back later and saw the cat, she would definitely eat it and beat it.
Although the madam and the master are not violent, the rules of a big family are rules, and if you do something wrong, you will be punished.
The last time she bathed the lady, she accidentally caught the cold, and her buttocks were slapped hard by the lady.
"Wow! Mother, Xueyan bullied me!" In desperation, Lin Daiyu burst into tears.
The five-year-old girl didn't understand much, but she understood that the cat could prevent her from being cold, so it must not be taken away by anyone.
"Meow~" The little yellow cat was squeezed into a ball and narrowed its eyes, enjoying it very much.
Girls from rich families are nice and smell good.
"Squeak~" The door of the outer room opened, turned around the screen, and a graceful young woman came in. She was the hostess of the Lin Mansion: Jia Min.
Seeing the maid and the lady grabbing things, Jia Min frowned and scolded: "What's going on? No rules?"
Xue Yan quickly stood aside, wrung her hands together, and said in a sobbing tone, "Husband, Madam, I caught a cat from nowhere, and you won't let me throw it away."
Jia Min was so shocked that she ignored her demeanor and stepped forward, directly picked up the little Lin Daiyu and shook her vigorously.
"Ding-ding-dang-dang~" Xiao Daiyu's jewelry suddenly jingled.
"Where's the cat?" Jia Min asked anxiously.
She and her husband had been married for decades and had nothing to do. They finally gave birth to a daughter for her husband, which put all their hopes on her. However, she was frail and sick, which made her heartbroken.
"Wow~" Xiao Daiyu cried loudly: "Mom, I have a cat, and my body is no longer cold!"
Jia Min was stunned for a moment, then touched her daughter's little hand and discovered something was wrong.
In the past, my daughter's hands and feet were very cold no matter in winter or summer.
When it was hot in summer, she used it to keep herself cool. Now it felt like an ordinary daughter's house.
After carefully putting her daughter down, Jia Min asked seriously: "Where is the cat?"
"Meow~" A kitten came out of her daughter's chest. Wherever she looked, she saw golden and soft fur, a body no bigger than a palm, straight little ears, and bright blue gem-like eyes. Nose and small mouth.
The most peculiar thing is his beard, which is actually seven and a half long.
The kitten crawled out from her daughter's chest, landed lightly in mid-air, stretched out its paws and licked its fur, raised its head, and gave a soft cry to Jia Min: "Meow~"
Jia Min felt her heart melt instantly, and she leaned over and hugged him into her arms: "Meow meow."
Supported in the young woman's arms, the little yellow cat looked at Xiao Daiyu proudly, "As long as you take me home, I will do the rest!"
Xiao Daiyu has a flat mouth.
It was obviously me who hugged you first!
After hugging him for a while, Jia Min was surprised.
In recent days, the date for her husband's filial piety is approaching, and his appointment by the court is about to be announced. She and her husband couldn't sleep all night, for fear of being assigned to Lingnan, Guangxi.
On weekdays, I feel depressed and frowning.
But now, at this moment, the young woman suddenly felt at ease, as if she had been by her mother's side in Jia Mansion, carefree and happy.
Strange beast!
It is often said that it is virtue for a woman to have no talent, but as the daughter of the Jia family, Jia Min naturally read poetry and books. Although she did not pass the imperial examination, she still liked to read some strange people and strange things.
"The Book of Mountains and Seas·Xishan Jing" records: "There is a beast in Yiwang Mountain. It looks like a raccoon, with one eye and three tails. It is called Huan. Its sound is like a hundred sounds. It can ward off evil. If you obey it, hate."
"The Book of Mountains and Seas·Zhongshan Jing" records: "Forty miles to the north, there is Huoshan Mountain. Its trees have many gu trees. There is a beast, which looks like a raccoon dog with a white tail and a hyena [lie]. Its name is "朏朏" 【pei】"You can raise it and worry about it."
As far as she knew, the Classic of Mountains and Seas recorded two strange beasts. One was called Xi. It was said that people who raised it could ward off evil spirits and that its meat could cure jaundice.
The other type is called "朏朏", which is gentle in character, smart in appearance, and very lovable. It is said that people who raise 朏朏 can eliminate worries and become carefree.
Could this be the legendary beast "朏朏" that can relieve worries?
God really bless the Lin family!
After petting the little yellow cat for a while, Jia Min handed it to her eager daughter: "Zi'er, this is a strange beast that can relieve worries and ward off evil spirits. Since he has found you, you should take good care of him, do you understand?"
"Okay, thank you, mother!" Xiao Daiyu said in surprise, and quickly hugged the little yellow cat tightly in her arms, for fear that others would snatch it away.
"Xueyan, when you go to the kitchen to serve food in the future, take this strange beast with you to see what he likes to eat." Jia Min ordered Xueyan who was beside him eagerly.
"Yes, madam!" Xue Yan squatted slightly and saluted.
"Yes." Jia Min nodded and left with a smile.
With the auspiciousness coming from heaven and the fact that her husband Jian is in the emperor's heart, the Lin family should be on the rise this time.
Thinking about returning to her parents' home and showing off her superior status in front of her mother and sisters-in-law, she felt even more joyful.
Face has been the highest pursuit of women since ancient times.
.......
At noon, in the living room, Lin Ruhai and his family had dinner together, including a wife, a pair of children, and four concubines.
When she thought that her appointment to the imperial court was about to come, and that she had two children, a wife and concubines, Lin Ruhai felt that her life was complete.
Who would have thought that he was once just a scholar from a down-and-out family?
The Lin family has been in business for five generations. At first, they only granted him the title of three generations. Because of his great grace and virtue, he was far ahead of his predecessors. He was given an extra favor and was named Tanhua. When his father came, he was granted the title of another generation.
Only in this way can he be qualified to marry the youngest daughter of the Jia family: Jia Min, who is the hereditary third prince. After marriage, the two of them also play the piano and sing in harmony.
After giving birth to Daiyu, his wife followed the beautiful ancient tradition and took the initiative to give Lin Ruhai several concubines to pass on to her children.
In this year, another young son was born, and the Lin family had an heir.
With a happy family, Lin Ruhai, as a scholar, certainly has a higher pursuit: to repay the emperor's kindness, to establish a life for the people, and to create peace for all generations!
"Eat!" Lin Ruhai took the lead and moved quickly.
Then the wives, concubines, and daughters picked up the kuaizi and picked up the vegetables to eat in a low voice. There is also a clever maid waiting beside you, who is responsible for serving soup and changing dishes in a timely manner.
Everyone behaves according to the rules: don’t talk when you eat and don’t talk when you sleep.
"Meow, grunt~" As the new shit shoveling officer, Lin Daiyu was stuffing vegetables rudely. Fortunately, Miao Le had a big appetite and could keep eating.
Hearing the sound, Lin Ruhai frowned and then noticed that his daughter was feeding a kitten.
"Min'er, what is this?" Lin Ruhai asked curiously.
Jia Min raised her hand, and the maids and concubines around her quickly stood up, bent down, and slowly retreated.
"Like the sea, this cat is an auspicious sign from heaven. Little Yu'er will be healthy as long as she holds it, and a normal person's touch can relieve worries and ease their mind."
After the outsiders left, Jia Min explained.
"Oh? Are you serious?" Lin Ruhai said in surprise.
If what the wife says is true, it is truly auspicious.
Before returning home to observe mourning, as the 'doctor of Lantai Temple', he knew that the current emperor was obsessed with auspiciousness. If you offer this cat, you will surely be promoted and make a fortune.
However, he was considered the most beautiful girl in the world and was favored by the emperor. If he presented this strange cat, he would have a greater chance of being demoted.
Out of curiosity, Lin Ruhai stood up and walked to her daughter. Only then did she notice that the kitten was not even bigger than his palm and must have been newborn.
This kind of cute creature, with his physique, can kill seven or eight people with one kick. Naturally, he will not be afraid and directly reach out with his big hand.
"Wow!" the little yellow cat was furious.
Presumptuous, humble people!
Lin Ruhai's heart tightened and she subconsciously stopped.
Naturally, it is impossible to estimate the strength of a strange beast based on its size.
"Well, since this cat recognizes Xiao Yu'er and is good for the body and mind, let her raise it from now on." Lin Ruhai said calmly.
Lin Daiyu was a little curious: "Dad, don't you want to touch it? Lele's body is soft and warm!"
Lin Ruhai:......
Do you think I don't want to? So auspicious, even the emperor didn’t have a chance to touch it!
"Well, your father and I are scholars. If we are decentralized in the future, we will become the parents of the same place. What if we indulge in walking like birds and animals?" Lin Ruhai slowly educated.
Lin Ruhai then returned to his seat and started eating with great enthusiasm.
Xiao Daiyu blinked her eyes and said very thoughtfully: "Daddy, are you afraid of Lele? Hehe, daddy, you are so timid, look at me!"
】
"Wow!"
With that said, Xiao Daiyu nibbled on the cat's head.
Miao Le:? ? ?
Lin Ruhai:......
"Master, there is a guest outside the door who has brought me a greeting card to see him." A maid shouted outside the door.
"Bring it in."
"yes."
Putting aside the worry of not being able to touch the auspicious sign, Lin Ruhai opened the exquisite greeting card and was shocked when she saw it.
The zigzag characters on this greeting card are shining with golden light and are actually made of gold wire.
"My brother Ruhai, I am the General Merchant of Lianghuai Salt Industry. I am Dr. Guanglu, Minister of Fengchenyuan of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, and the chief envoy: Wang Chun. I came to your mansion to ask for a cup of tea. I hope you will see me."
After reading the greeting card, Lin Ruhai stroked his beard, thinking a lot in his mind.
The person who came here is not kind!
"Min'er, please go down and serve some tea. I want to meet a big shot in the main hall."
Jia Min nodded: "Well, I will go down and prepare now."
After his wife left, Lin Ruhai rubbed his daughter's little head, laughed in her dissatisfied eyes and went out to leave.
"undress!"
"Yes!" The four concubines outside quickly followed.
…
