The Red Mansions

Chapter 586 Jia Mu: Is this a big victory?
Rongguo Mansion, Rongqing Hall

It was noon, and Jia's mother had just ordered the mandarin ducks to set up the meals, accompanied by Mrs. Wang and Aunt Xue, and Chai Dai, Yuan Tan, Yingchun, and Xiangyun were all sitting together, with pearls and hairpin skirts and jackets, and clouds piled up in emerald buns. It seems like a hundred flowers are in full bloom, pink and willow green.

Following Jia Heng's departure from Jia's residence, two letters from Feige were sent in a row, resulting in two rewards from the palace. The residence was also immersed in the joy of Jia Heng's smooth sailing in Henan and other places a few days ago.

But after a few days passed, Jia Heng didn't send any more pigeons to pass on the letter, and if he sent the general over, the two houses of Rongning and Ningxia couldn't help but feel a little worried.

Mother Jia felt a little uncomfortable, and asked, "Why haven't you seen Feng girl and Lang Geer his mother these few days?"

Mrs. Wang said: "In the past few days, there is no news from Brother Heng. Brother Heng's daughter-in-law is worried, so Girl Feng went to talk to her, stay for a few days, and Brother Lang's mother also passed."

Thinking of her eldest daughter-in-law, recently she often went to Dongfu to chat with brother Heng's daughter-in-law.

Alas, she is also for Lang Geer, and it is not easy.

Mentioning Qin Keqing, Jia Mu nodded and said, "It's been a few days since I went back to the palace to reward jewelry, and Brother Heng didn't send any letters home. Brother Heng and his daughter-in-law may worry about following her." Like something."

Yuan Chun said softly: "Old Ancestor, didn't you get a letter from home the day before yesterday?"

But Qing is worried, so why isn't she worried?Tossing and turning these days and nights, worrying.

Jia Mu nodded and said with a light smile, "It's a letter from the family. If you don't tell me, I'll almost forget it."

Sitting beside Aunt Xue, Baochai listened to the conversation between Yuan Chun and Jia Mu, and was dazed in a daze like the white and jade face of a white begonia flower stamen.

She also received the family letter the day before yesterday, or he wrote it for her and sister Qin, um, it was for sister Qin and her.

In fact, there was nothing written on it, it just said some ordinary words of greeting Anhao.

I don't know what happened when he went to Henan with that Princess Xianning.

Aunt Xue smiled, and said: "Old lady, brother Heng is leading the army outside, the day before yesterday he won a game first, you can rest assured."

Jia Mu nodded and said, "I don't worry, brother Heng has never been worrying about."

After speaking, she turned to look at Tanchun and asked, "Tan girl, you know that your big brother Heng has a lot to do. Let me tell you, what do you say about your big brother Heng now?"

As soon as these words came out, everyone in Rongqing Hall looked at Tanchun in unison.

Hearing this, Baochai also looked at the girl in pink coat with a pair of dewy almond eyes and beautiful brows, looking forward to her flying spirit.

Maybe there is a trace of emotion in the bottom of my heart like Queen Song, this sister-in-law is not simple.

Tanchun was a little ashamed by the eyes of the crowd, and two beautiful blushes quietly floated on his handsome face, and he said coquettishly: "The siege may be different from the field battle, or it will be delayed for ten days. It's been half a month, but, as the Minister of Military Aircraft, Brother Heng always plans before moving, so it shouldn't be as protracted as it is to delay the war."

Yuan Chun nodded, and said in a soft voice: "What the third sister said is very true. It is said in the military book that victory is more important than longevity. Half a month ago, Brother Heng was planning for the chaos in Henan."

The beauty, who is over the age of double ten, is becoming more and more plump. She is wearing a light yellow court dress, which is well tailored, and her temperament is as elegant as a chrysanthemum, gentle and pleasant. The stamens of the peony are delicate and charming, bright and moving.

However, she still wears a girl's bun, with bangs on her forehead, and the eyebrows of a girl who has never left the pavilion, but the familiar and charming charm at the corners of her eyebrows and eyes can't be restrained, and her speech and behavior are even more charming.

Fortunately, Baoqin was covered with makeup, and Jia Heng hadn't been at home for a few days and hadn't watered it. Even Mrs. Wang didn't believe that her daughter... was not perfect.

Xiang Yun said softly: "Brother Heng said he had to finish the battle, and he is now playing with that sister Xianning."

Baochai's face paled, and she clutched her handkerchief, with a hint of worry hidden in her brows and eyes.

Of course she didn't believe that he would leave his military situation behind and spend time with that noble daughter of the clan.

It's just that, thinking of every little thing about that person when she got along with her, how those methods that made her blush and her heart flutter were used on other girls...

Daiyu's eyes were shining, and she said softly: "Sister Yun is still worried about not going with Brother Heng."

"Sister Yun has been talking about this for the past few days." Tanchun said with a light smile, pulling Xiangyun's arm.

Aunt Xue said with a smile: "The elders of the Shi family are also Marquis Wu Xun, and Yun girl is also what people often say is the tiger girl of the general family."

As soon as this was said, everyone laughed.

Seeing a few people talking and laughing in a noisy atmosphere, Mother Jia also smiled, but said with a hint of advice: "Yun girl, war is not a joke. You are still young, so you don't know what's going on inside. If you do, you won't be able to get married in the future."

Speaking of which, their historian family can also be regarded as the family of Wu Xun.

Xiang Yun responded, but it's not easy to say anymore, that Princess Xianning also went to fight, and nothing happened.

While several people were discussing, suddenly, a nurse in charge came from outside with a happy face and said: "Old lady, the master has returned from court."

As soon as these words came out, everyone in Rongqing Hall looked outside with doubts on their faces.

Secretly thought, the master doesn't come back much at noon, he usually goes out to drink with his colleagues, why did he come here today?
Mother Jia thought for a while, then smiled lightly and said, "It's already noon, so it's time to come here."

Mrs. Wang suppressed the faint smile on her face, and said softly, "Sit down, old lady, I'll go to meet you."

However, before Mrs. Wang got up to meet her, Jia Zheng walked around a glazed screen and came striding from the outside.

Mrs. Wang's gaze stayed on the Yunyan patch on the official robe for a while, and at the same time she felt a sense of joy in her heart, and at the same time she sighed secretly.

In the past few days, she turned a corner and asked the master about the matter of asking the wife of the fourth rank, but she heard that the master said that it would take a few months to report to the Ministry of Rites before the palace sealed it. This is really... ... The people who waited were anxious.

While everyone was watching, Jia Zheng bowed respectfully to Jia's mother: "Mother."

Looking at Jia Zheng in the scarlet official robe, Jia's mother nodded and said with a smile, "Zheng'er, this is the return from the court."

Seeing the joy on Jia Zheng's face, he was surprised, and couldn't help asking: "Zheng'er, why do you look so happy today?"

As soon as this remark came out, everyone in Rongqing Hall looked at Jia Zheng, and seeing his ruddy complexion and happy brows, everyone was amazed.

Because Jia Zheng had always been solemn and majestic in front of the juniors, it was quite rare for him to be so happy today.

"Mother, just now at the court meeting, according to the emperor in the palace, Ziyu led the Beijing camp to a complete victory in Henan. Today, flying pigeons sent letters to report that Ziyu recovered Kaifeng Mansion and Runing Mansion successively. The officials and troops wiped out the bandits. Count them, and captured the relevant bandit leader Kou Xiao who conspired to rebel this time, the situation in Henan is settled, and Ziyu's suppression of the rebellion is complete." Jia Zheng said with an excited face, his heart was agitated, and his voice trembled a little.

As soon as this remark came out, Rongqing Hall suddenly fell into a brief silence, and then it seemed like a huge boulder was thrown into the calm lake, causing an uproar, and like a beam of joyful spring breeze blowing into the hall, making people intoxicated.

Jia Heng led the troops to recover Kaifeng Mansion and Runing Mansion?

Is this a big victory?

"Okay, okay." Mother Jia was stunned for a moment, and then said a few good words, with joy and surprise in her old voice, she said: "I just said, Brother Heng has not heard from outside for a long time, he must be at war. , I don’t want to blink, and there is good news.”

Aunt Xue was all smiles, and said in agreement: "The old lady said so, it is true. I have seen that since Brother Da Heng led the army to go out, the good faith has not stopped."

At this moment, Sister Feng was not here, and Aunt Xue, as a guest, naturally accepted the banner of warming up the lively atmosphere.

The others also had happy expressions on their faces.

Seeing Baochai's plump and beautiful face, she was pleased, but because she was worried that others would spot her, she could only lower her head slightly to avoid any strange appearance, but her heart was filled with joy.

Yuan Chun's plump, white and greasy face was also overflowing with joy, and his beautiful eyes were in a daze, as if reflecting the outline of the boy's face.

Brother Heng is indeed a natural born general. Not long after he led the troops to Henan, he quickly quelled the rebellion.

Mrs. Wang's complexion was pale, she squeezed the Buddhist beads in her hand, and she saw the joy of everyone in the hall.

Jia Zheng sat down on the pear-blossom wooden chair next to the small table, twisted his beard with his hands, and said with a smile on his face, "Mother, the chaos has been settled. Ziyu leads the army this time. The most important thing is that he wins quickly. Now the civil and military capital of the Manchu Dynasty I find it rare, and the Holy Majesty in the palace is even more delighted."

In this festive atmosphere, there is no need to go into details about some "debates" at the court meeting.

"Okay, okay." Mother Jia said two more good words with a smile on her face.

Suddenly, I wanted to ask if there were any rewards in the palace, but then I felt that it was not appropriate to ask this at this time.

However, this time Brother Heng's title has to be moved upwards. He was originally a first-class man, and then he was a viscount, or... an earl?
After all, Jia's mother was a little undecided, she turned her head to look at Tanchun, who was also unconcealed, and asked, "Third girl, tell me, how did you say that Brother Heng won this battle?"

As soon as this remark came out, everyone looked at Tanchun.

Being called by Jia Mu to answer the question, Tan Chun was stunned for a moment, and with a look of joy on his childish and beautiful face, he smiled lightly and said, "Old Ancestor, Brother Heng is winning simply and neatly this time, so don't worry about it." It has been delayed for a long time, causing other accidents, it is like putting out a fire, the sooner it is put out, the better, and in addition to the confiscated food, now, the follow-up to appease the aftermath is half done."

"Third Sister really deserves to be Brother Heng's daughter-in-law, no wonder Brother Heng gave Sister a high look, and said that he would lead Third Sister to Henan." Xiang Yun joked with a light smile.

Jia Zheng's face paused, and he couldn't help but glance at his own daughter, she was already so knowledgeable at such a young age, it's a pity, if she was a man, she could also help Brother Heng, make great achievements outside, and shine on the family lintel .

Everyone looked at Tanchun with smiles, and a thought came to their minds.

Mrs. Wang frowned, glanced at Tanchun, and sighed inwardly.

The third girl, whom she raised so well, is becoming more and more challenging now.

Aunt Xue smiled, and said: "I don't know how the palace rewarded Brother Heng when I came back this time. This is such a great contribution, the title should be promoted."

Aunt Xue just casually said a question that Mother Jia didn't like to ask, and when she said that, she seemed to have pierced a diorama and reminded everyone.

All the people in Rongqing Hall were moved, and fell into infinite reverie for the word "ranking".

Mrs. Wang's face froze, the Buddhist beads in her palm had not been turned for a long time, and her knuckles were slightly white because of pinching the Buddhist beads.

Now a [-]st Baron, what's next?
Baochai listened next, originally thinking about Tanchun's words, but when she heard what her mother said, her heart was shocked, and the handkerchief in her palm was clenched again.

This time the credit is much greater than before, presumably it is not just a viscount, maybe it is... a super-grade uncle or hou?

Thinking of this, my heart skipped a beat.

Daiyu sat quietly, her starry eyes under her smoldering eyebrows shone brightly, just like the water in Xiaoxiang, suddenly rippling.

A pair of slender jade hands caressed the front of the front, and pinched it... The jade talisman was exactly the birthday present that Jia Heng gave Daiyu when she gave birth to a child last time, a sheep talisman.

That day, that night, the boy in the python suit had just inspected the palace of Zhongshun and returned with the bloody aura on his body. His slender white palm let go of the hilt of his sword, and he took out a Xiao Yufu from his bosom as a gift for the girl.

That scene left an indelible mark on the young girl of cardamom age.

It's like "the clouds and clouds on Mount Emei are like the fireworks when I was 17 years old."

When you were young, you should never have met someone who was too amazing.

Mother Jia turned to look at Jia Zheng, with some doubts on her face.

Jia Zheng pondered and said: "I haven't finished my merits yet. There are still some remnants of thieves in Henan that need to be wiped out. However, the Holy Father has added the title of Minister of the Military Department of Brother Heng, the governor of Henan's military administration, to facilitate the aftermath. Even if you are promoted, you have to wait for the arrival of Henan Things are settled."

Mother Jia breathed a sigh of relief, and murmured: "Then I should wait until I come back, I don't know what title I can seal."

Jia Zheng cut off the conversation and said: "Mother, it depends on the intention of the palace. Thunder, rain and dew are all God's blessings, so don't think too much about it."

"That's the reason, then let's not talk about it." Jia Mu nodded and said hastily.

Everyone had to suppress their imagination about "Jin Jue", but it's hard to talk about it now, and it's inevitable to go back and talk small things in private. If you don't talk about it in person, you will talk about it behind your back, and if you don't talk about it in meetings, you will talk about it.

Jia Mu smiled and said: "Brother Heng won a big victory and regained Kaifeng Mansion and Runing Mansion. It is."

While talking, he turned his head to look at Yuanyang, and said with a smile: "Don't set the meal, we'll go there now."

Mother Jia always likes to be lively, such a festive event, how can she still sit in Rongguo Mansion, she also wants to make fun of Ningguo Mansion.

Seeing this, Jia Zheng got up and said softly: "Mother, go first. A few colleagues just made an appointment to talk together, so we won't go there."

A group of women from the back house gathered together to talk. Originally, Jia Zheng was an old man, and it was not easy for him.

"Go ahead." Seeing this, Mother Jia was overjoyed and said with a smile.

Secretly thought, Ningrong and Rongfu are now one civil and one military, and they are thriving day by day.

And just when Jiamu led all the gold hairpins to Ningguo Mansion——

In the Ningguo Mansion, the inner hall of the back house is also surrounded by pearls and emeralds, and the powder is fragrant.

Qin Keqing sat in the middle, and was sitting around a square table with Sister Feng, Second Sister You, and Third Sister You, wiping mahjong. In addition, there was a young woman in a blue-colored plum jacket skirt and no makeup, sitting beside Sister Feng, her face It is rare to see Yingying smiling, it is Li Wan.

Li Wan has let go of his reserve these days, and often comes to talk to Qin Keqing, and sometimes sits down with him to play a game or two.

This young woman, who has been widowed for many years, has no rouge and powder on her elegant face, but her ears are decorated with crystal clear orchid earrings.

This was the jewelry given by Empress Song not long ago, and Qin Keqing asked the young girl's daughter-in-law to carry it. Li Wan fell in love with it at a glance. This is an orchid earring polished with blue crystal emerald.

For this reason, I was worried that others would pick them up in advance, but fortunately, the young girls all chose red and yellow jewelry with unique shapes.

There are no earrings and earrings to attract attention. The crystals of the orchids in the empty valley are just like a spark in the withered ashes. Only those who observe carefully in the deep dark night can see it.

Speaking of which, it is also due to the relaxed atmosphere of Ningguo Mansion. If it is in Rongguo Mansion, it is necessary to dress in plain clothes from beginning to end, so as to conform to the image of a "youth widowed" widow.

Qin Keqing was wearing a long red dress today, with high temples, and she wore it with a golden trousers. She had a graceful appearance, and with slender jade hands, she threw one of the mahjong in her hand, and said softly: "Two pieces."

Sister Feng said softly, "Touch."

Then he took the cards and put them among the piled up mahjong blocks. Danfeng's eyes, painted with red rouge, glanced at the absent-minded Qin Keqing on her jade face, and said with an arc of mouth, "I'm still thinking about Brother Heng."

At this moment, if you change to a scene, the gramophone is playing vinyl records, the red, blue and yellow three-color glass windows see through the sunset, and the woman in fur and cheongsam is holding a long cigarette.

"My sister has been ignoring food and drink these few days." Third Sister You played a card and said softly.

"It's not just yesterday that I gave you a letter from home," Sister Feng asked.

"After reading the family letter, I'm even more uncertain." Qin Keqing sighed lightly, after getting along with Sister Feng and Third Sister You for a long time, the shyness of a girl faded away.

Li Wan turned his eyes to look at Qin Keqing, and said softly: "Sisters and brothers don't need to worry too much, Brother Heng also led the army a few times in the past, and he will be back soon."

"It's different this time." Qin Keqing paused and said softly, "Forget it, let's not talk about it."

Ruizhu and their maidservants served tea to them with teacups.

At this moment, Baozhu smiled and said, "Grandma, it's already noon, and it's time for lunch."

Qin Keqing responded, and said softly: "Sister-in-law Feng, come here first, let's play later."

Sister Feng's beautiful young woman had a smile on her face, and said softly: "It happens that I'm also hungry at the moment, let them prepare the food and use some together."

Third Sister You stretched lightly, showing her exquisite and graceful curves to the fullest, and said in a pretty voice: "I'm not lucky today, I let Sister Qin win, and I lost all the monthly cases this month."

In fact, seeing that Qin Keqing was thinking about Jia Heng, everyone intentionally made Qin Keqing happy, and Third Sister You kept helping Qin Keqing light the cannon.

Sister Feng joked with a smile: "When your uncle comes back, ask him to increase your monthly allowance. Two taels a month is not enough, and I will give you another two taels."

"Sister-in-law Feng, I don't dare." Third Sister You chuckled lightly, then looked at Qin Keqing, and said softly, "Besides, it's my sister who has the final say on family matters such as Zhang Yueli."

A look that Qin Keqing is the only one to follow.

Qin Keqing said softly: "The population in our house is less, and the monthly rule of two taels for each house is less, and it is about to be rescheduled."

She is the wife of Yipin Gaoming, she was originally supported by the imperial court's salary, but according to the rules, she still has a monthly allowance in the mansion, which is 20 taels of silver.

In the two prefectures of Rongning and Ningxia, food, clothing, housing and transportation were originally provided by the public, so there was no need to spend extra money.

Monthly rules are pocket money. For example, the elderly wives such as Jia Mu and Mrs. Wang are 20 taels a month, the young sisters and brothers are [-] taels, aunts are also [-] taels, and maids are [-] taels a month. wait.

Li Wan's monthly schedule was a bit more, previously it was 20 taels in January, not long ago, in order to take care of Li Wan who had Jia Lan under her knees, Jia's mother added [-] taels to Li Wan, seeing that the family had ample money.

"If you change the monthly rules on your side, I will have to make big changes on my side." Sister Feng smiled and said softly.

The family's finances have become a little more abundant, and they have invested in projects such as garden repairs. She is not short of money, but she needs to formulate a detailed regulation.

"You don't need to make a big move, just on the aunt's level, the monthly schedule will be adjusted up." Qin Keqing said with a smile.

Hearing what "Auntie" said, Third Sister You blushed with embarrassment, her heart skipped a beat, and said hastily, "Sister, please don't, this makes me ashamed to stay here."

She hasn't been here for a day, and she feels guilty when she lives here for a day.

"Don't be in a hurry now, let's talk about it when the uncle comes back." Qin Keqing said with relief with a soft smile.

Now the external situation is getting more and more serious. Not long ago, there was another Princess Xianning. The third sister came in earlier to share the pressure for her.

At this moment, I only heard the voice of the mother from the outside, saying: "Grandma, the old lady, wife and several girls from the West Mansion are here."

While talking, I saw Mother Jia, Mrs. Wang, Aunt Xue, Yuan Tan, Yingchun, Xiangyun, Chai Dai and the maidservants coming together.

Qin Keqing was surprised, she quickly got up to meet her, and asked, "Old lady, why are you here?"

Second Sister You, Third Sister You, Sister Feng, and Li Wan got up one after another, looked at Mother Jia who was supported by the two wives of King Xing, and came over to greet her.

Yuanchun, Yingchun, Tanchun, Chaidai and Xiangyun also came to pay respects to Qin Keqing, calling for younger siblings and sister-in-law.

Mother Jia looked at the plump and graceful beauty in the red dress with a smile, and said with a smile, "Brother Heng's daughter-in-law, just now Baoyu and his father came back from the court meeting. Brother Heng won the battle in Henan and said yes." Recovered Kaifeng Fucheng, and Runing Fucheng."

As soon as this remark came out, Qin Keqing's face was slightly startled, and then the bright and charming jade face suddenly burst into joy, and she said in surprise: "Old lady, husband, he won the battle in Henan?"

"Victory, Kaifeng Prefecture and Runing Prefecture have returned to the imperial court. Baoyu and I were still discussing this matter just now, and Shenjing should have been spread by now." Mother Jia said with a chuckle. .

Can't help but look at the graceful and beautiful woman opposite, secretly thought, Brother Heng's daughter-in-law is getting better and better, and she feels strange when she looks at it, can such a color be cultivated by a small family?

That is to marry brother Heng, otherwise such a good color, marrying a small family and a small family, is the root of a beauty and a prodigal family.

The so-called old people become smart, Jia Mu has lived for decades, not to mention what she heard, but what she saw with her own eyes, such things are not uncommon.

Sister Feng was also taken aback, with a smile on Guazi's face, and she asked: "Old Ancestor, this is really a happy event. Brother Heng's contribution is probably not small compared to the previous few times, isn't it?"

Unlike Aunt Xue who still needs to be reminded before other people can react, Sister Feng, who lived with Qin Keqing in Ningguo Mansion for a while, immediately thought of being promoted for meritorious service.

Thinking of this, he glanced at Qin Keqing from the corner of his eye, with complicated and inexplicable thoughts.

Jia Mu smiled and said, "Isn't that right? But we'll have to wait for Brother Heng's class teacher to come back."

Second Sister You and Third Sister You also had joyful expressions on their faces, and their hearts were filled with excitement.

Especially Third Sister You, her eyes flickered under her beautiful eyebrows, and she thought to herself, the uncle won the battle, and I'm afraid the teacher will return to the court soon, then...

Baochai stared at Qin Keqing with watery almond eyes, and the two exchanged eyes quickly, tacit understanding.

Qin Keqing called Jia Mu and everyone to sit down, then ordered Baozhu to prepare lunch, and everyone sat down one after another.

"Old lady, did the second master say when your husband will come back?" Qin Keqing asked quickly.

Jia Mu laughed and said, "I heard from Baoyu and his father that Brother Heng still has some aftermath matters. I'm not in a hurry to be a teacher right now."

Qin Keqing nodded, the joy on her face faded a little.

Jia Mu smiled and said, "Brother Heng and daughter-in-law, don't worry too much, it won't take long, he should be back."

Qin Keqing nodded, but there was still a trace of worry in her heart.

(End of this chapter)