Golden Branch

After a few days of observation, Zheng Yi had a general understanding of Zhuangzi and Wang Heng.

Zhuangzi was just an ordinary farm with several hundred acres of fertile land, dozens of farmers, and thirty or forty servants.

The servants included the head of the village, the manager of the other courtyards, the cooks, the tutors, slaves, etc.

Zheng Yi has ordered people to register all the slaves.

Managing dozens of people is a piece of cake for the female attendant who once took charge of the harem.

Zheng Yi didn't use any tricks, just a re-registration made all the slaves, including the head of the village and the manager, realize that this Zheng woman was not someone to be trifled with.

Zheng Yi was not only outstanding in her own abilities, but she was also selected by Jiang Shi and sent by Wang Lin himself.

Most of the slaves in Zhuangzi were also servants of the royal family. They all knew the rules and had the "wisdom" of being a slave.

Behind Zheng Ai are the former queen and her husband. In this village, she is the second most important person after Jiu Niang.

Even Jiu Niang had to obey her guidance and teachings.

Although Zheng Ai did not have the official title of Fu's mother, everyone in Zhuangzi knew that she was Jiu Niang's real Fu's mother.

Fu's mother has the responsibility to discipline and advise the little girl.

Zheng Fu Mu Yi: ...Zhuangzi and the servants are easy to manage, but this Jiu Niang is a little hard for her to describe.

In fact, when Zheng Yi saw Wang Heng for the first time, her eyes jumped.

You know, for someone like Zheng Yi who has seen many storms and is used to remaining calm even when faced with a mountain collapsing in front of her, it is already quite difficult to make her eyes flicker.

It’s not that Wang Heng is so scary, but the Wang Heng in front of her is completely different from what she expected.

She is not ugly, but she is very different from her biological mother who is fairy-like and beautiful.

He is not naughty, nor does he have low self-esteem. He is just well-behaved and gentle.

Zheng Yi anticipated the possible personalities of Wang Heng, the orphaned girl. She might be spoiled, timid, prickly like a hedgehog, or timid like a tiger cub...

Wang Heng does not fit the description at all.

She is not ugly, nor is she absolutely beautiful. She has a chubby little face and a round body. She is cute yet delicate.

One can vaguely see the shadow of Jiang in the face shape, eyebrows and eyes.

Zheng Yi dared to bet that in time, if Wang Heng grew a few years older and lost a little more weight, she would definitely become a little Jiang.

That's right, she has to be thinner, and lose a lot of weight, so that her original appearance can be highlighted instead of being hidden by a pile of fat.

Appearance is innate, but body shape can be developed.

Her temperament is fine. After all, she is a girl from the Wang family. She has been influenced by her family since she was a child. Even if she doesn't study it deliberately, she will integrate the rules and etiquette into her bones and engrave them into her soul.

After observing Wang Heng carefully, Zheng Yi found that the only thing he was satisfied with about her was her "indifferent" temperament - she was not surprised by fame or disgrace, and her emotions were not revealed on her face.

At such a young age, despite having lost his mother and father, he was still able to remain calm and composed. This kind of mentality is rare even in the palace.

Even though she was not accepted by her stepmother and ended up on a farm on the outskirts of the city, she did not tremble in fear or complain about her fate.

Every day, the little girl still eats and sleeps well, and in her spare time she pets cats and feeds rabbits.

Oh, by the way, there is also a small snake with its fangs pulled out.

God knows, when Zheng Yi first saw the emerald green bamboo pit viper, his face almost changed.

This is a poisonous snake. If it bites you, you will die.

Even though his fangs had been pulled out, Zheng Yi still kept his distance from this soft, cold and slippery creature.

Zheng Yi discovered that Wang Heng didn't really like the little snake, but she still fed it carefully.

The child was only six years old, but he was able to control his nature and likes and dislikes. This alone was enough to make Zheng Yi look at him with respect.

"...As expected of Jiang's daughter, her appearance and character are quite interesting."

Zheng Yi's agreement to come to the Wang family to be a tutor was not really set in stone.

Since Jiang chose her, she would also choose Wang Heng.

If Wang Heng did not suit her taste, Zheng Yi would "resign".

Last year, the palace was in such chaos, but Zheng Yi still found a way to escape safely. Naturally, this small Hedong could not trap her.

Therefore, after Zheng Yi came to Zhuangzi, he did not rush into the "teaching" state, but was making a final assessment - whether Wang Heng was worthy of his "entrustment" of the rest of his life!

After a few days, Zheng Yi made a judgment: Wang Jia Jiuniang, though flawless, has more merits than flaws, and is a piece of unpolished jade worth carving!

She could stay and give it a try!

Zheng Yi had made a preliminary choice, and the next step was to teach.

First, gain an in-depth understanding of Wang Heng’s learning situation.

"Jiu Niang, what books have you read? Are there any that you like, such as music, chess, calligraphy, and painting?"

Zheng Yi knelt formally face to face with Wang Heng. Her voice was soft but her eyes were serious.

Being watched in such a way, Wang Heng couldn't help but put away her innocent expression and sat up straight with a serious expression.

The Zhou Dynasty has always promoted sinicization, and the powerful, wealthy families, etc. all advocated kneeling.

Especially since the Wang family was an old clan, they regarded high-legged furniture such as Huchuang as crude and vulgar things of barbarians.

Wang Heng started learning to sit on her knees as soon as she learned to walk.

Now, she can kneel and sit very straight.

Well, I just have a lot of flesh, so it's a bit difficult to kneel on my legs.

But Wang Heng can overcome it.

She straightened her back, raised her head, and answered the question obediently: "Replying to Zheng Ai, I have read Taigong's Family Instructions and am now reading the Book of Songs."

Zheng Yi was neither surprised nor disappointed when he heard this.

Wang Heng's learning progress is neither too good nor too bad, just average.

Taigong Family Education is an enlightenment book for children that has been passed down since ancient times. Many children from prominent families have started learning it when they are two or three years old.

The Book of Songs can be considered as a primer. It is not just poetry, but more of a literary enlightenment.

Being familiar with the Book of Songs at the age of five or six is ​​also a basic requirement for the children of the clan.

Yes, basic requirement.

Wang Heng's studies meet the basic requirements. They are not unqualified, but they are not too advanced either!

Zheng Yi secretly assessed Wang Heng's abilities, but Wang Heng continued to answer the questions obediently: "Among the four arts of music, chess, calligraphy, and painting, I'm quite good at calligraphy."

Zheng Yi raised an eyebrow, "Book?"

Jiu Niang is good at calligraphy?

Zheng Yi immediately realized that Jiu Niang's surname was Wang, and the Wang family of Langya was most famous for its calligraphy.

One or two hundred years ago, the Wang family produced a brilliant calligrapher, and Wang's calligraphy was the best in the world!

As descendants, the Wang family even listed "books" as a compulsory course.

As the eldest daughter of the head of the family, Wang Heng had to study calligraphy diligently even if she didn't like it.

Yes, I don’t like it!

Zheng Yi is such a perceptive person. Many old foxes can't hide from her, let alone a little girl whose thoughts are written on her face.

Zheng Yi caught some clues from Wang Heng's tone and expression. She dared to bet: Wang Heng did not like calligraphy, she was just "good" at calligraphy among the four arts.

As for what Wang Heng likes, Zheng Yi doesn't intend to ask. She will observe, and then let Wang Heng learn and improve without leaving any trace... This is one of her methods of "winning her heart".

Zheng Yi decided to test whether the young master Wang Heng could be trusted.

In the process of "giving it a try", we must also win over people's hearts.

Zheng Yi doesn't want to be just "Zheng Ai", she wants to be the person Wang Heng trusts the most, relies on the most, and is closest to!

……

"Jiu Niang! Jiu Niang! Lou Dalang is here!"

Just when Zheng Yi was about to test Wang Heng's specific subjects, a little maid came running in from outside the courtyard.

Zheng Yi frowned slightly.

This farm is not as good as the main house after all. The manners of the servants are still not good enough.

How can a slave be so disrespectful as to shout and scream in the yard?

Zheng Yi did not lose his temper on the spot, but wrote it down silently.

She still needs to continue "collecting" and once she has enough "evidence", she will settle the accounts together.

Moreover, the "Lou Dalang" mentioned by the maid also attracted Zheng Yi's attention.

Before arriving in Hedong, Zheng Yi had a general understanding of the situation in Hedong.

She knew that Hedong, located east of the Yi River, was just a small county with a population of less than a thousand households.

The county magistrate of Hedong County was her "master", Wang Lin, the son of the Wang family.

There were troops stationed in Hedong, and the general in charge was Lou Jin, the head of the Helou clan, who was the first to join General Yang Chong.

Lou Jin did not marry, but he had a illegitimate son, Lou Dalang.

The young master of the Lou family has a reputation for being naughty.

After following Madam Cui to Hedong, he became "notorious" in just a few days.

When Zheng Yi was in Yizhou, he heard about Lou Dalang's evil deeds.

"...It seems today that Lou Dalang is indeed naughty."

The Lou family and the Wang family can barely be considered in-laws.

Lou Jin and Wang Lin also seemed to have a pleasant "cooperation".

However, Lou Dalang, a seven-year-old boy, was running around in a courtyard where only female residents were staying. This was really unruly!

"Fat girl! Fat girl! Here I come again!"

Before the people arrive, the sound comes first.

Zheng Yi was still secretly complaining about Lou Dalang's arrogance and rudeness, when Lou Dalang's loud voice had already penetrated into the main hall.

Then came the sound of footsteps.

Zheng Yi raised his head and observed calmly.

It was almost noon, the sun was shining brightly, and there was a dazzling sunlight at the door.

In the bright light, a lively figure jumped out.

Zheng Yi squinted her eyes, letting them adjust to the light and shadows. Then, she saw the person clearly.

The boy, about seven or eight years old, was very tall and seemed to be a head taller than the little maid who was leading the way.

He wore a bright red robe with a lapel embroidered with gold thread and a belt inlaid with white jade around his waist.

On the belt, there are accessories such as purses and jade pendants.

On his feet were a pair of black leather boots with pointed toes, which stepped on the clean wooden floor with a thumping sound.

According to the rules of the Da Zhou clan, you must take off your shoes when entering the house.

Lou Dalang ignored everything and rushed over like a calf.

"Fatty, I've found a chef who's good at roasting meat. I'll have him make you something delicious later!"

Lou Dalang didn't notice at all that there was another Zheng Yi in the main room.

Or rather, he saw it but didn't care.

Looking at the entire Wangjiazhuang, he only cares about one person: the fat girl!

When Wang Heng heard the word "delicious", her eyes lit up.

However, although Lou Dalang could "ignore" Zheng Yi, Wang Heng would never forget that she had Zheng Ai by her side who was dedicated to teaching her.

She did not answer Lou Dalang immediately, but turned her head and looked at Zheng Yi: "Zheng Ai, this is the brother of the Lou family."

"My brother and I are about the same age, and the two manors in Lou and Wang are quite close to each other."

"On weekdays, my brother and I often play together."

In her soft little voice, Wang Heng quickly introduced Lou Dalang and explained his "rudeness".

Although she did not openly defend Lou Dalang, she also explained that she and Lou Dalang were old friends and playmates.

Rules are not set in stone.

For familiar in-laws and family friends, and if the children have fun together, there won't be so many formalities.

"Brother Lou, you are the most straightforward. If I have been disrespectful, please forgive me, Aunt Zheng!"

The first few sentences were quite true, but this one sounded a bit "unconscionable" to Wang Heng.

Is Lou Dalang straightforward?

He is clearly a bear!

Moreover, even faster, Wang Heng herself will experience Lou Dalang's "bear".

"It turns out to be the young master of the Lou family!"

Seeing Wang Heng taking the initiative to help Lou Dalang "paint", Zheng Yi did not care, but walked down the stairs.

She nodded in understanding, then deliberately glanced at the hourglass in the corner: "It's getting late, let's stop here for today."

"Jiu Niang, since Lou Dalang is here to look for you, you should entertain the guest first."

As he spoke, Zheng Yi stood up.

Wang Heng also quickly stood up.

Zheng Yi and Wang Heng exchanged greetings, then nodded slightly towards Lou Dalang as a greeting.

Lou Dalang:... Humph, I hate these hypocritical old foxes the most.

This woman had a smell that was both familiar and disgusting to him!

Lou Dalang turned his head away and ignored Zheng Yi.

Zheng Yi was not angry, but curled the corners of his lips. It was interesting. It seemed that this Lou Dalang was not just a naughty boy.

He is sharp and intelligent!

After Zheng Yi left, Lou Dalang rushed directly to Wang Heng, grabbed her hand, and pulled her to the yard.

Under the crabapple tree, a chef has already set up a grill.

Speaking of which, the grill has become more convenient and easy to use after Wang Mian’s “improvement”.

The ingredients have been tied to the grill. The chef follows Wang Mian's method, turning the grill while brushing it with honey.

The firewood made crackling sounds, and the orange flames licked the ingredients frantically.

The high temperature hits the skin and flesh, making a sizzling sound. Oil oozes out of the skin, emitting bursts of meaty aroma.

With the addition of honey, the fragrance comes overpoweringly from a long distance away.

"smell good!"

Wang Heng sniffed, her fair and tender face full of intoxication.

"If it smells good, eat more! Hehe!"

Lou Dalang offered to help, pulling out a dagger from his boot, but had to rinse it clean under Wang Heng's disapproving gaze.

Then, he used a dagger to cut off a piece of roasted golden and crispy meat and fed it to Wang Heng with his own hands.

Wang Heng opened her mouth obediently and ate the meat like a hungry baby bird.

"Is it tasty?"

There was a strange light flashing in Lou Dalang's eyes.

"It's delicious! Brother, you should eat it too!"

"Of course it's delicious. This is the freshest rabbit meat." Lou Dalang finally showed his fangs, cold and cruel.

"rabbit?"

Wang Heng was stunned for a moment and stopped chewing.

She seemed to have thought of something and suddenly raised her head, "Rabbit meat? You mean, this is rabbit meat?"

It's not what she thinks, is it?

Bunny?!

She raised a rabbit for a month?!

vomit!

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