Foster son and husband

Chapter 44 Camellia
Mei Niang followed Xu Junying all the way to Jinhua Hall in silence, the old lady's room was full of laughter and chatter, presumably there were many grandchildren talking around, the lady in the corridor opened the warm curtain and announced loudly:
"Grandpa and grandma are here!"

The room was quiet for a while, and only when the two of them entered did they laugh again. The old lady was wearing a soft cotton gown with ginger-colored blessings and flowers, her hair was neatly tied in a bun, she was wearing gold hairpins, and she was wearing a cashmere inlay. With a jeweled forehead, smiling Mimi leaned on the couch, surrounded by the three young ladies of the Xu family, and her cousin Zhuang Yulan, who was using the old lady's legs as a test product, to make the old lady more comfortable than trying to see who rubs them better.

As soon as Xu Junying and Meiniang came in, everyone stood up except the old lady, and turned their faces towards them like a sunflower. Zhuang Yulan's face was radiant, and she looked past Meiniang to Xu Junying behind her. Meiniang is not good. Looking back, I thought that Xu Junying must have accepted the move.

Ning Rulan and third master Xu Junya had arrived first, and they stood together, looking at them with smiles on their faces.The fourth master, Xu Junting, brought his wife, Mrs. Gan, to say hello, but the old lady left him a meal. The couple were sitting under Xu Junya and his wife. When they saw Xu Junying coming in, Xu Junting immediately pulled Mrs. Gan, stood up, and stood respectfully .

Mei Niang rubbed her hands together and shouted exaggeratedly: "Old Ancestor! Your room is too warm and comfortable! I will stay here with you tonight, and I won't let you go! It's so cold outside, I'm about to die Popsicles!"

Old Madam Xu nodded at Mei Niang, laughing until Jin Bu shook her head: "Look at what she said! She despises my old woman and refuses to live with me, so she insists on talking about me Chase her! The two of you come over here, this brazier has just been filled with charcoal, and it is booming!"

Someone had already handed the brass hand warmer to Meiniang. It was the shy and gentle Xu Xiaorong. Meiniang smiled and said thank you, then turned around and handed the hand warmer to Xu Junying:
"Warm you too?"

Everyone in the room laughed, Xu Junying was a little uncomfortable, pushed away the hand warmer, and took two steps away from her:

"You take it!"

Mei Niang groaned in her heart: Make a show, I thought it was for you!

In the previous life, she was very good at pleasing her little girlfriends. The three young girls in Xu's mansion who have not left the court have different personalities, but they all like Mei Niang. They all surrounded her. Xu Xiaomin took Mei Niang's arm and said to Xu Junying:
"Brother, let my sister-in-law sit with me, I want to talk to my sister-in-law!"

Xu Junying smiled: "It's up to you. We have to salute grandma first, right?"

Xu Xiaomin hurriedly let go of Meiniang, and moved out of the way with Xiaorong and Xiaowan. Xu Junying and Meiniang walked up to the old lady and saluted respectfully. The old lady smiled and said:
"It's up to you. Who was hungry just now? Let's take a seat now. Come, Ruixue help me!"

Seeing that Zhuang Yulan folded her hands on her stomach, Meiniang put the hand warmer on her hand, but Zhuang Yulan had to catch it. , but seeing that Xu Junying had helped the old lady's right hand earlier, the two of them helped each other to sit down at the table, and everyone behind them came to find a seat to sit down. Zhuang Yulan held a hand warmer and bit her lip. Put the hand warmer on the brocade stick, walk to the table, the old lady has already sat down, Xu Junying on one side, and Qin Meiniang on the other, Xu Junying went in the order according to the rules, followed by Xu Junya, Xu Junting and his wife, Meiniang's side But it was a mess, Xu Xiaomin sat next to her, then Xu Xiaorong and Xu Xiaowan, Zhuang Yulan wanted to sit in, only under Xiaowan, and the seat she used to sit next to the old lady was taken now Go, let her take the last seat, how can you be willing?
Ever since the old lady fell in love with the hot pot made by Mei Niang, she even believed her words, saying that the more people eat, the sweeter it is, and the most interesting thing is to do it yourself. They are all family members. No matter how old or young you are, the emphasis is on being relaxed, lively and fun.

Zhuang Yulan was standing there in a daze, Xu Junying looked up and asked with concern, "Why doesn't Lan'er sit down?"

Mei Niang felt that Xu Junying glanced at her, and deliberately did not look at him. Seeing that the old lady was concentrating on the boiling soup pot, she obviously did not hear Xu Junying's question, so she simply approached the old lady, pretending to make seasoning dishes for her, while looking for a Talking about very interesting and funny topics to her is supposed to draw the old lady's attention away.

Xu Junying really wanted Mei Niang to step aside, she was the eldest grandson daughter-in-law, she was supposed to serve the elder brothers and sisters to eat first, and she could sit down when everyone had finished eating, but Mei Niang couldn't see his hint and ignored him, In desperation, he stood up and wanted his younger siblings to change seats. Zhuang Yulan is a guest, so it is not easy to let her take the last seat. Just as Xu Xiaorong was about to sit down in the empty seat, Xu Xiaowan stood up early and made room with her. The old lady looked around at the seat and instructed Xu Xiaorong to make room for Zhuang Yulan.

Only then did everyone settle down and pick up the bowls and chopsticks to eat.

Meiniang breathed a sigh of relief, and couldn't help cursing secretly: Xu Junying took the wrong medicine, why do you always have trouble with your wife?I want my old lady to give way, see your big head ghost!Tired all day today, I was so hungry that my chest was sticking to my back, who is in the mood to stand behind and serve you, seeing you eating hot, my old lady swallowed there, resolutely quit, no matter what, I have to have a hot meal first , Have a sip of hot soup!

Mama Cai is really not a kitchen steward for nothing. Meiniang never needs to repeat what Mei Niang ordered her to do, the dishes she ordered, the heat requirements for cooking, and even the way various meats are prepared and placed on the plate. She can be careless about the color, and follow Mei Niang's instructions completely. Meiniang can't help laughing when she hears the old lady praise the dishes, especially the dish of fish. The fish head is so interesting. Call it creativity, okay?There are all kinds of modern recipes, and the art of plate presentation is even more colorful. She can't cook, but she can read it and remember it. Tell Mama Cai, and the people under Mama Cai will naturally be able to cook it.

Meiniang ate a few mouthfuls of hot soup, and ate some meat and vegetables. She became much more energetic. Then she stood up and began to sincerely serve and greet the old lady and younger siblings. Even Zhuang Yulan took care of her. A spoon, then chopsticks for a while, serving vegetables here, adding soup there, long-sleeved and good at dancing, very busy.

Seeing the old lady eating a piece of pig's foot with relish, Meiniang scooped up a piece of pig's foot in the pot with chopsticks, and put a thick piece of pig's foot skin into Xu Xiaorong's bowl, Xu Xiaorong was taken aback for a moment:
"Sister-in-law, I don't like this!"

"Why don't you like to eat?"

Xu Xiaorong frowned: "Fat and greasy!"

Mei Niang said: "Take a bite and see, where is it fat? It's just a piece of pigskin without any fat. Look at the skin of our ancestors, it's white and delicate, there is no stain, and there are few wrinkles. Is this why? My ancestors, there is a secret recipe for beauty!"

The old lady Xu was angry and laughed: "You monkey! You are talking nonsense again, what secret recipe can I have for beauty?"

Mei Niang asked earnestly: "Does the ancestor love stewed pig's trotters the most?"

Mrs. Xu took the hot handkerchief from Ruixue, wiped her mouth and nodded: "Yes, I love to eat since I was a child."

Mei Niang looked at Xu Xiaorong: "Understood? The secret recipe of the ancestors' beauty is here! Eat more pig's trotters and pig skin, the skin will be plump and delicate, fair and bright, as recorded in ancient medical books, I will show it to you someday. You are a sister The thinnest one, you should eat more..."

Xu Xiaomin tugged on Mei Niang's sleeve: "My sister-in-law is partial, why don't you ask me to eat?"

Mei Niang smiled and pulled back her sleeves: "Alas! Little sister, your little face is as round as a moon, your complexion is pure and transparent, and beautiful, you can eat some, it is best not to eat too much, it is difficult to lose weight when you are fat! "

After hearing what Meiniang said, Xu Xiaorong fell silent and lowered her head to gnaw on the pigskin. Xu Xiaowan watched her eat, stretched out her chopsticks, retracted them, and shouted at Meiniang: "Sister-in-law, I want it too!"

Mei Niang had no choice but to hold a piece for her, and said to Gan who was opposite: "You also think you should be thinner, eat more!"

Gan Shi was looking at Meiniang fascinatedly, when she caught her attention unexpectedly, he hurriedly responded: "Yes, I can eat, thank you sister-in-law!"

Ning Rulan smiled and said: "It seems that I want to eat a piece too?"

Mei Niang shook her head: "You and Cousin Lan can't eat it, you are using decoction, you should avoid greasy, fishy smell, spirits, ginger and onion and other spicy things."

Xu Junya was surprised: "Ah, really... I just gave her a small piece of fish!"

Mei Niang smiled: "Eat it as soon as you eat it, is it possible to make her spit it out? It's okay, it's just once or twice, just pay attention tomorrow!"

Mrs. Xu said: "I can't take anything by myself. I should always remember that taking medicine can't be sloppy."

He looked at Mei Niang reproachfully again: "What is the secret recipe in the medical book? Eating feet and hooves can also beautify your face? It's really unheard of, just coax your sisters with words, just don't drag me, I will not give you the secret recipe for beautification , can you spare me?"

Mei Niang giggled twice, kept her hand on, took a piece of tender fish with a spoon and put it in the old lady's bowl, leaned over and whispered in her ear: "The old lady also likes to eat fish, and fish is also good for the skin. It's a secret recipe!"

Mrs. Xu smiled until her eyes narrowed, and said to her grandchildren: "Eat quickly, this fish is very good, eat it while it's hot!"

Seeing that Xu Junying was not moving, Meiniang took a clean white porcelain bowl, took a spoonful of fish soup and two pieces of fish, and moved them to him, smiling:
"Master Hou, eat some fish!"

Xu Junying glanced at her and pushed the bowl back: "I don't like fish, eat it yourself!"

The old lady Xu was stunned for a moment, looked at Xu Junying and sighed: "Poor thing, I have been by my side since I was a child, and my grandmother doesn't even remember what I like to eat or not!"

Xu Junying smiled and said to the old lady: "Grandmother eat slowly, don't worry about grandson, grandson has developed a habit in the army, eats food very quickly, no less than you, he has tasted everything! "

Suddenly, the woman outside the door shouted: "The sixth master is here!"

The warm curtain was raised, and sure enough, Xu Junxuan was seen wearing a cloak and covered in snow.

Mrs. Xu put down the bowl: "What did you say? The sixth son came at this time, have you eaten yet?"

Ruixue Ruihong took off the cloak for Xu Junxuan. Xu Junxuan rubbed his hands. It was extremely cold, but when he suddenly entered the warm room, he couldn't help shivering:

"The grandson came back from the outside in the afternoon and was sleepy while studying. He squinted on his stomach for a while, but when he woke up, it was dark, and the people around him passed on the food. He just looked at it dryly and didn't want to eat it, because he wondered if the old lady would have some It’s delicious, here we come, I really caught up with it!”

The old lady Xu said with a smile: "You monkey, you have caught up! We are all full - hurry up, add some bowls and chopsticks to Liu Ye, and let him drink a bowl of hot soup to warm up!"

Xu Junying stood up: "Sixth brother, please sit here, I'm done eating!"

Xu Junxuan stammered and said, "This, this, how is this good? The elder brother will give way to me..."

The old lady Xu patted him affectionately: "Your elder brother asked you to sit down, just sit down, he eats fast and is already full. Ruixue, take good care of the uncle, bring me the bag of tea!"

Xu Junying walked behind Meiniang, and saw that Meiniang added a scoop of hot fish soup to the bowl of fish broth that was served to him just now, and moved it to Xu Junxuan:
"Let's drink a bowl of fish soup, Liu Ye. It's warm and warm. You should also eat more fish. For those who study, eating fish will benefit your brain!"

Xu Junxuan took the soup bowl with both hands, his eyes gleaming with joy: "Thank you sister-in-law! That...uncle hasn't returned yet?"

Mei Niang smiled gently, and said with some worry: "There is no news, is it snowing again?"

Xu Junxuan hurriedly comforted her: "Sister-in-law, don't worry, those people sent by elder brother can protect uncle, so it should be fine!"

"I hope, Sixth Master, eat quickly, don't starve!"

Mei Niang suddenly lost her enthusiasm and happiness, put down the spoon in her hand, stopped looking at others, sat quietly beside the old lady, and ate in silence with her head bowed.

The old lady ate about the same, and in turn took a bowl full of vegetables and meat for her, and said: "We have finished eating. You worked hard all night, but you didn't eat well. Fortunately, the sixth child came over, and he will accompany you." Let's go together!"

Everyone finished eating, got up and left the dining table, only Meiniang and Xu Junxuan were still eating, Ning Rulan worriedly looked at Meiniang who was suddenly silent and unhappy, and refused to go away, Xu Junya also accompanied her, one day Talk to Xu Junxuan casually.

Mei Niang drank a bowl of soup, but did not eat a few mouthfuls of food, Xu Junxuan also ate less, the two of them let the maid serve to wash their mouths and hands, and went to the East Chamber of the Nuan Pavilion with Xu Junya and Ning Rulan to drink tea.

Zhuang Yulan was sitting by the tea table, arranging the tea sets with a smile on her face, and preparing to share the tea. Xu Junying naturally sat in the seat closest to her, admiring her technique in a leisurely manner, while Mrs. Xu sat on the other side, watching Seeing Xu Junying and Zhuang Yulan sitting side by side, occasionally raising their eyes and smiling at each other as if they had a good understanding, they couldn't help nodding slightly in satisfaction.

Mei Niang and others came, the old lady told everyone to sit down, but she stood up, supported by Ji's mother and Rui Xue, and went inside to clean the room.

Xu Xiaorong was originally sitting next to Xu Junying, but now she gave up her seat and pulled Meiniang over:

"Sister-in-law and elder brother sit together!"

Mei Niang smiled at her, sat down next to Xu Junying unceremoniously, and said, "How is Cousin Lan's skills? Cousin Zheng's tea can tell the beauty of flowers, sun, moon and stars, can you?"

Xu Junying glanced at her suspiciously, is Zheng Meiyu's tea art so superb?
Zhuang Yulan covered her mouth and smiled: "Look at my sister-in-law asking! Our daughter from a famous family in the south of the Yangtze River must learn the art of tea. Pouring tea and dividing tea can present the beauty of flowers and flowers. The sun, moon, and yesterday are not difficult. Only when the qi persists for a long time is it truly capable!"

Mei Niang exclaimed: "So, Cousin Lan is such a capable person! Let's open our eyes!"

Several ladies also rushed to agree and asked Zhuang Yulan to show her hand.

Zhuang Yulan smiled, and took a quick look at Xu Junying, keeping her hands on the tea table for everything big and small.The ladies of the Xu family had seen her tea art before, and they were not looking forward to it. Instead, Mei Niang watched it very seriously, asking questions about this and that.

Zhuang Yulan finally had the opportunity to show off, how could she let others look down upon her?While answering Meiniang's questions patiently, while making tea with all her heart, sometimes Meiniang stretched her arms, passed Xu Junying, to get a look at the dish in front of her, Zhuang Yulan noticed it sometimes, snatched it back and told her:

"This tea powder has been prepared, don't move it around, otherwise it will be too swollen, and it will be bad!"

Sometimes when Mei Niang was holding it, Zhuang Yulan searched and couldn't find it, and broke out in a sweat, but when she suddenly saw Meiniang holding it, she was so angry that she couldn't get angry, her eyes were full of resentment.

Three times like this, Xu Junying guarded Meiniang for her, not letting her make trouble. When Zhuang Yulan was happy, she looked at Xu Junying with more affection. Meiniang smiled and said lazily:
"In fact, dividing tea is the most boring, waste of time, and meaningless. With this skill, Lord Hou can practice several sets of sword and spear skills. Isn't cousin Zheng's tea art better than cousin Lan? Separate the beauty of flowers, the sun, the moon and stars, There are even birds and beasts. The day before yesterday, she shared tea for Lord Hou and her friends. It turned out that they just drank to quench their thirst and didn't even look at it. Cousin Lan doesn't have to be busy. The tea is divided according to mood and time. In the dark night, the candlelight is not bright, even if it shows something, you can't see it clearly, why don't you share a cup of tea with everyone, and drink it to quench your thirst!"

Everyone stared blankly at Mei Niang, Xu Xiaowan and Xu Xiaomin pressed their lips together tightly, fearing that if they couldn't close them, something would come out of their mouths.

Zhuang Yulan lowered her head and continued making tea, but her hands were shaking. Xu Junying turned her head to stare at Meiniang with a sullen face.

Mei Niang was very innocent: "What's the matter? You... I just want to drink tea, I'm thirsty! Can't wait for the flowers to come out!"

Xu Junying stopped looking at her, and said, "Come here, there is boiling water in the porch, pour a bowl for Grandma!"

At this time, Ruixue helped the old lady Xu to come out, and the old lady Xu asked: "Who wants to drink water? Isn't there a new hot tea here?"

Meiniang hurriedly got up to help the old lady to sit, she accidentally stepped on the corner of her skirt, and fell on Xu Junying with a groan, Zhuang Yulan raised her head in shock, and stared at the couple who wanted to help, but the other seemed to be in trouble The hypochondriac couldn't get up, Mei Niang watched her pause for a long time, finally got distracted, then got up and walked away, the old lady had already sat down, Mei Niang gave her a little help, and said with a smile:

"It's my grandson's daughter-in-law who can't live up to her expectations. She can't stand her thirst, so Master Hou had no choice but to ask for water!"

The people sitting around each had funny expressions, Xu Junying was speechless, the old lady Xu looked at Xu Junying reproachfully, and said to Mei Niang:

"If you don't drink tea, you have to drink water. There is no such rule in our Xu family! Go, sit down, Yulan will divide the tea, drink it slowly, and taste it carefully. This is the best gift from the queen mother in the palace. I have kept the tribute tea and I am reluctant to drink it, let you taste it today!"

Meiniang walked back to Xu Junying and sat down. Xu Xiaomin smiled at her. Meiniang asked, "What are you laughing at, little sister? Let's see how your elder sister Lan's skills are. What kind of flowers can you separate? If you can divide a round moon , it looks like your face!"

Xu Xiaomin smiled and said: "That's all right, I hope the moon she casts is not round, just like a duck egg, people say duck egg faces are the most beautiful!"

Mei Niang suppressed her laughter, and the old lady said: "Where is the moon like a duck egg? Lan'er, give her a full moon..."

But seeing Zhuang Yulan staring at the teacup in front of her with a panicked expression, everyone nearby could see clearly that there was only a piece of invisible white tea foam on the tea surface, there was no full moon or beautiful scenery.

Mei Niang lowered her eyes: she knows a thing or two about modern tea ceremony, but she really doesn't understand ancient tea art. Dividing tea can make strange shapes. That's what she heard from people and books. She also knows that if she wants to do that Realm requires several crucial factors - a quiet and bright environment, a relaxed and friendly atmosphere, a calm and happy mood, if you lose these, you will have a poor psychological quality, which cannot withstand disturbances. No matter how good it is, the camellias can't be distinguished.

(End of this chapter)