The Concubine's Survival Manual

Chapter 72

I didn't know what the second wife wanted to do before, and the seventh lady thought she was dazzling.

Now that she knew what the second wife was thinking, when the seventh lady saw her, she wanted to go up and slap her twice.

Living in the main courtyard, Qin Niangzi was already prepared to be angry, and she could also humble herself to please some people she didn't like.

Even so, she never thought of taking the initiative to step on her enemy in the mud.

After all, it is not easy for everyone, no one is born a bad person, everyone has everyone's helplessness.

But the second wife tried to hit Brother Jiu again and again, which was tantamount to forcing Seventh Lady into a corner.

In this case, it is better to give it a go.In the worst case, there will be a catastrophe, and the second wife will not be able to make her wish.

However, even if you want to make a fuss, you have to act on the camera. It is best to kill with one blow, so that the second wife can completely give up.

Opportunity, but need to wait patiently.

Into August, the weather is still so sultry.

Mrs. Li's birthday is on the tenth day of August.

This year is her [-]th birthday, so naturally she has to make arrangements.

Given the friendship between the Li family and the Yang family, it is natural for the eldest wife to bring her children to support her in person.

But I don't want Brother Jiu and Fifth Lady to suffer from heat stroke one after another, and even Seventh Lady looks sick.

I had no choice but to take Liu Niangzi and go to Li's house early in the morning.

It's rare for the eldest wife to go out, and the elder is in the governor's yamen, so the mansion is a little more relaxed.

Because the weather was too hot and several daughters were sick again, the eldest wife ordered her to avoid homework for these few days.Seventh lady got up and greeted the eldest wife, and shut herself in the Xili room to write.

During lunch, Mrs. Cao specially brought in a large bowl of cold locust leaves, "I'm afraid that Qiniangzi will have a bitter summer. I have passed it in cold water several times, and there is absolutely no heat."

Qin Niangzi had no choice but to smile and asked Bai Lu to count five hundred dollars to Sister Cao. "Thank you for thinking about it."

Since the beginning of summer, Miss Qin didn't think about eating, so she asked the small kitchen for cold noodles once and sent [-] yuan. Sister-in-law Cao cooked Qinianzi's favorite snacks and side dishes every three days and delivered them herself.

Of course, it's not good not to reward... This month, I have also given away several taels of silver.

Even Bai Lu felt a little distressed, and murmured to Qin Niangzi, "Sister-in-law Cao is too greedy, Wu Niangzi just entered Baifang Garden, and she was thinking about your reward."

With Wu Niangzi's generosity, she would send people to the small kitchen to ask for whatever she wanted to eat at any time, and the reward would not be short.

But after Wu Niangzi entered Baifang Garden, she returned to eat and drink in the big kitchen. No matter how coveted Wu Niangzi's bounty was, Mrs. Cao couldn't compete with the people in the big kitchen for business.

Brother Nine's temper is not as gentle as that of Seventh Lady, so after going back and forth like this, he also flattered Seventh Lady.

Qin Niangzi waved her hand, "Forget it, the weather is so hot, and I really want to eat something cold. Give me a small bowl, and you can share the rest."

She has never been stingy about rare food. In the yard, everyone has a portion according to the grade, and the difference is only the portion.It doesn't make a difference because of who is favored and who is not.

Because of this, although Qiniangzi has always been tight-lipped, there are not many complaints from the upper and lower members of the West Side Courtyard, and the servants can be regarded as hardworking.

Bai Lu smiled and found a big Wujin bowl, took out half of the locust tree leaves that Sister-in-law Cao had carefully cooked, and poured it with Qiniangzi's favorite sweet and sour.

"There's so much, how can I eat it?" Seventh Lady frowned.

In the summer, she doesn't think about eating, even if Mrs. Cao is changing ways to please her, Qin Niangzi seems to lose weight.

"You look at the food, the leftovers are mine and Lixia's." Bai Lu distributed them with a smile, "The rest is enough for the people in the courtyard to try something new."

Seventh Lady still wanted to distinguish, but her heart moved.

The eldest wife was not at home, so she happened to be talking to brother Jiu.

Ever since the eldest wife came back, the two siblings have seldom communicated with each other. When they bumped into each other in the eldest wife's room by chance, they just exchanged a few pleasantries.

The few pieces of information revealed by the first lady, it is best to let Brother Jiu know.

She then sent Bai Lu, "Didn't Brother Jiu also suffer from heatstroke? I'm afraid I may not have the appetite to eat after drinking the soup. You can go to Mrs. Cao and ask. If there is no extra food, I will send the remaining half of the bowl to you." Bar."

If this little bit of thoughtfulness can provoke the eldest wife's taboo, Qin Niangzi simply doesn't want to hang out in the main courtyard.

As an older sister, it is normal for her to care about her sick younger brother.

Bai Lu hesitated, "With Sister-in-law Cao's temperament, I'm afraid we'll send it off early, so there's no need for us to be courteous."

Seventh Lady couldn't help laughing.

I forgot about this one.

She smiled at Bai Lu, "It's my fault... Then find something small and send it to Dongpianyuan, and explain to Li Chun that I will go to see brother Jiu in person after a while."

Bai Lu was stunned.

She agreed without hesitation.

Lixia was a little curious, and asked Qin Niangzi while Bailu was passing the message, "What is your intention?"

Qin Niangzi called Li Xia, "At present, my wife is not at home, so there may not be maids coming and going in and out of the main room. If the maids in the courtyard on the east side can be sent away, the news of my visit to Brother Nine will not spread."

Li Xia finally understood, "It won't make my wife feel uncomfortable!"

Seventh Lady smiled, "In the main courtyard, you should be cautious in your words and deeds, you shouldn't get into trouble, no matter how young you are, it's best not to mess with your upper body, don't you think?"

Li Xia was full of admiration, "I don't know how your brain grows, it's born with so many twists and turns!"

Seventh Lady couldn't help but smile, "Aren't they all forced out of this deep house? You don't look smarter than me! When I was in Yangjiacun..." She sighed, "After all, you didn't force me Look at yourself! When it really got to that point, I was forced to come out."

If Lixia realizes something.

Bai Lu entered the room with a smile all over her face, "After lunch, I'll accompany you to visit Brother Jiu!"

#
Suzhou’s summer is scorchingly hot. The noon sun bakes on the blue brick floor, giving it a dazzling melting light. Walking on it gives the illusion of being sticky and greasy, as if the bluestone slabs have been melted by the sun.

The eldest wife was not at home, so the main room was quiet, and the maids on duty also retreated into the east room where the icebergs were placed to enjoy the cool air.

The women and maids who usually come and go in and out of the main courtyard don't know where they went.The main courtyard was quiet, only Wu Niangzi's big yellow cat was dozing in the shadow of the courtyard wall.

Bai Lu held an oil-paper umbrella for Qiniangzi, and the master and servant quietly walked through the main courtyard and entered the main room in the eastern courtyard.

Brother Nine moved in, and Dongpianyuan was very different from when Wu Niangzi lived there.

The door of the south room was half-closed, and one could vaguely see a few figures lying inside: summer is long, and everyone in the Yang family has the habit of taking a nap.

Through the half-rolled Xiangfei bamboo curtain, one can vaguely see the movements of the maids in the west chamber, either leaning on the table, or already lying on the bed... These daughters who are in charge of the household, after all, are a bit delicate , not as hardworking as Lichun.

After entering the main room, Qiniangzi felt that the heat from her whole body disappeared: because Brother Nine was ill, Mother Yao gave him two small icebergs, and as soon as she entered the door, a faint coolness permeated her heart and spleen.

In the area of ​​the hot wind that they entered the house, the crystal clear glazed curtain made a crisp knocking sound.

Lichun came out in response, and invited Qiniangzi into the east room with a smile.

"Since our Ninth Brother entered the East Side Courtyard, is this your first visit?" She had changed her address, "Ninth Brother heard that you were coming, and couldn't even sleep well... I can't wait until the time comes. Now!"

Brother Nine protested dissatisfied, "There's no such fuss, it's just lying on the bed crooked!" Saying that, he jumped up and wanted to get out of bed.

Lichun was so frightened that he pushed him back on the bed again, "Little ancestor, just lie down!" Then he went out of the room, "It's rare to come to Dongpianyuan and eat two slices of watermelon."

Bai Lu followed Li Chun out of the house.

Brother Nine immediately half-sat up and was about to get out of bed, "What's the matter, you're so obsessed."

Seventh Lady couldn't help laughing.

When talking to brother Jiu, she never had to think twice.

After all, the two siblings are connected by blood, and they are naturally close.

She cut to the chase, "Fourth young master, don't think that you are the eldest son who is as stable as Mount Tai..."

Just repeat the information revealed by Chu Niangzi to Brother Jiu.

Brother Jiu didn't care about it at first and didn't take it seriously.

Gradually, he cleared his face and listened attentively.

After all, he is a child who grew up in a mansion, and his background is not pure. He grew up by his adoptive mother's side, and he may have been wronged secretly.

I naturally have my own scale in my heart.

"It's all my fault." Seventh Lady blamed herself a little bit, "If I had known earlier, I shouldn't have gotten angry with Young Master Xu's Biao, but it got out of control and caused such a big trouble..."

Brother Jiu shook his head.

"It's my fault that I can't even protect my own sister!"

Such a young child knows to protect his sister.

Qin Niangzi felt indescribably sore.

"Things have already happened." She left the topic. "No one is right or wrong. If you really want to say that you are wrong, it is... also Xu Fengjia's fault! Yes, it is his fault!"

She apologized to Xu Fengjia from the bottom of her heart.

Although Xu Fengjia was at odds with her, she really didn't have any intention of hurting anyone. Speaking of which, it wasn't his fault.

Brother Jiu was taken aback for a moment, and then smiled again. "It's the first time I've seen Seventh Sister angry!"

The atmosphere relaxed.

Seventh Lady was also somewhat embarrassed.

With her self-cultivation and city government, there is really no need to vent her anger on Xu Fengjia.Although this person acted out of line, if it wasn't for the fact that the eldest wife was too suspicious, this situation wouldn't be the case now.

Although she had to make a living under the hands of the eldest wife, Qi Niangzi did not plan to learn her stinginess.

"Let's think about how to deal with it." She changed the subject. "Second Aunt has been visiting Jiantian these past few months... Huh, I also misjudged her. I didn't expect her to be able to bear it like this! After dealing with Madam Xu, she decided to adopt her again."

Qin Niangzi felt more and more that the second wife was not a simple person.

If it is said that the first wife is too shameless, then the second wife can be said to have put face aside and reached the level of shamelessness.

When Mrs. Xu came, she had a look of remorse. At that time, she kept worrying about her son-in-law, and she looked like she was going to Beijing to share life and death with Aunt Xiang.

As soon as Mrs. Xu left, she reverted to her old ways... On the pretext that the second master was going home for the New Year, she stayed in Suzhou again.It seems that I have left my sons behind...

I'm afraid the anxiety at the beginning was just pretending to entertain Mrs. Xu.

People are shameless, they are truly invincible.

To tear off this piece of dog skin plaster from Da Fang's body, it really took a bit of ingenuity.

Brother Nine also showed a sad face.

"I didn't know that Second Aunt had a wishful thinking!" He also felt a little helpless. "But after all, I'm an elder, so how can I argue with her? Let my mother know, but I don't know what to think!"

The current situation of the Yang family is too complicated. How could he, a child of seven or eight years old, come up with a perfect plan in the blink of an eye.

Seventh Lady was somewhat relieved.

Brother Nine is at least able to hold his breath.

"Don't worry too much." She said unhurriedly, "Father knows it well... Isn't this just elevating the Feng family?"

How can the Elder Master be a simple person who can go from being a down-and-out man to being the governor of Jiangnan today?As long as he has Brother Nine in his heart, the two siblings will not be without confidence.

"That's because someone in the Feng family can praise you." Ninth Brother looked at Seventh Lady narrowly, "When there was no one else, the head of the case asked how my sister was doing, and please rest assured that everyone in the family is safe. Okay. Let me pass on a message, please rest assured that he will never forget your kindness!"

Seventh Lady was speechless for a moment.

Helping the Feng family is just for Jiu Yiniang's sake.

I never thought of getting anything in return.

With the family background of the Feng family, even if Feng Jin can be admitted to Jinshi soon, it will take time to grow to the point where he can compete with the Yang family.By that time, Seventh Lady would already be married and have children. As long as she lived a happy life, even if Feng Jin wanted to repay her kindness, she might not be able to repay her.

She didn't think too deeply.

Although she is a concubine, the families of the Feng family and the Yang family are really far apart, and Feng Jin must be very aware of this. The repayment he said should really be just repayment.

"The person who seals the case is the one who knows how to repay his kindness, that's of course good." She warned Ninth Brother, "You don't have to get too close to him, lest your mother find out and criticize him from the bottom of your heart, but don't be too far away .”

"I know." Brother Jiu felt a little sad, "After all, he is a relative of Yiniang Jiu!"

Both fell silent for a moment.

Seventh Lady thought of Jiuyiniang.

When we were in the northwest, at night, Jiu Yiniang would not let Qiniangzi do work, for fear that she would hurt her eyes.

The two mother and daughter were leaning against the earthen kang, while Jiu Yiniang was embroidering flowers and telling stories to Seventh Lady.

Most of them are stories in wild tales and storybook novels, but seldom talk about my own life experience.

Only that time, when she saw that the flowers in Jiu Yiniang's hands were so delicate, she couldn't help but ask, "Where did you learn your mother's skills?"

When she was in the northwest, she always called Jiu Yiniang her mother.

Jiu Yiniang didn't speak.

In the eyes that were gradually dimmed by the dim and flickering oil lamp, traces of confusion appeared.

She intermittently talked about her natal family to Seventh Lady.

"My ancestors were petty officials, and most of the land was lost in the hands of my grandfather, but what I couldn't lose was craftsmanship... Great-grandmother was a famous embroiderer in the south of the Yangtze River, and she was the best in Jiangsu and Zhejiang with her raised embroidery." Jiu Yiniang's voice carried He said hoarsely, "This craft has been passed on to me, and it is already fragmented, but it is difficult to find an opponent in Suzhou. At that time, I relied on my hands for chewing grain at home, and I could earn a year's rice grain in two months. Dad Opening a private school, my mother takes care of the family affairs, and my eldest brother concentrates on his studies. Although the family is not rich, they are very harmonious."

"I didn't expect to enter the Yang family and rely on hand embroidery to support myself... Fortunately, there is only you, a good girl, by my side. If brother Jiu is by my side, I won't be able to take care of the two children!" Auntie was smiling, but this smile was more heartbreaking than crying. "It's hard not to believe in fate in one's life!"

Although Qin Niangzi was curious, she didn't dare to ask the words she kept in her mouth.

She knew the whole story of Jiu Yiniang's entry into the mansion.

At that time, the eldest wife liked Jiu Yiniang's craftsmanship, so she paid a lot of money to hire her to enter Xianxiufang as an offering. At that time, Jiu Yiniang was 19 years old, just the age to get married.

With Jiu Yiniang's skills, even if the Feng family recruits a relative, most of them are willing to be the aunt.Come to think of it, Jiu Yiniang was also married at that time.

Who knew that she would privately find blind men in the streets and alleys to order her life, and she ordered the day lilies who were suitable for men and women, and hit the belt.

I don't know who passed this word into the ears of the eldest lady.

After coming and going, Jiu Yiniang entered the mansion aggrievedly, because she was a girl from a good family, she was given the title of concubine as soon as she entered the house.Sure enough, he hit the belt and won the man in one fell swoop.

Who knew that Brother Nine, who crawled out of her belly, called the eldest wife, but he came from the heart and couldn't be more affectionate "mother"?
She sighed, "The most worrying thing right now is my wife's doubts about you. I have a charter for this matter, but..."

A strange voice suddenly came from outside the house, "In broad daylight, there is no one in this room anymore? Lichun, Lichun? Si Nizi, didn't you even look at what I was carrying in my hand?"

Accompanied by the coquettish voice, Gu Yu naturally entered the Dongli Room.

Qin Niangzi couldn't avoid it, so she had to smile at Gu Yubao. "Fifth Sister sent you to visit Ninth Brother?"

The surprise in Gu Yu's eyes flashed away.

"Yes!" She smiled honestly, "Young lady has newly made rose custard, and sent me to deliver a bowl to Brother Jiu." As she spoke, she smiled and brought out colorful sprinkles of gold from the food box in her hand. He opened the big cup, opened the lid, and blew on the wisps of white smoke, "It's chilled, it's still cold." He took out a small blue and white porcelain bowl and put it on the bedside table. "Say it's because you like it after eating it, and let her ask for it."

Seventh Lady and Ninth Brother exchanged glances.

There was worry in the eyes of both of them.

Wu Niangzi is not a person who can hide things. I am afraid that the eldest wife will soon know that Qi Niangzi came to visit Brother Nine behind her back.

The eldest wife always tabooed that Brother Ninth would get close to his twin sister...

(End of this chapter)