As the sun sets, a group of people walk into the inn exhausted.
Miss Yu and her servant were mixed in the crowd, at a loss as to what to do.
The officials arranged accommodation for everyone, some lived in the woodshed, some lived in the dormitory. The exiles were docile and obedient, and everything was in order.
Miss Fourth Yu's face became more and more ugly. The living conditions were so poor that she couldn't imagine sleeping in such a place.
How do more than a dozen people live in one room?
Once again, she clearly realized that this was the daily life of exiled prisoners, nothing but suffering and despair.
She became more determined not to marry.
"Aunt Mu, if you don't eat well and live poorly every day, how can your body bear it for a long time? Your complexion..."
She looked at the rosy-faced Madam Mu II and suddenly became stuck.
I didn't notice it before, but now I realize that the Mu family members look good and walk with a breeze. They are different from the pale-faced people, like they are from two different worlds.
Madam Mu Er showed a trace of confusion on her face. Just as she was about to say something, her eyes suddenly lit up, "Qing'er, here."
Mu Wanqing walked in slowly from outside with a package on her back, followed by the Mu family father and son, carrying bedding and important sundries in their hands.
The officer immediately came over and greeted her warmly, "Miss San, we have arranged two rooms for you."
Mu Wanqing is not someone who would let herself be wronged. When she has money, she improves her living conditions. She used to live in one room, but now she has two!
One room is occupied by the Mu family's father and two sons, and the other is occupied by Mu Wanqing and her daughter. The two rooms are next to each other so they can take care of each other.
She nodded slightly to the officer and said, "Thank you very much."
Be graceful and dignified, and know when to act.
Fourth Miss Yu saw this and felt even more confused. Why did the official only deal with Mu Wanqing? The head of the second house was Second Master Mu.
There was a big bed and a soft couch in the room, and there was a bathroom behind the screen, which was kept spotlessly clean.
Mu Wanqing took a quick look around and was quite satisfied with the environment.
The waiter asked attentively, "Sir, what else do you need?"
Mu Wanqing unpacked the package, which contained clean clothes for changing. "Request a few buckets of hot water and some snacks." If you can't finish the food, just take it away.
She gave him ten cents as a tip, and the waiter didn't think it was too little, and happily responded, "Okay."
Mu Wanqing looked at the master and servant standing at the door and raised her eyebrows. "Miss Yu, how do you and your servant plan to stay together? Do you want to stay in the same room with us? Or do you want to pay for another room? You are good citizens and are not subject to the control of the officials. As long as you have money, it's fine."
Her voice was cold and clear, revealing an indescribable aura.
Miss Yu Si looked at the busy people next door, and then looked at the girl in front of her who was showing off her talent. She felt a lot of pressure, "...I will live with you."
How could she dare to live alone in such an unfamiliar environment?
Mu Wanqing said straightforwardly, "Okay, you sleep on the couch and your nurse sleeps on the floor, is that ok?"
She had already made all the arrangements, what else could Fourth Miss Yu do? "Okay."
The master and servant only brought a package, and there was nothing much to pack.
Mu Wanqing thought the Yu family was really interesting. They just abandoned their daughter and didn't care about her anymore. Let alone sending a dowry, they should at least prepare some luggage.
Those who knew said it was a daughter’s wedding, while those who didn’t thought it was throwing away a burden.
"You didn't bring any bedding, so considering that you're alone, we'll give you the bedding that the Chen family sent you. You don't have to share the accommodation fee with us. As for food and clothing, you can take care of it yourself. Is that ok?"
Miss Yu was stunned. "What?"
Mu Wanqing found a chair and sat down, as if she was going to have a long conversation. "Our family spends one and a half taels of silver every day. One tael is for sharing meals with the officials, and half a tael is for accommodation. Since you are one more person, you can stay with us, but the food expenses will be added separately."
She had no reason to pay for Miss Yu Si, as her money didn't come from the wind.
Fourth Miss Yu was so shocked that she was speechless. The nurse was very angry. "My Miss is the future daughter-in-law of your Mu family. It is said that if you marry a man, you will get clothes and food. The Mu family has the responsibility to take care of my Miss..."
How can we let them pay for it themselves? That's too rude.
Mu Wanqing was too lazy to argue with a servant. "Fourth Miss Yu, I know you don't want to get married, and I understand your feelings. After all, if you get married, you will be convicted and become a criminal woman that everyone looks down upon."
She paused, "So, make it clear from the beginning, don't get too involved. If you find a good person in the future, the Mu family will help you."
Her statement was a little unbelievable, and Miss Yu was stunned, "Why do you think that we can get married with a good reputation after traveling together..."
Mu Wanqing waved her hands. These were not a problem. "Are you willing to be my parents' adopted daughter?"
Fourth Miss Yu was stunned again, completely unable to follow her train of thought, "Adopted daughter?"
Marriage cannot be forced. Mu Wanqing felt that it would be better for everyone if she made it clear from the beginning. "Yes, the marriage certificate is returned, the engagement is cancelled, and she will only be an adopted daughter. Even if we are not blood relatives, we can still be relatives and support each other."
"You can't go back. Our Mu family is the most kind and righteous. We can't just abandon you." She boasted openly, "Of course, I don't want my second brother to marry a wife who is unwilling to marry and be unhappy for the rest of his life."
She felt sorry for her brother. The cheerful and cheerful boy who loved to laugh deserved a wife whose heart and eyes were filled with him.
Miss Yu Si is not a bad person, but she is not suitable.
"Whether it's marriage or cooperation, it all depends on mutual consent..."
"Miss Third, all the vegetables have been bought, come and take a look." A voice came from outside, interrupting Mu Wanqing's words.
She looked at the sky and saw that it was time to cook dinner. She promised to make a big meal to reward everyone.
"I have to go out for a while. You can think about it slowly. There is no need to rush."
Miss Yu couldn't help but call her, "Wait a minute, can you make the decision?"
"Of course." Mu Wanqing exuded confidence and there was light in her eyes.
This is the confidence that Miss Yu has never seen in other girls.
As soon as she left, she took her family away to help.
Miss Yu Si felt uneasy and closed the door tightly. Her beautiful face revealed a trace of fragility and uneasiness.
How should she choose?
She didn't want to be a criminal, but where could a girl go alone? It was dangerous outside.
The nurse embraced her young lady with eyes full of pity, "Young lady, I don't think it's reliable. How old is she? No matter how much the family dotes on her, they will never let her interfere in her brother's marriage. I don't know what she is thinking. The rules of the Mu family are really a mess, too chaotic."
They actually let an unmarried girl come to discuss things. Who are they looking down on?
Fourth Miss Yu looked confused, like a lost deer, "But what does she want? I have nothing."
"You have your mother's family, your father and brothers to rely on..." The nurse was a little weak, obviously lacking confidence, "The master is the censor, as long as he pleads with the emperor, the Mu family can be exempted from punishment. The Mu family must be counting on this."
Fourth Miss Yu smiled bitterly, "Then do you think my father will beg for mercy?"
The nurse was silent for a moment. No! If she wanted to, she would have told the emperor long ago.
"The master is selfless." The nurse also felt a little resentful in her heart, but she advised earnestly, "Miss, don't blame the master. You should write more letters to repair your relationship with your mother's family in the future. You should know that a woman's confidence is her mother's family. With the Imperial Censorate, the second branch of the Mu family will support you and praise you. No one can surpass you."
She is loyal and devoted to her lady, but she was born a servant after all, and her vision and experience are limited.
You want your husband's family to provide for you before you even get married, just because your father is a censor?
Even though the status of the two families is very different and the Mu family has become prisoners, they are still the ones who dominate the future of the fourth young lady.
Unless the engagement is cancelled.
There was a knock on the door. The master and servant immediately fell silent, looking uneasy. Who was it?
"Miss Yu, our Mu family's ancestor is here, open the door quickly."
Ancestor? Old Madam Mu? Fourth Miss Yu stood up suddenly, only then did she remember the existence of this person.
The nurse was so anxious that she was spinning around. "Oh no, I was so rude for not paying my respects to the old lady right away. Why didn't the people from the second house remind me?"
Fourth Miss Yu took a deep breath and said, "Go open the door."
Old Madam Mu and her daughter-in-law came in. Madam Mu San took the initiative to introduce them. Miss Yu Si didn't have time to take a closer look before she bowed and said, "Greetings, old madam."
She was respectful and well-mannered.
Old Madam Mu narrowed her eyes slightly. This was the daughter-in-law she had carefully selected for the second wife.
A child born out of wedlock is raised as a legitimate child. Naturally, his ambitions are as high as the sky, but his life is as fragile as paper.
Mrs. Yu likes to talk about ethics and morals to highlight her status as the first wife, and makes the girls in the family learn the Three Obediences and Four Virtues.
It’s no wonder that noble ladies like daughters-in-law who follow the three obediences and four virtues, so the eldest daughter of the Yu family married into a wealthy family.
When it was Fourth Miss Yu's turn, Mrs. Yu naturally did not want her rival's daughter to marry up, so she made some arrangements and promised her to the second son of the second illegitimate wife of the Mu family.
Can the proud and arrogant Fourth Miss Yu accept this?
If you are unwilling, trouble will arise.
Old Mrs. Mu smiled kindly and held Fourth Miss Yu's hand, praising her again and again.
"The Yu family has a good family tradition. The girls in the Yu family are different. They are especially polite and virtuous. I like good girls like this the most. Child, if the people in the second house treat you badly, just come to me and I will help you make the decision."
She looked just like a kind elder. Fourth Miss Yu was a little flattered. "Thank you, old lady."
She knew that this was the ancestor of the Mu family, who had the highest status and whose words were the most effective.
As long as she could please the ancestors, her life would be easier.
In fact, Old Madam Mu doesn't like delicate and weak girls, as they remind her of those charming concubines.
However, she showed that she particularly liked him. "You are well-educated and well-mannered, which is a good thing. The rules of the second house are not very strict. Mu Wanqing is unruly and has no rules. She is spoiled by her parents. From now on, you will be her sister-in-law and take on the responsibility of discipline."
Fourth Miss Yu didn't expect her to be so blunt and was extremely shocked. "Aunt Mu is in charge, it's not my turn to interfere."
Old Madam Mu shook her head, looking helpless. "She is ignorant and only knows how to spoil her daughter blindly. She doesn't know that the deeper the love, the more far-reaching the plan. She needs to be disciplined. The daughters of the Mu family are one family. The third girl is making too much trouble and will drag down the other sisters..."
"Bang." The door was kicked open.
Mu Wanqing stood at the door, staring at the people in the room with cold eyes.
Old Madam Mu trembled with fear. "You...why are you back? We didn't say anything, we were just chatting casually."
Miss Yu Si: ...
No, they didn't ask anything, why are you so anxious to say these things? You are the elder! Is this attitude normal?
Madam Mu San looked as if she was guilty of something. "We didn't do anything, really."
Miss Yu Si couldn't tell who was the elder and who was the younger for a moment.
Mu Wanqing raised her eyebrows and looked behind Old Madam Mu, "Third Madam, Rong Xue asked me for help last time, saying that she wanted to get a carriage..."
She paused here.
Madam Mu's eyes lit up, and she immediately confessed everything, "The old lady said that Miss Yu should take the responsibility of disciplining you. Actually, you are so smart and capable. If I had a daughter like you, I wouldn't have to worry about my next life."
The second half of the sentence was true, and she had thought so more than once.
"The old lady is old and very incompetent..."
Well, mother-in-law is for sale.
Mrs. Mu's face darkened. "The third brother's family."
Madam Mu San dreamed of owning a carriage, but unfortunately, there was no quota for the direct branch of the family, so she could only watch with envy.
As long as Mu Wanqing doesn't nod, they will never get the carriage.
"Wanqing, I was confused in the past and said some things I shouldn't have said. Now I'm sober. You are the most promising one in our Mu family, much better than your third uncle. In the future, we will rely on you to carry on the family name. No one else can do it..."
She flattered a lot of people crazily, which made Old Madam Mu tremble with anger. Miss Fourth Yu and her servant looked doubtful about their lives.
Who am I? Where am I?
Mu Wanqing finally smiled with satisfaction, "I will greet Master Zeng later and give you a place."
Madam Mu's eyes sparkled with joy, and she danced with joy. "Thank you, niece. You are so kind, generous, and sensible. All the people in this team put together are not as capable as you. Wanqing, you don't know how much I envy your mother."
Mu Wanqing said calmly, "Rong Xue is also very nice. She said that as long as you three mother and daughter have a carriage, you can find a way to survive, so I agreed."
Madam Mu San was stunned, then turned her head and quietly wiped away the tears from the corners of her eyes, with a mixture of feelings in her heart.
Mu Wanqing didn't even go in, just stood at the door, "I want to find a few women to help with the work, twenty cents..."
Before he could finish his words, a group of people came out from nowhere and said, "I'll sign up."
"Pick me, pick me."
Madam Mu San didn't care about being reserved, "Wanqing, I am also very capable, choose me."
The carriage was about to be obtained, but with it came a debt of one hundred taels of silver.
She needs to earn more money. She can't rely on her husband or mother-in-law, so she can only rely on herself.
Mu Wanqing nodded slightly and randomly pointed to a few women, including Mrs. Mu San.
Those who were chosen smiled with joy, while those who were not chosen sighed and grieved.
Everyone wants to earn enough money for the carriage as quickly as possible, and their minds are full of making money, making money, making money!
Mu Wanqing turned her head and said, "Old lady, why don't you leave? You don't want to stay for dinner? I don't welcome you."
"Hmph." Old Mrs. Mu was so angry that her own daughter-in-law betrayed her.
Mu Wanqing was a little annoyed with her. She would stir up trouble the moment she turned around. This old lady was getting stuck in a rut and was determined to make things difficult for the second wife.
"If there is a next time, the carriage quota will never fall to the eldest family. You just keep walking and walking until you reach the border. No, maybe you will never reach it, haha."
The sound of "Hehe" was so devilish that it stimulated Mrs. Mu's forehead to become red, "Mu Wanqing, you dare to curse me?"
Mu Wanqing raised her chin, looking particularly defiant, "What? Come and hit me if you dare."
Mrs. Mu: ...
Having a granddaughter like this is so terrible, I want to throw her away!
She turned and left. Mu Wanqing's gaze fell on Miss Yu and her servant. Their bodies involuntarily tensed up and they held their breath, as if facing a great enemy.
Don’t ask, because asking means you’re afraid!
Mu Wanqing smiled slightly and said, "Don't be afraid, I don't hit women."
The nurse's legs are trembling, and she's even more scared, okay?
A group of people followed Mu Wanqing away. The nurse sat down on the ground, wiped her sweat, and gasped for breath. "Who is this Third Miss Mu? Everyone's attitude towards her is so strange."
Miss Yu was very confused. Old Madam Mu was afraid of her, and other people were both respectful and fearful of her.
This is too weird.
Isn't it said that Mrs. Mu is the most important person in the family and everyone listens to her?
The one who was trying to get the news misled her! Never mind, I'd better go find out for myself.
Her mind was racing, so she decided to take her nanny to visit the neighbors next door.
Everyone was very polite to her, saying how lucky she was and that the second branch was a rare good family.
What’s even more rare is that I have a particularly powerful sister-in-law.
What else can I say? I’m so envious of my sister-in-law’s life of luxury.
These people talk about Mu Wanqing every other sentence. Mu Wanqing is the absolute protagonist, while other people from the second house are rarely mentioned.
Fourth Miss Yu calmly asked these people questions and learned about Mu Wanqing's glorious deeds from them, which made her feel numb.
How can this person be considered a mortal? He is clearly... a demon with great intelligence.
She's so charming at this age, when she grows up...
Miss Yu Si got goosebumps all over her body, but fortunately, she did not offend anyone.
She felt that a man of insight is a hero, so she decided to follow Mu Wanqing for the time being.
Sister Yi, it seems feasible?
The kitchen is bustling with activity.
Killing chickens, fish and ducks, washing vegetables and cutting meat, there were many dishes in large quantities, and everyone was very busy.
Mu Wanqing ordered everyone around, but she was not idle either, she made soup stock and egg dumplings.
Roast pork, chicken, duck, fish, egg dumplings, radish, pork bones, pork knuckles, mushrooms, kudzu, fish cakes, and grass shrimps are layered into a large pot and boiled in broth. All the vegetables are cooked in one pot and all the flavors blend together. This is the simplified version of the big pot dish.
The soup in the pot was boiling, making a "buzzing" sound, filling the house with fragrance, and the strong aroma spread far and wide.
The officials lay at the door with their eyes wide open, swallowing their saliva. The aroma aroused the appetite in their stomachs, making them feel hungry. They had only one thought in mind: they wanted to eat.
When can I eat? Hurry up.
The convicts didn't dare to approach, but they sniffed from a distance, with their faces full of greed.
Old Mrs. Mu was sitting restlessly in the room. Humph, Mu Wanqing was getting more and more outrageous. How could she make the dishes so fragrant and tempting?
"Jinyao, you have a good relationship with Mu Wanqing, go ask her for a bowl of meat and bring it back so that you can share it with her."
The Mu family members looked at Mu Jinyao eagerly, with greed written all over their faces.
Mu Jinyao sighed silently. He had just gone out to act like a demon and was caught by Mu Wanqing, and now he wanted to eat the food she cooked. What a good thing he was thinking about.
"When have I ever eaten the food she cooked? Old lady, I really don't have the dignity to do that."
Old Madam Mu's mouth was watering. As she got older, she wanted something delicious. Recently, nothing she ate tasted good. She couldn't stand the smell. "Go now if you're told to. Why are you wasting your time?"
The more I can’t eat, the more I want to eat it, and I’m crying with greed.
Mu Jinyao wanted to say something but the eldest lady gave him a look and dragged him out.
"Mom, I really can't do it." Mu Wanqing helped her just for the sake of a little help. It was not for any sisterhood at all. There was no such thing between them.
Madam Mu was also very greedy, but she also knew Mu Wanqing's character very well, "You go and try, and it will be over if you can fool her."
Mu Jinyao couldn't bring herself to show off and just stood silently in the dark.
In the kitchen, Mu Wanqing saw that the fire was almost ready, and she quickly prepared a bowl of glazed starch and poured it on the pot of food, making the aroma more intense. "It's ready to eat."
She didn't hear the sound of people rushing in, and couldn't help but tilt her head to look outside out of curiosity.
Hey, why are Lord Zeng and the others standing in such an orderly manner?
If you are not active in eating, there is something wrong with your thinking.
A clear voice sounded outside, "What delicious food is the kitchen making? We want some too."
Along with the sound, a group of men in black appeared at the kitchen door, led by the spirited young man.
"It's you." Mu Wanqing's eyes lit up. It was her savior. "What a coincidence. I didn't expect to meet you here again."
Du Shaoxuan was surprised. It was this little girl again.
"You did this?"
As soon as he entered the inn, he was attracted by the strange fragrance. His taste buds were completely activated and he followed the scent.
Mu Wanqing nodded with a smile, "Yes, my cooking skills are pretty good. Please do me a favor and sit down to taste it."
Lord Zeng was shouting frantically in his heart, “Reject, reject quickly.”
Du Shaoxuan looked at the dazzling array of large pot dishes, which were delicious and fragrant. He really wanted to refuse, but as soon as he said it, his words changed automatically, "Okay."
Lord Zeng and Shen Yong looked at each other and saw pain in each other's eyes.
There’s just this much, not enough for them to share!
These people didn’t know how long they had been waiting for this feast and how tiring it had been.
It’s a pity that they dare not object!
The soup is rich and tempting, and the deeper the vegetables are placed in the pot, the more delicious they taste.
The big pot of food is a steaming and lively scene, with ingredients piled up layer by layer. The grass shrimps are chewy, the fish cakes are fragrant and smooth, the radish is soft and glutinous, and the pig's knuckle melts in the mouth with just a light sip. The smaller the pot, the more delicious the taste.
The chopsticks are flying and the taste is delicious.
Mu Wanqing picked up a piece of radish and soaked up the soup. It had the aroma of meat as well as the fresh fragrance of fish and shrimp. The flavors were blended together and it was the most delicious!
Du Shaoxuan paused his chopsticks, looking a little dazed, as if he was remembering something.
Suddenly, he spoke, "Miss Mu San, I have an unwelcome request."
The author has something to say:
I will be posting on the video tomorrow, so I will not update in the early morning, but will update at 11pm. Keep sending out red envelopes.
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