Chapter 275 March (Part 1)



In the morning, after the messenger left, Shiyi Niang called Chang Xuezhi over again and said, "Go and find out how much the annual tuition for the teacher employed by the Zhongshan Hou Tang Family School is?"

The person she sent out to deliver the letter did not return until noon, and Luo Zhenxing was with him.

"Your sister-in-law said you had something urgent to talk to me about, so she sent someone to call me back from my house." Eleventh Sister was always very leisurely and rarely acted in such a hurry. Her expression was a little serious. "But what happened?"

Eleventh Lady invited Luo Zhenxing to the east room to talk. She told him about Zhun Ge's situation: "...I want to ask you to recommend Mr. Zhao to the Marquis!"

Luo Zhenxing hesitated a little: "I heard that Mr. Jin from the Hanlin Academy recommended several gentlemen, but the Lord was not satisfied with any of them..."

"Mr. Zhao's uncle is a student of Lord Liu, so I think his family has a long history of learning." Shiyi Niang said, "Even a troublemaker like our brother Yu admires Mr. Zhao very much, so I think he is also very good at teaching students. Brother Zhun can't afford to waste time. The longer he delays, the less confident he will be, and the more he delays, the more dissatisfied the Marquis will be."

As he was speaking, Chang Xuezhi turned back.

Eleventh Lady did not avoid Luo Zhenxing and called him in.

He saluted Luo Zhenxing tactfully. He replied to Shiyi Niang: "... the annual salary of the teacher hired by the Zhongshan Marquis family is twelve taels of silver, a set of clothes for each of the four seasons, and a servant."

The brother and sister looked at each other.

Mr. Zhao used to receive 15 taels of silver a year in the Zhongshan Marquis family, but now he is paid 12 taels. Given their strict attitude towards people, they are still willing to pay an extra 3 taels of silver to hire Mr. Zhao...

Both Shiyi Niang and Luo Zhenxing saw a hint of persistence in each other's eyes.

Luo Zhenxing patted his chest and said, "Leave this matter to me! I'll find a way to invite him here."

It is naturally better for her uncle to come forward than for her stepmother to come forward.

"As for the tuition, it's all easy to talk about. As long as Mr. Zhao is satisfied." Eleventh Lady pondered, "As for the Marquis... just say that you care about Zhun's studies very much, and when we brothers and sisters meet and talk about it, you have thoughts on it!"

Luo Zhenxing understood what he meant: "Don't worry, I know what to say to the Marquis." Then he asked, "Why didn't you see the Marquis?"

"He's in the outer courtyard." Shiyi Niang told Luo Zhenxing that the family was planning to build a wing room, "...the wood will be delivered today."

"It would indeed be a bit cramped if several children lived with you." Luo Zhenxing nodded and talked to Shiyi Niang about Zhun Ge, "It's not like he can't recite the books, so why would he be afraid of the teacher?" They were very confused.

Eleventh Lady couldn't understand it either: "Yes!" When she was little, she looked forward to going to school and taking exams so that she could show off in front of her parents and let her parents show off. "I've only heard about it before..."

"Have you heard of it before?" Luo Zhenxing was surprised.

Eleventh Lady knew that she had let the cat out of the bag. She said vaguely, "I seem to have heard someone say that before. Some people are particularly afraid of seeing a master! But they have never seen one..." Just then, the mother in charge came to give instructions, and she quickly changed the subject, "...The day after tomorrow is March 3rd. My family is planning to invite the Deyin Band, Changsheng Band, and Jiexiang Society to perform at the temple. There are so many things to do."

After hearing this, Luo Zhenxing stood up and said goodbye: "Then you go and do your own thing. Take care of yourself!"

Eleventh Lady invited him to have dinner: "...There is no rush."

Luo Zhenxing rushed over when he heard the news. Thinking that he had to go to the museum to study in the afternoon, he did not refuse.

Shiyi Niang had lunch early and asked the kitchen to prepare four meat dishes, two vegetable dishes and a soup to entertain Luo Zhenxing.

Luo Zhenxing had just sat down when Xu Lingyi came.

"When did you come?" He blamed Shiyi Niang, "Why didn't you let anyone call me?"

"I told Eleventh Sister not to shout." Luo Zhensheng was afraid that Xu Lingyi would misunderstand, so he smiled and said, "I heard that you were busy building a wing room at home, so I didn't let you shout."

After hearing this, Xu Lingyi instructed Shiyi Niang: "Bring me the Taibai Lu that the palace gave me last time. And give me a pair of chopsticks."

Luo Zhenxing said hurriedly: "I have to go to the museum this afternoon, so no need for wine!"

Xu Lingyi did not force him. He took the chopsticks and accompanied Luo Zhenxing to eat half a bowl of rice, and then went to the west room to drink tea.

"Brother Zhun has been in school for more than half a month, so I came here specially to see him." Luo Zhenxing simply said, "But from the tone of Eleventh Sister, it seems that this is not appropriate?"

Xu Lingyi glanced at Shiyi Niang and said with a wry smile, "I don't know who you took after! Your sister is smart and clever, and I'm not a timid and cowardly person."

Luo Zhenxing took the opportunity to mention Mr. Zhao: "...How about I ask Mr. Zhao what he thinks?"

Xu Lingyi was not very interested: "We'll talk about it later!"

Luo Zhenxing was secretly anxious, but he didn't say much. He chatted for a while about the most popular issue in the court - the lifting of the maritime ban, and seeing that it was getting late, he stood up and said goodbye.

Xu Lingyi couldn't help but say to Shiyi Niang: "Zhun Ge is just not used to it for a while, it will be fine after a while. You don't need to tell Zhenxing!"

"Isn't this worrying for me?" Shiyi Niang told Xu Lingyi that Zhun Ge could recite "You Xue" fluently in front of her, and then she muttered, "When the Marquis has a stern face, even I am afraid, let alone Zhun Ge!"

Xu Lingyi was speechless for a moment.

Seeing that he remained silent, Eleventh Lady took the opportunity to persuade him, "My Lord, my eldest brother is also doing this for my brother's good. My Lord, please at least see the man first. This will avoid disappointing my eldest brother's kindness." As she spoke, she sighed slightly, "Besides, this is just my eldest brother's opinion. Whether Mr. Zhao is willing to come is still another matter."

Xu Lingyi couldn't help but raise his eyebrows when he heard this.

Eleventh Lady promoted Mr. Zhao: "When Mr. Zhao left Beijing, someone invited him to be a teacher. He declined the offer on the grounds that he was asked by Third Aunt to send Fifth and Sixth Brothers back to Shanxi. So when Big Brother heard me say that Zhun Ge was afraid of Mr. Zhao, he thought of the naughtiness of Fifth and Sixth Brothers, and that's when he decided to invite Mr. Zhao."

Xu Lingyi was indeed interested and nodded slightly: "Then we'll talk about it when we meet the person."

It’s always good to give it a try when you have the chance!

Eleventh Lady breathed a sigh of relief.

Xu Lingyi's eyes fell on the half-written letter she had written on the table on the kang.

"It's for the Seventh Miss of the Gan family!" Eleventh Lady explained with a smile, "She later invited me to her home... I wanted to invite her over to liven up the atmosphere this time... March 26th is her wedding day, and I don't know if she can come!" But her tone revealed a hint of melancholy.

We met on the Girls’ Day on March 3rd of that year, right?

Xu Lingyi thought of what happened that year, his eyes dimmed. He comforted Shiyi Niang: "The Liang family is in Yanjing. There will be plenty of opportunities in the future!"

Seeing that he looked uneasy, Eleventh Lady smiled and changed the subject: "I thought so too. So I wrote a letter to her. Let's see if she can come."

Xu Lingyi didn't want to talk about it any more, so he asked about Shiyi Niang's preparations: "...If you are really too busy, let Zhaoying come to help you. He was originally from the department, and I brought him with me because I thought he was smart. He has seen a lot since he followed me."

Are you worried that she doesn't have enough experience hosting such a banquet as it's her first time?

Eleventh Lady smiled and said, "We are all following the old rules. The mothers in charge are all experienced, so I don't think anything serious will happen!"

Although she was very grateful in her heart, she did not dare to accept it - it would definitely be more effective to bring the camera with her. However, if someone had ulterior motives, it would become a reason to attack her.

Seeing that her eyes were bright, she was full of energy and looked confident, Xu Lingyi didn't say much. He just reminded Zhaoying to pay more attention and help run errands if there was anything.

In the afternoon, Wu Ye brought the repertoires of the three opera troupes.

The Deyin class sang "The Story of the Embroidered Jacket", the Changsheng class sang "The Story of Washing Silk", and the Jiexiang Society sang "The Story of the Broken Kiln".

He was also a little worried that Shiyi Niang would not be able to control the situation, so he whispered, "I have already made all the arrangements. Sibao will help to organize the three troupes. He has been with me in the troupes since he was a child, so he is familiar with the people. When the time comes, Sisao will just have to greet several old ladies!"

It was just that a song and dance troupe was coming to perform at home, and Shiyi Niang had already made arrangements. But she still accepted Xu Lingkuan's kindness. She sincerely thanked him and personally sent him to the door.

Xu Lingkuan was very happy to be able to help Shiyi Niang, and he left with a brisk step.

Eleventh Lady looked at him and couldn't help but smile with her hands covering her mouth.

Back in the house, Luyun took clothes from the sewing room.

The pink right-fronted thin jacket and the emerald green skirt make Eleventh Lady look like a spring flower about to bloom.

The sand green jacket and the moon-white lace skirt are fresh and natural, like a tender bud on the branch outside the window.

The apricot-yellow double-breasted jacket and the true purple moon-lit skirt are gorgeous, gorgeous, and elegant.

Shiyi Niang was very satisfied. She told Yanrong: "On the first day, you should do a peony bun, and prepare two pearl combs. On the second day, you should do a spiral bun, and prepare the red silver head ornament with ginkgo flowers. On the third day, you should do a round bun, and use a ruby ​​head ornament."

Lu Yun nodded repeatedly. Shiyi Niang asked about Zhen Jie'er: "Have her things been prepared?"

"It's ready!" she said with a smile, "according to your instructions, an apricot-white jacket, a blue jacket with gold all over it, and a honey-colored double-breasted jacket."

Eleventh Lady asked her to invite Madam Wen over.

"By then, young ladies from all the mansions will probably come." She told Madam Wen in detail, "Sister Zhen is the eldest young lady in our mansion, so naturally she will come forward to help entertain them. But she is still in mourning, so it is not appropriate for her to stay in Dianchun Hall to watch the show. I want to put them in Liufangwu. As you know, Liufangwu is a good place, convenient for boating, flying kites, and fishing. But it is close to the water and not very safe. That day, Madam Du took Brother Zhun and Brother Jie to the Second Young Master's Lijingxuan. I am worried about the others, so I can only ask you to help take care of them." She also reminded her, "After Sister April's mourning ceremony, Sister Zhen will talk about her in-laws. Now that the guests are gathered, it is a good opportunity. You must be careful."

The words were so clear, and Madam Wen was a smart woman. She naturally agreed and left happily. She went back to search through the boxes and cabinets for clothes - they couldn't be too simple, which would bring shame to the Xu family, nor too luxurious, which would steal the limelight from Shiyi Niang. Qiuhong and Donghong were tossed all night.

Eleventh Lady called Aunt Qin over: "Second Young Master is being taken care of by Mother Du, you don't have to worry. Aunt Wen will help take care of Sister Zhen. Only you and Aunt Qiao are left at home..."

Before she could finish her words, Aunt Qin said immediately, "Well, then I'll go and keep Aunt Yi company! She must feel a little embarrassed to be alone in a big house."

Eleventh Lady nodded and told Yan Rong: "When the time comes, only Aunt Qin and Aunt Qiao will be at home. The maids and old women on duty will inevitably run over to watch the noise of gongs and drums in Dianchun Hall. You stay at home and help me calm the situation down."

Yan Rong nodded: "Don't worry, Madam. I'm here!"

I have guests at home, so the update will be a little late. Please wait until tomorrow morning to read it!

The manuscript was sent in a hurry, I will fix the bugs later, please forgive me!

O(∩_∩)O~


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