Chapter 275 March (Part 1)

In the morning, after the messenger left, Shiyi Niang called Chang Xuezhi again and said, "Go and find out how much the tutor hired by the Zhongshan Hou Tang family is paying now."

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 discuss with me, so she sent someone to call me back from my inn."

Eleventh Sister always takes her time when doing things and is rarely so anxious. His expression is a little serious. "But what happened?"

Eleventh Lady invited Luo Zhenxing to talk in the east room.

He told him about his brother's situation: "...I want you to recommend Mr. Zhao to Lord Hou!"

Luo Zhenxing hesitated: "I heard that Mr. Jin from the Hanlin Academy recommended several gentlemen, but none of them were satisfactory..."

"Mr. Zhao's uncle is a student of Lord Liu. He wants to learn from his family."

Shiyi Niang said, "Even a troublemaker like our brother Yu has great respect for Mr. Zhao, so I think he is also very good at teaching students. Brother Zhe can't afford to waste time. The longer he delays, the less confident he will be, and the more dissatisfied the Marquis will be."

As he was speaking, Chang Xuezhi turned back.

Shiyi Niang did not avoid Luo Zhenxing and called him in.

He saluted Luo Zhenxing smartly.

In reply to Shiyi Niang's words: "...the annual salary of the teacher hired by the Zhongshan Marquis family is twelve taels of silver, one set of clothes for each of the four seasons, and a servant."

The brother and sister looked at each other.

Mr. Zhao's original annual salary at the Zhongshan Marquis family was fifteen taels of silver, but now it is twelve taels.

Even though their family was so strict with others, they were still willing to spend an extra three taels of silver to invite Mr. Zhao... Shiyi Niang and Luo Zhenxing both saw a hint of persistence in each other's eyes.

Luo Zhenxing patted his chest and said, "Leave this matter to me!"

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

"As for the tuition, it's easy to talk about. As long as Mr. Zhao is satisfied." Shiyi Niang pondered, "As for the Marquis... just say that you care about my brother's studies, and when we brothers and sisters meet and talk about it, you have thoughts on it!"

Luo Zhenxing understood: "Don't worry, I know what to say to the Marquis." He then said, "Why don't you see the Marquis?"

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

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

Eleventh Lady couldn't understand: "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 only heard about it before..."

"I've heard of it before," Luo Zhenxing was surprised.

Eleventh Lady knew that she had let the cat out of the bag.

He said vaguely, "I seem to have heard someone say that some people are particularly afraid of seeing you! But I've never seen you..."

Just then, the mother in charge came to give instructions, and she quickly changed the subject, "…The day after tomorrow is March 3rd. Our family is planning to invite the Deyin Band, Changsheng Band, and Jiexiang Society to perform at the church. There are so many things to do."

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

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

Luo Zhenxing rushed over as soon as he heard the news. Thinking that he had to go to the library to attend classes in the afternoon, he did not refuse.

Shiyi Niang had lunch early and asked the kitchen to prepare four meat dishes, two vegetarian dishes and one 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 Zhengsheng was afraid that Xu Lingyi would misunderstand, so he hurriedly laughed and said, "I heard that you were busy building a new room at home, so I didn't let you shout."

Xu Lingyi instructed Shiyi Niang: "Bring the Taibai Lu that was appreciated in the palace last time. Give me an extra pair of chopsticks."

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

Xu Lingyi didn't force himself to do so. He took the chopsticks and ate half a bowl of rice with Luo Zhenxing. Then he went to the west side room to drink tea.

"Brother Zhuo has been in school for more than half a month, so I came here specially to check on him." Luo Zhenxing simply said, "But from the tone of Eleventh Sister, it seems inappropriate."

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 such a timid and cowardly person."

Luo Zhenxing took the opportunity to mention Mr. Zhao: "...Or, I can ask Mr. Zhao what he thinks."

Xu Lingyi, however, 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 government issue at the time - the lifting of the ban. Seeing that it was getting late, he stood up and said goodbye.

Xu Lingyi couldn't help but say to Shiyi Niang: "Brother Zhe is just not used to it for the time being, it will be fine after a while. You don't have to tell Zhenxing!"

"I am really anxious." Shiyi Niang told Xu Lingyi that Zhe Ge could recite "Youth Learning" fluently in front of her, and then muttered, "When the Marquis has a stern face, even I am afraid in my heart. Let alone Zhe Ge!"

Xu Lingyi was speechless for a moment.

Seeing that he remained silent, Eleventh Lady took the opportunity to persuade him, "Marquis, my elder brother is also doing this for my own good. Marquis, please at least take a look at the man first. This will avoid disappointing my elder brother's kindness."

As he said this, he sighed slightly, "Besides, this is just what Big Brother said. It's still unclear whether Mr. Zhao is willing to come."

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 tutor. He declined the offer on the grounds that he was asked by his third aunt to send his fifth and sixth brothers back to Shanxi. So when the eldest brother heard me say that my brother was afraid of the teacher, and thought of the mischievousness of his fifth and sixth brothers, 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 have a chance to try! Shiyi Niang breathed a sigh of relief.

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

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

We met on the Girls' Day on March 3rd of that year! Xu Lingyi's eyes dimmed as he thought about what happened that year.

Comforting Shiyi Niang: "The Liang family is in Yanjing. There will be plenty of opportunities in the future!"

Seeing his surprised expression, Shiyi Niang smiled and changed the subject: "I thought so too. So I wrote a letter to her to see if she can come."

Xu Lingyi didn't want to talk about it, and asked about Shiyi Niang's preparations: "...If you are really too busy, let Zhaoying help you. He was originally from the office, and I brought him with me because I thought he was smart. He usually follows me around and I have learned a lot."

Are you afraid that she doesn't have the ability to handle such a big event?

Eleventh Lady smiled and said, "It's all done according to the old rules. The mothers in charge are also experienced, so I don't think anything serious will happen!"

Although I was very grateful in my heart, I didn't dare to accept that having Zhao Bo with me would definitely make things more efficient.

But in the eyes of someone with ulterior motives, it would become a reason to criticize her.

Seeing that her eyes were bright, she was full of energy and looked very confident, Xu Lingyi did not say much. He just reminded her to pay more attention when she went to Zhaoying and to help her run errands if she had any problems.

In the afternoon, Master Wu sent over the repertoires of the three opera troupes. The Deyin Troupe sang "Xiu Ru Ji", the Changsheng Troupe sang "Ji Sha Ji", and the Jiexiang Society sang "Po Yao Ji".

He was also a little worried that Shiyi Niang would not be able to control the situation, so he whispered, "I have given instructions. Sibao will help organize the Sanzong Opera Troupe. He has been following me in the opera troupe since he was a child, so he is familiar with the people.

Then the fourth sister-in-law will just have to greet a few old ladies!"

But there was a dance troupe and expressions, and Eleventh Lady had already made arrangements.

But she still accepted Xu Jinkuan's kindness, thanked him sincerely, and personally escorted him to the door.

Xu Lingkuan was very happy to be able to help Shiyi Niang, and he walked 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 left-fronted thin jacket and the turquoise skirt look like a spring flower about to bloom on Eleventh Lady.

The sand green jacket and moon-white embroidered skirt are fresh and natural, just like a light apricot-yellow double-breasted jacket outside the window, and the true purple skirt is rich, gorgeous, elegant and noble.

Eleventh Lady was very satisfied.

He instructed Yanrong: "On the first day, you should wear a peony bun. Just prepare two pearl combs. On the second day, you should wear a spiral bun. Huaifen's red silver and ginkgo flower headdress will do. On the third day, you should wear a round bun. Use a ruby ​​headdress."

Luyun nodded repeatedly. Shiyi Niang asked Zhenjie: "Her things are ready?"

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

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 help to entertain them. But she is still in mourning, so it is not appropriate for her to stay in Dianchun Hall to watch the opera. I want to place them in Liufangzhen. As you know, Liufangzhen is a good place, convenient for rowing, venturing out, and fishing. But it is not very safe because it is by the water. That day, Aunt Du took Brother Zhe and Brother Yi 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 Wu's mourning ceremony, Sister Zhen will talk to her in-laws. Now that there are so many guests, it is a good opportunity. You must be careful..."

The words were so clear, and Madam Wen was a shrewd person.

Naturally, she agreed readily and left happily.

She went back and searched through all the boxes and drawers for clothes - they couldn't be too plain, as to embarrass the Xu family, nor could they be too fancy, as to steal the limelight from Eleventh Lady.

Qiuhong and Donghong were kept busy all night.

Eleventh Lady called Aunt Qin over and said, "Second Young Master is being taken care of by Aunt Du, so you don't have to worry. Aunt Wen will help take care of Miss 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 be a little scared to be guarding a big house by herself."

Eleventh Lady nodded and told Yan Rong: "When the time comes, there will only be Aunt Qin and Aunt Qiao at home.

The maids and old women on duty would inevitably run over to see the excitement when they heard the loud drums and gongs in Dianchun Hall.

You stay home and help me calm down."

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