Chapter 685: Alternation (Part 2)

Eleventh Lady couldn't help but nodded secretly.

Among the Xu brothers, Xu Siyi was the least respected. A wife regards her husband as her superior, and although being his daughter-in-law is better off than other families in terms of food, clothing and daily expenses, she is always compared with her sisters-in-law. None of them is content with a simple life, and it is very difficult for the couple to be in harmony.

She did not tell Luo Zhenxing the real intention of inviting Yingniang to Yanjing, and she wrote to Yuhang, but she only followed the literal meaning, without revealing a word. Even if Yuhang thought about it, it was just a guess after all, how could he go there just to see the child? If he misunderstood, wouldn't it be a big joke?

No desires, no strength. This is Yingniang's true nature.

When Eleventh Lady saw Yingniang again, she was a little more intimate: "... April 8th is Buddha's birthday. Come with me and accompany Madam Tai to the Temple of the King of Temple to burn incense!" Hearing that there was something fun, Yingniang smiled particularly brightly: "What should we prepare by then?"

"You don't have to prepare anything!" Eleventh Lady said with a smile, "Someone has arranged things like incense and candles." As she spoke, she remembered that the Taoist priests in the temple would sell small items like sinking bead bracelets, so she asked Amber to fill a purse with five taels of silver for Yingniang.

Yingniang waved her hands repeatedly: "When I came here, mother gave me fifty taels of silver."

"This is what I gave you." Shiyi Niang smiled, and Amber stuffed the purse into Ying Niang's hand.

Yingniang returned to the house and handed the purse to the nurse: "Remember to bring it with you when the time comes."

The nurse took the purse hesitantly and said, "My dear, the Eleventh Aunt has a somewhat... unpredictable temper. I think we should keep the silver! After all, the Madam also gave us some silver when we left the house."

Ying Niang knew that she was referring to Eleven Niang's attitude towards her which was good and bad, so she smiled and said, "Don't worry too much, she is my aunt!" She added, "It was the spring banquet on March 3rd a few days ago. It's my fifth cousin's birthday, and it also coincides with Princess Fucheng's serious illness. I went to visit, but the wife was not feeling well and had to accompany her... There were so many things to do, and the Marquis was not at home. Although the fourth cousin-in-law was there to help, it was still up to the aunt to take care of her, not to mention that the aunt couldn't take care of it for a while, but she could take care of it in time. I am her niece, neither You should fight for these. You must never say such things again. When we were in Yuhang, everyone would spread the news about the slightest movement, let alone the Marquis' Mansion. If there are so many people, if a rumor spreads, Those who don't know what's going on in their minds will only enjoy the excitement, while those who are thoughtful will probably say that we are mean and sarcastic, and that we are competitive and want to fight for our aunt's favor. My aunt was also ashamed."

"It's my fault!" The wet nurse blushed with shame.

Seeing that he had admitted his fault, Yingniang said no more and asked the nurse, "What do you think I should wear when the time comes?"

The nurse hurriedly opened the box and said, "Since it was given by my aunt, why not wear the clothes that my aunt gave me?"

"I'd better wear my own clothes!" Yingniang thought for a moment. "I'm afraid the sisters-in-law from Sixiang Hutong will also be there that day. If I wear the clothes my aunt gave me, they won't say anything, but it will weaken the reputation of the Luo family."

The nurse nodded repeatedly and opened the cage again.

Eleventh Lady specially arranged a few smart people in Yingniang's room, so naturally, this news soon reached her ears.

After all, he is a child who is trying to survive in the cracks. Although he is young, he considers everything carefully.

Eleventh Lady felt a little more satisfied and whispered it to the Dowager Lady. The Dowager Lady was very happy: "Good, good, good. It can't be better than this. Go and talk to your uncle. As soon as the fourth prince comes back, we will invite a matchmaker to propose marriage." She was even more anxious than Eleventh Lady and smiled.

In the evening, Yingniang came to greet the old lady, and the old lady held her hand and talked for a long time. Fortunately, the old lady usually liked to chat with the children, otherwise, the old lady's enthusiasm would probably cause everyone to be suspicious.

While Luo Zhenxing was on leave, Shiyi Niang went to Gongxian Hutong.

Luo Zhenxing was sorting books at home. When he knew her purpose, he smiled and said, "When you said you wanted Yingniang to come to Yanjing to accompany you, I guessed it a little bit. I thought you would wait until the Marquis came back before mentioning this matter. I didn't expect you to come so soon." He added, "I watched my son grow up and he was raised by you. Let Yingniang marry him. We have nothing to worry about!" From the tone of his voice, it seemed as if they had discussed this matter before.

Eleventh Lady was a little surprised.

Luo Zhenxing laughed loudly, without explaining, and said Yingniang: "But in this case, it is not appropriate for her to live with you. I think, pick a day to let her come back to Gongxian Hutong!" "This matter has not been decided yet!" Shiyi Niang thought it was better to wait for the confirmation from Yuhang, "It won't be too late to move after it is settled." "Okay!" Luo Zhenxing said with a smile: "Yingniang has just arrived, and she is in a hurry to move to my place. Some people think she came to Yanjing specifically for this marriage."

The brother and sister talked for a long time, and Luo Zhenxing kept Shiyi Niang here for dinner before leaving.

Eleventh Lady began to plot Xu Siqi's marriage

The outer courtyard cannot be occupied. In the inner courtyard, Xu Siyu and his wife live with the Third Madam, Xu Sizhen and his wife live in Yuanniang's former residence, and the Fifth Madam and her family live next to Dianchun Hall. We can't let them dominate the small courtyard next to Dianchun Hall, right? It's too small everywhere.

Shiyi Niang was walking around in the back garden. Ying Niang was confused: "Aunt, what do you want to plant?"

Eleventh Lady was stunned.

Yingniang smiled and said, "I noticed that you were looking for places with lush vegetation, so I thought you were going to plant something!"

Eleventh Lady laughed.

In her heart, she probably subconsciously thought that Yingniang and Xu Siyi would both like places with flowers and grass!

"What does Yingniang like?" she thought to herself.

"I think they're all good." Yingniang smiled, "but I like Yixiangyuan the best. I can grow some vegetables and fruits there."

Because it is more practical than simply growing flowers and plants?

Eleventh Lady embraced Yingniang with a smile.

A little maid ran over panting and begging: "Madam, eldest cousin, "The Marquis, the Marquis and the Sixth Young Master are back!"

Eleventh Lady was overjoyed and hurriedly pulled Ying Niang towards the Chuihua Gate.

Yingniang was also very happy: "Didn't they say they would be back in mid-April? They are only four now!"

"Maybe they left early!" Eleventh Lady responded absentmindedly. Someone ran towards them.

"Mom, mom, we're back!" Before Eleventh Lady could react, a green figure rushed towards her.

Who else could it be except Jiange'er?

Eleventh Lady subconsciously opened her arms and hugged the figure in her arms.

"You child, you are always so rough!" she scolded, looking around.

Not far away, Xu Lingyi, wearing a half-new raven silk gown, was smiling at her quietly. His bright eyes were like the spring sunshine, warm, gentle and intoxicating.

Eleventh Lady's throat was a little tight, and she didn't know what to say for a moment. She took the initiative to hug the person in her arms tightly.

"Mom, please be gentler!", Jianger complained, "You're strangling me so hard that I can't breathe."

Eleventh Lady laughed, let go of her son and tried to touch his head: "You are so good, Xu Sijian. After not seeing you for a few days, you are complaining about your mother!" Suddenly she found that she had to stretch out her hand to touch her son's head.

"Jin'er..." Eleventh Lady couldn't help but stare.

Jiangeer has not only grown taller, but also lost a lot of weight. He has fair skin, distinct facial features, clear eyes, an upright posture, and a proud look between his eyebrows. He is no longer as plump and cute as before, but has the heroic spirit of a young man.

What on earth had I missed? Shiyi Niang's tears fell.

"Don't cry, don't cry!" Jiang'er, who was as tall as Shiyi Niang, hugged his mother. "I'm back, right? I brought you a lot of things. There are robes and belts worn by people from the Western Regions, and clothes and jewelry worn by the Miao people. I'm sure you will like them!" He coaxed Shiyi Niang softly.

"Where did you get the Miao clothes and jewelry?" There were still tears in Shiyi Niang's eyes, but she stared at him sternly.

"Oh!" A trace of panic flashed across Jiang'er's eyes, but he soon looked back to normal, "It was someone else who sent it!" He paused and said, "Everyone knows that Daddy has fought in Miao territory. Some people gave Daddy clothes and jewelry to please him." As he spoke, he put his arm around Shiyi Niang's shoulders, "Mom, let's go see those Miao jewelry. You've definitely never seen them! They're so beautiful." He looked like he was trying to calm things down.

"You, you guy, are talking nonsense in front of me..." Eleventh Lady was amused and angry. But before she finished her words, Jian Ge'er cried out in injustice: "No, no. How could I say such nonsense in front of mother? The things were really sent by someone else. If you don't believe it, you can ask daddy." Then he pulled Shiyi Niang's sleeve and said coquettishly, "Mom, we have been on the road for several days in a row and didn't even have a cup of hot tea. As soon as we entered Beijing, daddy asked where you were. After entering the house, he didn't even leave the house and came directly to you." He pointed at himself and said, "If you don't believe me, look at me. I am covered in dust!" He put his arm around Shiyi Niang's shoulders and walked forward, "Mom, I am thirsty and hungry now. Even if you want to teach me a lesson, wait until I wash up, okay?" He looked pitiful, but he was also a ruffian and a scoundrel. Ying Niang at the side couldn't help laughing.

Only then did Jiangeer discover Yingniang.

His eyes lit up.

With my eldest cousin here, my mother has to give him some face no matter what.

"Cousin, when did you come?" He greeted Yingniang warmly.

Yingniang suppressed her laughter and said, "I arrived at the end of February. You had just gone out with Lord Hou at that time."

"No wonder I didn't know." He made small talk. "Cousin, where do you live? I'll come visit you later. I also brought various kinds of Western headscarves. What color do you like? I'll send a few to you later." He played a trick to divert everyone's attention.

Eleventh Lady was both amused and confused.

A pair of warm hands gently pinched her and then let go, and a gentle voice rang in her ears: "Moyan, the child has been thinking about you all the way, so don't pursue it anymore!"