Chapter 697: Yearning (Part 2)
Under the careful care of her son and daughter-in-law, the old lady's condition gradually improved. "It was mid-February before I was able to walk again.
Eunuch Lei, who was ordered to visit the patient every other day, couldn't help but heaved a sigh of relief. He looked at Xu Lingyi, who had lost a lot of weight, and said with a smile: "If the Madam's illness doesn't get better, we won't be able to stop the Empress!"
These days, the Imperial Hospital has treated the Xu Mansion as a second Imperial Medical Office. Ginseng, ganoderma and other precious medicinal materials in the palace have been continuously sent in. Not to mention the Empress, even the Emperor would send people to ask about the Madam's condition every now and then, not to mention the royal relatives, princes and ministers. Eleventh Lady always felt that Xu Lingyi was not thin because of taking care of the Madam, but because the Madam was sick and had to entertain these people.
"And Lord Lao Lei has to report to the Empress Dowager." Xu Lingyi's serious face showed a few smiles, "Madam Dowager is getting better, please don't worry, Empress Dowager."
"Don't worry, Marquis Yongping, I will definitely bring your release."
The two talked for a while, and Xu Lingyi sent Lei Leigong to the gate of the courtyard and then returned to the lady's place.
The Second Lady sat by the bed, the Eleventh Lady and the Fifth Lady sat side by side on a small stool in front of the bed, and the Third Lady sat on a small stool at the foot of the bed. Jiang, Fang, Jin, and Xiang stood in front of the Falling Flower Shade.
"The Spring Banquet on March 3rd must be held..." The lady who had just recovered from her illness still spoke weakly, "I am very depressed because of my illness. We must hold a Spring Banquet and make it lively..."
"Then let's do it!" The Second Lady looked at Eleventh Lady, "There are many people at home, and it's lively. Mother will feel comfortable when she sees them, and her illness will heal faster."
Everyone followed Second Madam's gaze and looked towards Eleventh Lady, waiting for her to speak.
The lady was suffering from a heart disease this time. If the atmosphere around her was better, she would be in a better mood. When she was in a better mood, her spirit would be better, and she would gradually regain her vitality.
"I think what Second Sister-in-law said makes sense." Eleventh Lady looked at the Lady Dowager, "Mother, then I will post the notice as usual?"
The lady smiled, nodded, and closed her eyes tiredly.
Eleventh Lady stood up and glanced at the people in the room. Except for the Second Lady who was taking care of the Lady Dowager, everyone else quietly followed Eleventh Lady out of the inner room.
"Let's leave this matter to Brother Zhuo's daughter-in-law!" She instructed Jiang, "You hosted the spring banquet last year, and everyone praised it. But the situation is different this year, and the lady can't stand the hassle." It's better to keep things quiet when it comes to banquets..."
Jiang replied in a low voice, "Yes..." Eleventh Lady turned around and swept her eyes over everyone in the room.
"Third sister-in-law, fifth sister-in-law," she said, "we took care of her in the past few days, and second sister-in-law took care of her at night. Otherwise, with so many people coming and going, we would have been busy all day and night, and I'm afraid we would have collapsed from exhaustion. Although mother is getting better now, she is an elderly person after all, and someone still needs to take care of her. But it's not good to let second sister-in-law do this all the time. I want to let my brother's daughter-in-law take care of the spring banquet, and we will take turns to take care of mother. Let second sister-in-law take a rest, what do you think?"
No one objected.
"Then it's settled!" Eleventh Lady arranged the sisters-in-law in order of seniority. "...Everyone has worked hard these days. Let's go home early today to rest! When you have enough energy, you can come and look after mother tomorrow..."
The old lady's illness gradually got better and she could rest again. Everyone's expression was relieved.
The Fifth Lady had been busy entertaining the Eleventh Lady these days. Her brows were filled with deep fatigue. Upon hearing this, she said, "Fourth Sister-in-law, I will go back first! I will come to take over your hand tomorrow morning..."
According to Eleventh Lady's arrangement, Eleventh Lady will be responsible for taking care of the lady tonight, and Fifth Lady will take over tomorrow morning.
Eleventh Lady nodded.
The third wife said that she would make arrangements to take care of the old lady, and then left with her daughter-in-law.
Xu Lingyi sent Eunuch Lei back.
"Where's Mom?" he asked with concern. "Is anyone accompanying her?"
Before Eleventh Lady could answer him, a little maid lifted the curtain of the inner room and came out.
"Marquis. Madam!" she said softly, "Madam Dowager has to talk to the Fourth Madam!" Didn't she fall asleep just now because she was too tired?
Eleventh Lady was very surprised and went into the inner room with Xu Lingyi.
The lady closed her eyes, as if she was asleep.
Her hair was gray, her skin was sallow and dull, and the wrinkles on her face were very clear.
Xu Lingyi felt a pang in his heart and knelt on the bed.
When the second lady saw this, she stood up quickly.
"Mother!" Xu Lingyi gently held the lady's hand.
The lady opened her eyes: "You're here! Where's Eleventh Lady?" As she spoke, she looked behind Xu Lingyi.
Eleventh Lady hurriedly stepped forward and knelt in front of the lady with Xu Chongyi.
"Shiyi Niang," the lady said tremblingly, reaching out to hold Shiyi Niang's hand, "I want you to send someone to take care of the rest of the family in the next two days, and bring the baby home in advance!"
Eleventh Lady was very surprised.
Although this matter had been discussed, it was delayed because the lady was ill.
"My brother is sixteen this year, and in two years, he will be eighteen. He has nothing to do, but Yingniang can't just wait like this, right? What if the talented woman talks nonsense?" The child was embarrassed. Rather than being embarrassed at that time, it is better to arrange the marriage as soon as possible! "
This time, the lady spoke quickly and urgently.
The old lady was afraid that her children would have to observe mourning after her death, so she delayed the New Year...
"Mother, don't think too much." Shiyi Niang hurriedly comforted her, "When you get better in a few days, we will go and propose marriage!" "No, Madam Tai said firmly... Tomorrow, tomorrow you can go and propose marriage."
Eleventh Lady wanted to persuade the Madam not to be so pessimistic. Xu Lingyi spoke up: "Then let's go to Gongxian Hutong tomorrow..."
Upon hearing this, the lady's expression relaxed: "Do you remember? Do you remember!" Her voice gradually became lower and she closed her eyes.
Xu Lingyi was startled, and Shiyi Niang's heartstrings were also tense. The Second Lady even gently placed her finger under the nose of the Tai Madam. After a long while, they shook their heads at Xu Lingyi and Shiyi Niang, and the three of them breathed a sigh of relief.
Eleventh Lady and Xu Lingyi came out of the inner room to talk.
"I think it's better to settle this matter earlier..." He murmured, "If Zhenxing is sent out, it will be even more difficult to handle!"
"Okay!" said Eleventh Lady, "I will go to Gongxian Hutong tomorrow." Then she turned and went to Xu Si'e.
All classes in the school have been suspended.
Xu Siyi was sitting at his desk practicing calligraphy. When he saw his mother, he quickly put down his pen.
"Why are you here?" He helped Shiyi Niang to sit on the big kang by the window and brewed a cup of tea himself. "Is grandma resting?" Shiyi Niang nodded and sipped. Tea: "What kind of tea is this? It tastes pretty good."
"It's Huangshan Maofeng..." Xu Siqi said, "If mother likes it, I'll ask them to send some over later." He added, "It was given to fourth brother by Wang Yun."
"I'm not particular about drinking tea." Eleventh Lady smiled, "and I can't really taste the flavor. You can keep it!" As she said this, a hint of hesitation flashed across her face.
People who care about you can see clearly.
Since his mother is too embarrassed to say it, he should bring it up first!
Xu Siqi smiled and said, "Mother, do you have something to tell me?"
"It's about what happened just now!" Eleventh Lady looked at Xu Siyi's still young face and said carefully, "Do you think it's okay if I let Yingniang stay with us forever?"
"Great!" For some reason, Xu Siqi felt a little happy when he heard this. "My eldest cousin has a cheerful personality and understands flowers and plants. With her by your side, you will have someone to keep you company..." At this point, he was speechless.
When a girl grows up, she will naturally get married. It seems a little unlikely that her mother will keep her by her side forever... But her mother is not the kind of person who speaks carelessly...
The thought flashed through my mind, and a bold idea suddenly jumped out.
His face suddenly turned red.
"Mother..." He looked at Eleventh Lady and was speechless for a long time.
Seeing that he understood what she meant, Eleventh Lady smiled and nodded, then asked him, "Okay?"
Xu Siqi's face was now red enough to look like blood was dripping out.
He lowered his head and didn't dare to look at Shiyi Niang. Suddenly he said, "I, I'll make you some tea." He took Shiyi Niang's teacup and went out.
Eleventh Lady couldn't help but smile.
The next day I went to Gongxian Hutong.
"How's everyone's business going?" Aunt Wang respectfully invited Eleventh Lady to the study.
"I'm waiting for a vacancy in the Ministry of Personnel..." Luo Zhenxing wore a half-new ge-colored silk gown that set off his fair and slightly plump face. He had the calmness that only middle-aged people have. Feng Yiniang suddenly thought of the way Luo Zhenxing looked when he met her at Tongzhou Wharf when she first came to Beijing.
Handsome tea...
Suddenly I understand why Luo Zhenxing was sent out!
"What do Second Uncle and Third Uncle say?" This is a big deal for the Luo family, and they must discuss it with the two uncles who are still in their official careers.
Luo Zhenxing didn't notice his sister's subtle emotions: "Second uncle thinks we should be more cautious, but third uncle thinks it's a good idea." He was not used to talking about such things with women, even if the woman was his sister. After a few simple sentences, he changed the subject: "I heard that the lady can walk now?"
Seeing that he was unwilling to talk, Eleventh Lady did not ask any more questions and took the opportunity to talk to Luo Zhenxing about the Dowager's love affair for a while, and then brought up the marriage that the Dowager was concerned about.
"You can ask the matchmaker to propose marriage!" Luo Zhenxing said, "It's best to settle the marriage before the end of March. Even if I leave, you can go directly to Yuhang to pick up the bride. Eleventh Lady smiled and thanked him, then went out to the Yongchang Marquis' Mansion.
"You don't want me to be a cheap matchmaker, do you?" Grandma Huang San looked at him jokingly.
Eleventh Lady couldn't help but smile awkwardly.
"You really want me to be a matchmaker?" Grandma Ying San exclaimed, then laughed, "But this time, you have to make me double the shoes!"
"Sister, you are really as open-mouthed as a lion!"
"Am I worth this price?"
The two of them joked with each other for a while, and then Eleventh Lady told Grandma Huang Wu what had happened.
"Great!" Grandma Huang San said with a smile, "It's a marriage between relatives, it couldn't be better." She agreed with Shiyi Niang on a date to propose marriage. Shiyi Niang stood up and said goodbye.
After leaving Princess Lane, he immediately sent someone to inform Luo Zhenxing so that he could find a matchmaker.
A few days later, the two families formally exchanged engagement letters, and three days later, they signed the marriage certificate and made the initial engagement. The lady's health improved day by day. During the Dragon Boat Festival, she even went to light river lanterns with a few children. Only then did everyone dare to congratulate loudly. The Xu family regained its original cheerful atmosphere.