Chapter 24 Chapter 24 Is that what you think?

Chapter 24 Chapter 24 Is that what you think?

Jiang Ruomei and Cheng Yiqian inside immediately fell into tears when they heard this. The old ancestor quickly waved his hand at them, signaling them to stop making trouble.

After the two sisters had gone a long way, Jiang Ruomei, with tears in her eyes, gently pulled the hem of the old man's clothes.

"Grandma, my second cousin is not serious, is she?"

It’s really hard to describe this ancestor.

"You wouldn't let her do that, would you?"

The ancestor said nothing.

She is highly respected in the Cheng family. She can make decisions on nine out of ten pavilions, but there is one pavilion where she cannot make decisions.

The real boss of the Cheng family is still Cheng Mingyu. Cheng Mingyu is good in everything except one flaw: he loves his four children very much. The reason is that the children have a miserable life and lost their mother when they were young. Cheng Mingyu feels guilty about it, and as both a father and a mother, he is extra lenient with them and never lets them suffer any grievances.

If Cheng Yiqiao really means this, Cheng Mingyu will obey his daughter.

Seeing her granddaughter shedding tears of grievance, the old ancestor felt heartbroken, as her palms and backs of her hands are all made of flesh and blood.

She stroked Jiang Ruomei's vest, "Good boy, listen to your grandmother's words. You can't run away from what's yours, and you can't cross the line of what's not yours. Do you understand?"

The ancestor almost called her, after all, she was a guest, so she had to be tactful.

Jiang Ruomei was not stupid. She understood what was said and nodded slowly.

The Cheng family's warehouse is located in the northeast corner of the Cheng family garden. It is a square building with high walls. There are many warehouses inside, where the rent and goods collected from various places are stored in different categories. There is a small door leading to the forest at the back mountain, and the living things sent here are kept in the forest.

Soon Cheng Yiqiao and Cheng Yian arrived at the south gate of the warehouse, which was guarded by servants and stewards. When they saw the second and third young ladies coming over, they let them go without any questioning.

The steward in charge of guarding the furs respectfully led the two into a corridor, and then they came to an empty courtyard. The main house was a one- or two-story warehouse. Servants were already waiting inside with lanterns. The two sisters walked in together. Inside was a large warehouse with hundreds of furs of various kinds hanging on three walls, including dark blue silver mouse skin, gray mouse skin, white fox, black fox, brown fox, and all kinds of mink. There were also several peacock feathers that were rarely seen outside for several years, which dazzled Cheng Yian and amazed him.

The Cheng family had a farm dedicated to raising these livestock. Every year, they collected these fine furs and sent them to the Cheng family's weaving workshop in the south of the Yangtze River. The embroiderers wove them into various kinds of furs, which were then sent to the mansion for the embroiderers to tailor for the girls.

Cheng Yiqiao was obviously not surprised by this, and pushed her forward, "Sister, you can choose first."

Cheng Yian shook his head hurriedly, "Sister should choose first."

Cheng Yiqiao glared at her, tightened her chin strap, and said in a muttered voice, "Do you think I don't want to choose first? But our Cheng family has the rules of seniority, and the youngest goes first. I have been choosing first for more than ten years, and now it's your turn."

Cheng Yian understood, smiled softly, and turned to pace in front of the shelf. Cheng Yiqiao couldn't help but glance at the photos she had taken while holding the hand warmer. As a result, Cheng Yian took a few steps and suddenly turned his head, which scared her.

"What are you doing!"

Cheng Yian leaned over and smiled, "I'm looking at what my sister likes."

Cheng Yiqiao quickly covered her face, "Don't look, don't look."

When she opened her eyes again, she saw Cheng Yian coming over with a piece of peacock feather skin. As expected, her sister still liked this one. This peacock feather was the most stunning of all the furs. It was woven with the most gorgeous hair from the kingfisher. It took several years just to collect such a piece, and then the best embroiderer spent half a year to embroider it. This thing was extremely rare in the whole Dajin.

Cheng Yiqiao smiled and said, "This one is very nice. It suits your skin tone very well."

Unexpectedly, Cheng Yian stuffed it into Cheng Yiqiao's hand and said, "Give this to your sister."

Cheng Yiqiao was stunned for a moment, then shook his head, "We agreed that you would pick it first. If you give it to me, Dad will blame me for bullying you later."

I thought this little girl was really cunning, and she actually found me.

Cheng Yian smiled and said, "I have one."

Cheng Yiqiao was surprised. "You really have it? Where did you get it?"

Cheng Yian said, "I have one in my wedding gown."

Cheng Yiqiao suddenly remembered that when the leathers were put into storage last year, she fell in love with two of the peacock feathers at first sight, one with brighter fur and the other with inferior fur. When she came to choose the next day, the good one was gone, and only the inferior one was left.

When she asked the steward, he just said that her father had taken it away.

Unexpectedly, it was given to Cheng Yian.

"It must have been given by Daddy."

Cheng Yian also guessed it.

Cheng Yiqiao felt relieved at this. She handed the hand warmer to the maid and took the peacock feather.

"Then I'll be disrespectful."

Then she thought, when in her life had she ever given in to anyone? Cheng Yian looked so gentle and kind, and he gave in to her right away. Cheng Yiqiao felt bad and stopped immediately. She stuffed the fur item into the maid's hand and took Cheng Yian forward.

"Come, I'll pick it for you myself!"

Just at this moment, the headmistress of the sewing room came over with a few maids and greeted the two calmly.

"Second Miss, Third Miss, the master has asked me to measure your bodies so that I can make clothes for you."

Cheng Yiqiao picked out an outfit for Cheng Yian from top to bottom, inside and out, while Xiu Niang measured Cheng Yian's body. In less than a moment, even the style and leather materials were decided. For example, a leopard skin was used as the lining, and a peacock feather was used as the outer layer to make a thick leather jacket, which would be very warm to wear on snowy days. A gray squirrel coat was made inside, which could be worn in spring and autumn. There were also two leather jackets made of bright red feather gauze and a black fox cloak. In the end, the two sisters actually found two extremely precious first-class sea dragon skins inside.

Cheng Yiqiao knew what was going on, and his eyes were shining. You know, this thing came from the sea, and was harder to get than peacock feathers. Other skins were sold by the piece, but sea dragon skin and peacock feathers were sold by the pair.

Needless to say, everyone got one and took it to the needlework room to work on it overnight.

"I want to wear it within five days!" Cheng Yiqiao instructed the embroiderer.

Cheng Yian was amused by her appearance.

When leaving the house, Cheng Yiqiao was so happy that she put her arm around Cheng Yian and said, "Hey, who told Cheng Yixin not to come back? These two treasures should be divided between us, right?"

"She is the elder sister, so it is reasonable for her to give in to us."

Cheng Yian heard some fear in Cheng Yiqiao's sighing tone. Is there anyone that Cheng Yiqiao is afraid of?

Cheng Yian found it hard to imagine what style his elder sister would have when she returned.

After working for nearly an hour, the two sisters were tired and went back to their rooms to rest.

The steward quickly reported the sisters' victory to the study in the front yard. Cheng Mingyu was sitting behind the desk reading the official newspaper. Hearing this, he smiled, which was very rare.

"As long as An An likes it."

I’m afraid the child will feel restrained.

Cheng Yian was worried about his choice of bed at first, but after taking a warm bath, he miraculously fell asleep the moment he closed his eyes.

She was sleeping soundly, but Lu Xusheng, who was busy until late at night and returned home, was not having such a good time.

After bathing and changing his clothes, he entered the room. Nanny Li poured him a glass of water. The curling water vapor swayed in the air like smoke, making the room even colder and more deserted.

Lu Xusheng drank the water in silence, blew out the light, lay down on the bed and fell asleep.

The familiar warm and soft body scent lingered around her nose, along with a hint of the pear blossom scent that she was used to smelling.

The pillows and mattresses are filled with her scent.

Lu Xusheng took a deep breath, looked at the dark ceiling of the bed for a long time, and silently went to the bathroom to take a cool bath.

I returned to bed and felt better, but still couldn't sleep.

It's like something is missing.

I didn’t realize it in the past, but days like this have been going on for many years, but now it’s different. It really proves the saying that a home feels like a home only when there is a woman in it.

This Cheng Yiyan, must he make things difficult for him?

I tossed and turned until the late night before falling asleep.

The next morning, when Nanny Li went into the room to clean up before daybreak, he was nowhere to be seen.

Before dawn on the first day of the winter month, the servants of the Cheng family were already busy shuttling around the mansion. The curtains of the meeting room were raised, the stove was burning brightly, wisps of green smoke were rising from the tea room, and the kitchen was bustling with activity.

Today is the winter solstice, and the court has a three-day holiday.

Today is also the Cheng family's grand banquet. Clan members have arrived at the Cheng family's head room one after another. There are more people than the last time when the old lady was having her birthday banquet. There are fifty tables inside and fifty tables outside. Even the corridors are full of people. The women in the backyard are even more lively. They are taking this opportunity to present some treasures to please the old ancestor, so that maybe they can get more benefits when the annual distribution is made later.

There are many people here today, and it is the annual Asian New Year banquet. Cheng Mingyu has no wife, so the ancestor, the former clan leader's wife, must take charge of the situation. So they simply moved the flower hall inside the hanging flower gate. This flower hall is in the shape of a three-hug style, with the main hall facing north and south, and long corridors on the left and right, forming a courtyard in the middle. A stage is built on the courtyard, and thick orangutan felt cloth surrounds the entire flower hall tightly. There are fifty or sixty tables set up around it, and a charcoal stove is placed under each table. It is lively and bustling with many people, and every seat is occupied. It is not cold at all.

In the middle of the north, there is a large twelve-page rosewood screen with flowers and birds, and underneath it is a rosewood Luohan bed covered with a thick leopard skin mattress. All day long, the old ancestor deliberately pulled Cheng Yian to sit beside him, and only her, in order to tell everyone in the clan that Cheng Yian is now the youngest daughter of the eldest house.

The old lady in the sixth room knows how to slander people. Today, I deliberately took a detour to the fourth room and brought the old lady with me. On the way, I said,

"We have been sisters-in-law for so many years, but I didn't know that Fourth Sister-in-law is so well-connected and has such skills and abilities. For seventeen years, you have relied on Xia and An'an to get countless benefits from the eldest branch. You seem to be trying to 'use the emperor to control the princes'..."

"You have received high dividends every year in the past. This year, An An is not here. I wonder how you can dare to ask Ming Yu for money?"

The fourth old lady had seen a lot of things during this period of time, and she had no reaction to her sarcasm and ridicule. "I can't compare to the children of my sixth brother and sister-in-law."

"To show my respect, these unfilial sons of mine have no ability, so I had to use An An's skin to seek fame and fortune. Now it seems that relying on this and that is not as good as relying on myself..."

The old lady of the sixth room thought that the old sister-in-law was angry and wanted to pick a fight with her, but unexpectedly she admitted defeat first.

The old lady of the fourth room said again, "I really hope that An An's marriage can help our fourth room, but now you can see that people hate her, she is not a good person inside and outside. It's better for you. If your fourteenth son works hard and is taught by Ming Yu, he will be able to pass the imperial examination sooner or later."

When it comes to her grandson, the old lady from the sixth room is really proud of him. He has always been known as a little prodigy and is highly valued by Cheng Mingyu, so she starts chattering non-stop. The old lady from the fourth room just let it go with ease, looking at the deep blue sky and thinking, people really have to follow the right path and walk the right way, only then can they walk a real path.

Of course Cheng Yian met the grandmother of the fourth room in the flower hall. She had become skinny and bony after not seeing her for a while, and obviously aged a lot. Her expression was very complicated for a moment. If she said that she had no feelings, after all, they had been together day and night for more than ten years, and it was the only family affection she had received in these years. But when she thought about the exploitation mixed behind this family affection, Cheng Yian felt blocked in her heart.

The old ancestor took in the expressions of the grandfather and grandson, and in front of everyone, he still instructed Cheng Yian,

"Go and bring your great-aunt to the table."

No matter what happens inside, after more than ten years of upbringing, he still has to keep up appearances, so that people outside won't think that Cheng Yian has forgotten the past after returning home. The old ancestor is an open-minded person who understands the big picture and is not too lazy to make things too embarrassing.

Cheng Yian did as she was told. The old lady in the fourth room held her soft hand and shed tears, unwilling to look away.

“An An…”

She was different after returning to the eldest son's house. She looked more delicate, and her features became calmer and more generous.

Cheng Yian slowly pressed her hand down, took the initiative to pour tea for her, and returned to the old ancestor's side.

After a while, the manager came to report that a banquet was held outside. The old ancestor smiled.

"Okay, let's serve the food and order the scripts."

At the command, all kinds of delicacies were served on the table one after another. Everyone ate and watched the show, and the noise continued.

Compared to the bustling inner house, the outer courtyard is much quieter.

On the first day of the banquet, Cheng Mingyu, wearing a wide black and white robe, sat on the side table of the meeting room. The clan members inside and outside the clan stood up one after another and saluted the clan leader. Then Cheng Mingyu also stood up to return the salute to several ancestors and elders. After they sat down, the first day's share of food was distributed.

In front of Cheng Mingyu stood a long desk with books and accounts neatly laid out on it. Two servants served him with writing materials and four stewards stood on both sides. Whenever he was present, no one spoke at the table. His wide sleeves moved without wind and his posture was upright. Even when he remained silent, he had an awe-inspiring demeanor.

In the huge meeting room, with hundreds of people, no one said a word, and they all stared at him, waiting for his action.

Food is the most important thing for people, and the first thing distributed on the first day is food rations.

It was distributed according to the number of people in each family, one dan for each person, young or old, male or female, without any doubt. From the second family to the branch clans that were connected with the Cheng family, a total of fifty families' heads came to him one by one to receive the vouchers, first checked the amount to see if it was correct, signed and made a pledge, and then took the vouchers to the Cheng family's storehouse to collect food.

The Cheng family has two granaries, one in Chengjiayuan in the capital, and the other in Chengjiabao in Hongnong. The one in the capital is smaller and only for daily expenses. The one in Chengjiabao is the real warehouse. Those who live in the capital can redeem their grain in Chengjiayuan, and those who live in the old house in Hongnong can just go to Chengjiabao after getting the redemption ticket. It is very convenient.

In the past, the Cheng family's New Year's Banquet had not been so prosperous. Since Cheng Mingyu took over the family, the family has continued to grow and develop. Whether it is the family business or the children's education, he has grasped both hands and done both well. The Cheng family's business is spread all over the four regions, and there are many children in the family who have passed the imperial examinations. In addition, he also rectified the Disciplinary Institute to restrain and punish the behavior of the children in the family. The Cheng family is at its peak in his hands, and because of this, no one in the Cheng family disobeys him.

He is the faith of the Cheng family.

It was already late noon when the rations were distributed, and the old lady had almost finished watching the play, so they took a break and continued the play in the evening. Cheng Yian had just finished her dinner and was drinking a cup of milk and salt tea when a foreign affairs nanny suddenly came in and whispered a few words in her ear.

Cheng Yian blinked.

The old man heard this and couldn't suppress his smile. He deliberately raised his voice and said, "What are you still standing there for? Go quickly..."

"Oh, ancestor, can't you speak a little more quietly..." Cheng Yian's face turned red because of her.

The old man laughed, "Young couple, this is the right thing to do..."

Cheng Yian left the table in shame under the teasing gazes of the crowd and walked out of the warm room. Rulan put a silk brocade silver squirrel fur coat on her and helped her walk out. "It seems that the news delivered by Qiu Qing was not concealed."

"Which door?"

"The main entrance."

Cheng Yian holds his forehead with his hands, what a show!

When they reached the gate of the Cheng family, they saw the Lu family's carriage parked in the middle of Chengjia Lane.

There were never any horse-drawn carriages stopping in front of Chengjia Lane. One could either go into the alleys on either side, or get off the carriage early and walk to the main gate.

Apparently Lu Xusheng also started a fight with Cheng Yiyan.

The rules of your Cheng family cannot restrict me, Lu Xusheng.

Seeing the Third Miss coming out, the Cheng family servants lowered their eyes and pretended not to see her out of respect. Cheng Yian then quietly lifted the curtain and got on the carriage.

The man was wearing a sky-blue robe today. He sat on the couch, reading a book without moving. On the table was a small snack box that smelled like chestnuts.

"Why are you here?" Cheng Yian sat down opposite him.

Lu Xusheng didn't look at her, but pushed the food box in front of her.

"I passed by this shop, it's newly opened, I brought it to you." He was obviously still resentful.

Are you just passing by, or did you come here on purpose?

The Cheng family and the Lu family are located in the east and west respectively, which is not convenient for them.

Cheng Yian, "Didn't you say you couldn't come?"

Lu Xusheng choked.

Cheng Yian opened the food box and found a plate of hot chestnuts inside. She pinched one and put it in her mouth.

"It's quite fragrant and the meat is tender."

Seeing that she was enjoying the meal, Lu Xusheng put down his book and asked, "How many more days will you stay?"

Cheng Yian said nonchalantly, "It will take a few more days. The dividends can only be distributed on the fifth day of the new year."

Lu Xusheng frowned and said, "Can't you come during the day? You have to stay here!"

Cheng Yian's eyes flickered as he looked at him with a smile, "How about you stay here too?"

"No way." Lu Xusheng snorted, "I won't give Cheng Yiyan this face."

"Yes, my second brother didn't invite you either."

Lu Xu laughed angrily.

Cheng Yian concentrated on peeling chestnuts and eating them. "Then you just wait a few days."

Lu Xusheng's gaze fell on her. It had been such a long time since they last saw each other, but she seemed to have changed. Her little face was like a steamed red fruit, white with a hint of pink. A section of her snow-white neck was hidden under her clothes. The yellow light shone down on her, and her skin smelled fragrant. This was the effect of the warm bath.

The words "vivid and colorful" appeared in his mind for the first time.

Very untimely.

He snorted and looked away.

Cheng Yian ate a few pills and then stopped. He asked Rulan for a wet towel to wash his hands, then repacked the food box and handed it to Rulan.

"Then I'm leaving."

It's not good to leave the table in public and delay for too long.

Lu Xusheng frowned, "Why are you in such a hurry? Wait a little longer."

"Waiting for what?"

Lu Xusheng didn't say anything, but suddenly moved the small case away, and his whole figure loomed over Cheng Yian, who was forced to the corner of the wall. She watched helplessly as that handsome face pressed down and his lips fell beside hers. She suddenly held her breath.

Although they had been intimate in the past, Lu Xusheng had never kissed her on the mouth.

He doesn't seem to have this habit.

This is true in both past and present lives.

Not willing to be outdone, Cheng Yian raised her big watery eyes and looked straight at him.

"Is that what you think?"

Of course she knew this man's character. Except for the days of menstruation, he did not rest every night.

Of course he felt bad when she left.

Lu Xusheng's eyes fell on the corner of her lips, where there was some chestnut powder stuck. The tip of his lips suddenly moved slowly over. Cheng Yian almost shivered. Lu Xusheng decisively grabbed her waist and clamped her whole body in his shackles.

A light cough was heard outside.

Apparently, he had seen Cheng Yian had been in the carriage for a long time, so he spoke up to remind him deliberately.

Needless to say, Cheng Yiyan.

The man's rebellious nature was aroused, and he deliberately increased his strength, "I want to, will you give it to me?"

Cheng Yian listened to Lu Xusheng's heavy breathing and sneered, "You are dreaming."

Lu Xusheng lowered his eyes and looked at her. She curled up softly in his arms. Her skin was whiter than snow, and her watery almond eyes were like an innocent little fox, revealing a charming charm for no reason.

"What would you like to eat tomorrow night?" he asked hoarsely, his broad hands lingering on her slender waist, somewhat reluctant to let go.

Cheng Yian knew that he would come again tomorrow night, and with a frown on his face, he said, "Chicken wrapped in lotus leaf..."

"Come..." Lu Xusheng let her go helplessly.

In his previous life, Lu Xusheng had a bad temper and never got along with anyone.

The man bowed his head. It was rare that he could be pushed to this point in his life. Cheng Yian liked to see him looking stupid.

Cheng Yiyan had already coughed several times outside, so Cheng Yian had no choice but to push Lu Xusheng away, hurriedly straightened his clothes, and got out of the car.

Facing her brother's intimidating gaze, she walked up the stairs with her skirt lifted. Perhaps she heard the man lifting the curtain, so she glanced back. Lu Xusheng half-lifted the curtain, revealing a handsome face with clear outlines hidden in the semi-darkness, his eyes clearly staring at her. Cheng Yian's face was inexplicably hot under his stare. She had experienced two men in her previous life and had seen all kinds of battles. What was going on?

Cheng Yian walked in shyly.

Cheng Yiyan looked at his sister's confused look and shook his head.

Then he bowed towards Lu Xusheng's carriage and said, "Goodbye, Shenzhi."

Lu Xusheng threw down the curtain in annoyance and ordered the guards to turn their horses around and leave.

She was clearly my legally married wife, but how come it's like I was having an affair with her?

After Lu Xusheng left the room, Cheng Yiyan went inside. The butler beside him was very puzzled.

"Second Master, why don't you invite Aunt to live with you? After all, you are a young couple."

Cheng Yiyan walked forward with his hands behind his back and said with a smile, "What do you know? My sister is gentle and kind, how can she be a match for Lu Xusheng? If I don't temper his temper, he will think that my sister has no one to support her, and I don't know how to bully her in private."

Cheng Yiyan chased to the Chuihua Gate and called out to Cheng Yian who was about to go to the backyard, "An'an."

Cheng Yian turned around upon hearing the voice and stood on the corridor waiting for him, "Second brother..."

Cheng Yiyan waved away the servants, came to her, and said seriously, "An An, you have to be stronger in character, don't rely on Lu Xusheng in everything, when it comes to love, you have to take the initiative in your own hands, don't revolve around the other person... It's not a good thing to push someone..."

Cheng Yian believed it, "Don't worry, second brother, I know what I'm doing."

Cheng Yiyan looked at his sister's determined eyes and then felt relieved to let her go back.

He went to the front yard and worked for a while, and then returned to his own yard after the guests had left. He saw his wife, Lu, looking at the account book behind the desk. He quickly lifted the curtain and went in, took the cloak and handed it to the maid, washed his hands and went back in alone.

"Why don't you rest yet?"

Mrs. Lu looked up at him and rubbed her waist. "Today's work is done today. There will be a banquet tomorrow. I have to check the guest list. I can't let anything go wrong in the bedroom."

Speaking of the eldest lady of the first house, Mrs. Lu, she is the most capable and dignified person. Cheng Mingyu has no wife, so most of the important tasks that should have been undertaken by the wife of the clan leader fell on her shoulders. Of course, she is tired, as she has to take care of all the big and small matters of the clan. The good thing is that she has established her foothold in the clan at a young age. When Cheng Yiyan takes over as the clan leader in the future, she can relax.

Cheng Yiyan felt so distressed when he saw her tired face.

"Come, I'll pour you some tea..."

Lu was dignified in public, but she was also coquettish when the couple was together in private. She raised her eyelids and looked at Cheng Yiyan.

"I did drink a lot of tea, but my waist is sore..."

Cheng Yiyan understood the meaning of the song and immediately went around to sit behind her, "Your husband will massage you..."

"How strong is it? Is it heavy?"

"Is it okay?"

"Then I'll be gentler..."

"You can massage my shoulders too..."

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