"Whoa whoa……"
The first ray of sunlight in the morning filtered in through the window screen, and a faint rooster's crow penetrated his eardrum. Shao Qing turned over in the quilt and opened his eyes in a daze after a moment.
The crowing of the rooster is simply an ancient version of an alarm clock, punctual and on time, rain or shine.
As for why the cock crows? This is Wang Mi's, and he is raising her in a small open space behind the left row of houses. The sound coming through is neither too loud nor too soft, just right.
The backyard of the county government office had long been renovated, including the left and right rows of houses that were specially used for the personal attendants to live in. When they moved back from the front, the Kou family and Yan Ming and others took the initiative to settle down in the houses.
Wang Mi originally didn't intend to raise this chicken for fear of disturbing it, but only brought it back because Shao Qing said she didn't mind. It turned out to be an alarm clock by accident.
It was July now, and the autumn heat was still strong, but the nighttime dryness had quietly faded away. Shao Qing slept very comfortably with a thin quilt in his arms. He dozed off for a while before sitting up with the quilt in his arms.
"Wouldn't you like to sleep a little longer?"
Wei Jing turned over and sat up. He had woken up a long time ago, but he hadn't moved or disturbed her. Seeing Shao Qing rubbing her eyes, he said, "It's still early. It won't be too late for you to sleep a little longer."
In the dim morning light, he looked concerned. Shao Qing smiled and said, "No need to sleep. I'm not sleepy."
The ancients believed in working at sunrise and resting at sunset. She went to bed early yesterday, and it would be a waste of time to sleep any longer.
She lifted the thin quilt, got out of bed with Wei Jing, picked up the clothes that had been prepared yesterday on the small table, shook them out, and was about to hand them to him.
Wei Jing turned sideways and raised his arm.
This is to let her help with dressing.
Shao Qing rolled his eyes, he didn't have this problem before, but ever since the issue of the female household, he began to emphasize these little rights of a husband from time to time.
Feeling helpless but also a little amused, she took two steps forward, put on her sleeves and clothes, and helped her uncle get dressed.
After a month, Shao Qing had made good progress in adjusting her mindset. After the initial awkwardness and discomfort, she had gotten used to it again.
It's a good idea to think about it. As a comrade-in-arms and a husband, the two of them can be closer. Maybe they can even have a child in the future, so that she can have an unbreakable root in this different time and space.
In fact, there were mainly no major changes. The two had been sleeping and eating together for a long time. Apart from asserting his sovereignty from time to time, Wei Jing had not done anything else that crossed the line.
Like more intimate acts like kissing.
This made it easier for Shao Qing to adapt to the new relationship and accept it psychologically. As for what would happen after worshiping heaven and earth, he would consider that later.
After putting his coat on, she took the belt and tied it on for him.
Wei Jing stood up straight and cooperated.
He kept looking down at her.
The morning light was dim, and the morning sun filtered in through the window screen, shining on her jade-like cheeks and neck. Her skin was translucent and pink, and her long, thick and curled black eyelashes trembled slightly. She was very focused on dressing him.
Her slender arms were wrapped around his waist, and her face was almost pressed against his chest and abdomen. Wei Jing had sharp hearing and could clearly hear her shallow breathing.
The blood in his veins suddenly became agitated, and the three inches below his navel also reacted instantly.
Wei Jing is a physiologically normal man, young and full of vigor. In the past, his mind was always occupied by sadness and resentment, but as time goes by, he will gradually adjust and pay attention to other things.
A young and beautiful woman slept with him every night. She was his wife, and after the incident with the woman, he was particularly concerned about this.
It is normal to have reactions, and to have many and strong reactions.
However, ever since Shao Qing became active, he adjusted his strategy, being careful about his behavior in daily life and never getting too close to her.
Wei Jing didn't know that Shao Qing was actually adapting to the new relationship, but he instinctively responded in the best way possible.
Her ten slender fingers moved flexibly around his waist and abdomen, touching him from time to time. Even through two layers of thin summer clothes, he could seem to feel their warmth.
Wei Jing took a deep breath silently, closed his eyes and practiced martial arts to suppress his restlessness.
"alright."
Shao Qing glared at him, snorted, and went to get dressed. Wei Jing opened his eyes and watched her. After she put on her clothes, they both rinsed their mouths. He put the towel into the copper plate, wrung it out and handed it to her.
Shao Qing took it, washed her face, then sat in front of the dressing table and tied her hair neatly.
There was only one basin of water, and Wei Jing washed the towel very naturally and wiped his face. She saw it in the bronze mirror and had no objection. It has been like this all the way from Hexiang to now, and both of them are very used to it.
But this time Wei Jing added one more sentence: "Ah Qing, I will select a few people to come in another day."
This person refers to servants such as maids and old women. The water they are using to wash their faces was prepared by Wang Mi yesterday. It is fine when the weather is hot, but it will soon get cold in autumn, so they cannot continue like this.
Besides, Kou Xuan was his aide-de-camp, so it was fine for a while, but it would be inappropriate in the long run.
Now that things have settled down, it is necessary to select a few people to serve you. This job should have been done by the hostess, but the two of them had special identities, and Wei Jing would not feel at ease unless he checked it himself.
Shao Qing was stunned for a moment, then reacted in a moment: "Yeah, okay."
She understands the truth, and it's nonsense to say that she is capable. Shao Qing's family was well off in his previous life and he had a maid at home, so it was natural for him to accept the offer.
It's almost the same. She just needs to treat them well. Given their current situation, they would feel uneasy if they didn't keep the indenture contracts.
Moreover, she had heard from Wang Mi that in today's world, many poor people even hoped to sell themselves, and staying alive was much more important than freedom. Under the current social system, people's concept of freedom is far inferior to that of later generations. Even for the vast majority of servants, being set free is the worst thing that could happen.
This matter was handed over to Wei Jing. She was not familiar with it, and her original body did not have much experience in selecting foreign servants to draw on.
Shao Qing chose a plum blossom hairpin with tassels to fix her hair bun, then stood up and held up two large account books on the table beside her: "This has been sorted out."
Wei Jing would rather have fewer people than hire the wrong ones, so he was always short of manpower. Shao Qing was a college student in his previous life, so it was easy for him to handle ordinary official duties. So, it was natural for him to become a permanent helper after he started.
She even had a duty room in the front yamen.
However, after the backyard is renovated, it will be time to go to the front yard. The front yard has just been freshly painted and still has some smell. The official business she has on hand is not open to the public, so it would be okay to move back temporarily to relax for a few days.
Wei Jing took it and said, "Rest when you are tired. Don't be too exhausted."
Shao Qing nodded "hmm" twice and waved his hand to let him go on with his work. He made his bed, dragged over the account book that he had sorted out halfway yesterday, and continued to work hard.
Although busy, her life is fulfilling and stable, and she is very satisfied.
…
Shao Qing had been busy like this for most of the morning. Just as he put down his pen and was about to stand up and stretch his hands and feet, he heard the sound of jogging coming closer and closer.
It must be Kou Yue. Only this passionate and romantic girl could make such excited footsteps.
Sure enough, Kou Yue's voice sounded immediately: "Madam, Madam!"
"The wedding dress has been delivered! Madam, please try it on quickly. If you don't like it, change it back immediately!"
Knowing that Wei Jing was not at home, before he could finish his words, the door of the main room creaked open a crack and a head popped in.
Wang Mi's hurried scolding came from behind: "You have to wait for Madam to say so before you can push the door open. Why did you push it open again?"
Shao Qing had already walked out of the inner room. Kou Yue shrank her neck and laughed at her.
"Sister Wang, please don't say anything about Yue Niang. I said it was okay."
Just make sure Wei Jing is not at home. You can open the main door but you cannot open the inner room door without permission. In fact, the layout of the outer room of this kind of ancient suite is similar to that of the reception room, and Kou Yue really has no sense of propriety. She has never entered the inner room without being told.
No matter how high or low Shao Qing's status was, Kou Yue's attitude never changed. She liked getting along with this little girl very much, and the two had always had a good relationship.
Since she said so, Wang Mi couldn't continue to talk about her sister-in-law. She led two maids carrying a large box in, greeted Shao Qing, and said, "Madam, this is the maid from the ready-made clothing shop. The wedding dress is ready."
The original body knew all the skills required by the current ladies' association, but Shao Qing had no plans to do it herself, and Wei Jing had never considered it either, so she chose the best embroiderer in Pingtao's shop, as well as the best styles.
The second wife carefully put down the suitcase, knelt down and kowtowed, "Greetings, Madam."
To be honest, Shao Qing was not used to this kind of kneeling etiquette, but it was normal nowadays. She had no intention of being unconventional, so she could only try hard to get used to it.
"Stand up, no need to be polite."
The two maids thanked the emperor respectfully, washed their hands with Wang Mi and Kou Yue, and carefully took out the wedding dress from their clothes and unfolded it.
Men wore dark red, wide-sleeved long gowns with dark patterns, while women wore bright red, long gowns and silk skirts. The soft, thin silk was embroidered with gold thread in patterns of winding branches and clouds, and mandarin ducks embracing each other.
There is also a bright red mandarin duck veil.
It was far less valuable and exquisite than what Shao Qing remembered, but it was the best that could be achieved in the county.
She smiled and said, "Very good, reward."
With the help of Wang Mi and Kou Yue, Shao Qing went in to try it on and found it fit perfectly, without any need for alterations.
As for the men's style, let's try it after Wei Jing comes back.
Wei Jing was eager to complete the ritual of worshiping heaven and earth, and did not care about the mourning period. He was also unwilling to let Shao Qing down, and originally the man also wanted a bright red color, but Shao Qing understood him and didn't say it explicitly, only saying that she preferred a dark red color.
Since the wedding dress fits well, the two old women have completed their mission and can go back. Wang Mi led the way and told Kou Yue to be very careful when packing the wedding dress.
It's already late July, and if there are any scratches, there's no time to redo it.
Kou Yue also knew how powerful it was, and folded it carefully. Shao Qing also joined in, and seeing that she almost held her breath, he smiled and said, "You use a little strength, it won't hurt."
Kou Yue chuckled, her movements becoming more natural as she carefully smoothed out the slight wrinkles on her collar. She said with some envy, "This wedding dress is very beautiful, the best I've ever seen!"
I don’t know if she will be able to do the same when she and Yuan Lang get married.
It was very expensive. She knew the price and was reluctant to buy it.
"My sister-in-law said that there is no rush to get married. I am only seventeen. It won't be too late to get married after Yuan Lang has saved some money in two years."
Nowadays, those who get married at the age of fifteen or sixteen are basically the daughters of wealthy families. It was common for ordinary women to get married when they were 17, 18, 19, or even in their early twenties.
So what Wang Mi said was reasonable and Kou Yue didn't think there was anything wrong with it. Yuan Hong was assigned clerical work. He did not come into contact with any confidential information on a daily basis, and there would not be any mistakes in copying and writing.
Wei Jing told Shao Qing that this was an arrangement Kou Xuan had reported to him.
Yuan Hong is a weak person. What he knows is a secret. The reason why Wei Jing has not taken any action is that he actually left it to Kou Xuan to deal with.
Since Kou Xuan has already been employed, there are always some taboos when it comes to Kou Yue. Let him handle it on his own first. If he is not satisfied or the situation changes, it will not be too late for him to take action.
Having said so much, the point is that it is certain that Kou Xuan will not marry his sister to Yuan Hong, which is a potential threat.
Shao Qing felt a toothache for a moment when he saw Kou Yue, who had a face full of longing and big eyes that seemed to be shining.
It's tricky.
In fact, she also understood that Kou Xuanxiao didn't want to hurt her sister. If possible, she didn't want this enthusiastic and kind girl to get hurt.
She smiled and said, "Don't worry, there might be something better in two years. As long as your brother has money, he won't let you down."
Kou Yue agreed with this very much. The relationship between the brother and sister has always been very good. She smiled and said, "I'm not in a hurry. Let me see what Madam will give me first!"
Wei and Shao's explanation to the outside world was that it was a compensatory gift. Five of the six ceremonies were completed, leaving only one ceremony, which was to be a personal welcoming ceremony. Due to unexpected events in Shao Qing's family, the ceremony could not be completed.
Kou Yue said cheerfully: "Today is the twenty-seventh day, and there are three days until the auspicious day!"
Yes, there are still three days until the first day of August.
Really fast.
It will come soon, right?
…
Shao Qing thought so, but in fact the three days passed in a flash, and soon, the day arrived.
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