Chapter 029 Chapter 29
"I never thought that Xie was so slippery and could endure it." Zhen's originally forbearing heart also wavered a little.
Of course she couldn't deal with Xie as she did before, because Yan Jingzhao had grown up. If a conflict really arose, Yan Jingzhao might hate his own son.
Then she would have to wait for Xie to come out on her own. Based on Zhen's understanding of Xie, Xie would not ask for help from her because she was stubborn. Then it was very likely that the same thing would happen as in Nanjing, with two ladies present. However, the officials in the capital would be moved by the news, and even the officials in the Imperial Academy would be the same, as well as Yan Yingqi's political enemies.
Those people are looking for trouble when they have nothing to do, not to mention that Xie is now out socializing openly.
Mother Wei was also puzzled: "The Third Miss is not the type to swallow her anger, but when our Fourth Miss said it in the school, she reacted calmly."
"I can't go too far in this matter. If I do, I'm afraid the master will have something against me." Zhen said.
Mother Wei was puzzled: "What's the matter with that? The old man still respects you very much. Besides, you didn't deliberately suppress the second wife."
"I made Mrs. Xie unhappy. When she's in a bad mood, the master is in a bad mood too, and of course he won't treat me the same way as before. My life depends on the master, and if the master is in a bad mood, I'm the one who suffers." said Mrs. Zhen.
Many people think that being the legal wife means they can maintain their rights as a wife by ignoring their husband, but they never consider that if your husband treats you badly, you don't even have the right to give orders in this house.
Especially since Yan Yingqi has a strong character, he is definitely not an ordinary man.
Why does Qianniang work so hard to socialize and gain fame? Isn't it because she wants to marry into a wealthy family?
But if Yan Yingqi is willing to give the best son-in-law to Yao Niang, what's the point of Qian Niang doing all this?
"Let's let the third young lady go to the flower banquet at Gong Ci Fu's house tomorrow. You should go to the third room in person and tell them about it." Zhen said calmly.
Mother Wei was worried: "What if they ask why you didn't take her with you before? How should I explain it?"
Zhen shook her head: "The third girl is a very sensible and intelligent person, she won't ask. If someone else asks, you can say that I didn't know whether the second lady had other arrangements, so I didn't come to ask."
Mother Wei took the order and left.
At this time, Xie was looking at the account book, which was the account of the shop outside. After she finished reading it, she asked Yao Niang to help her calculate. Originally, Yao Niang was not very familiar with the abacus at first, but after helping Xie with the abacus every day for a month, she had become very good at it, and even Xie was not as fast as her.
"Mom, there are two problems here." After Yao Niang finished the calculation, she felt that there were some discrepancies in the account book, so she circled them with charcoal.
Xie's teahouse was very successful, especially among scholars and young people. Some people even waited for the teahouse to open early in the morning with their chess boards in hand to play chess, and no waiter would chase them away.
The snacks are sweet and the tea is fragrant. What's even better is that the toilets in the teahouse are very clean and tidy.
Don't forget to use the wax paper or gift boxes used to pack snacks.
I have a fixed income of thirty to fifty taels every month. Although it is not a lot, it is also income.
"A shop like this is designed to make a long-term profit. Normally, you sisters will receive two taels of silver per month, and the servants will receive one tael of silver for the first-class maids, and the rest will receive lower ranks accordingly. If you go to someone else's house in the future, and have two or three shops and rent from the land, and you are good at managing money, don't you think your life will be much better?" Xie said.
Yao Niang nodded slightly.
When they heard that Mother Wei was coming, the mother and daughter calmly put their account books and abacus aside and waited for her to come in. Sure enough, after Mother Wei finished speaking, Xie and Yao Niang did not ask any questions or anything, but just smiled and said, "Thank you very much, Madam."
Mother Wei breathed a sigh of relief and retreated.
Yao Niang was puzzled: "Why did the Madam agree to take me there again?"
"She wants Zheng Bo Ke to kill Duan Yuyan, and I have seen through her thoughts. You have also been obedient, so she cannot do it. You have to agree even if you don't want to." Xie said with a smile.
Yao Niang looked at Xie: "Is it because of Daddy?"
"There is this reason, but it's more about gossip. If your brother passes the provincial examination, you and I will be exposed to the public sooner or later. How will others look at her then?" Xie knew Zhen's thoughts very well.
Yao Niang glanced at Lie and suddenly asked, "Mom, Dad likes you more, is it because you are more beautiful?"
But Xie smiled and waved her hands: "Of course not, your grandfather's original favorite concubine was an ordinary woman. I heard from your grandmother that the woman was really very ordinary, just pretty. Different people have different preferences. Of course, beautiful people have some advantages, but it is not absolute. Some people have good personalities, some people wait for the clouds to clear and the moon to appear, and some people are very interesting. These are the fundamentals of attraction."
"Now I understand what you said. Just like the eldest sister, although she is not a lady, she is straightforward, unpretentious, unconventional, and values friendship and loyalty. The Prince of Qi's Mansion was not good to her. The Prince of Qi left her in a hurry last time, but she didn't have any grudges when he came to Beijing this time. No wonder she can get along well with Master Wu after just going to the Minister Wu's Mansion a few times. The fourth sister is indeed willful and spoiled, and sometimes says hurtful things, but if she can live like this all her life without any hesitation, it's nothing. Maybe someone will like her willfulness." Yao Niang smiled.
Xie glanced at her daughter and asked, "Why don't you talk about your second sister?"
Yao Niang smiled and said, "My daughter finds it hard to say. My second sister always looks calm and indifferent, but she is actually very ambitious. She is always praised as a talented woman, but now her paintings, calligraphy and even piano playing are not as good as my daughter's. On the Dragon Boat Festival, my father asked my brothers and sisters to write poems to celebrate, but my daughter's was better. I think she doesn't live up to her reputation. Everything she does is just conventional, and her personality is always depressed and a bit boring."
In fact, Yao Niang's words were spot on, but Xie said, "Keep these words in mind from now on, and be careful that there are ears on the other side of the wall."
"Okay." Yao Niang smiled.
Yu, who had been in Beijing for two months, was pregnant. This was a great joyous event for the Yan family. Guan was originally paying her respects to Xie, but when she heard the news, she couldn't help but touch her belly.
Xie comforted her, saying, "You are still young. Take care of yourself first. You will have a child eventually."
"Yes." Guan was quite grateful after hearing what Li said.
In fact, Guan had never expected that her weak mother-in-law would actually be so good at managing business. It was said that she opened a teahouse in just two months. Everything in the house was in order and no servant dared to act rashly.
As for her younger sister Yao Niang, she was also talkative and cheerful on weekdays, but she was not a talkative person. She was very good at needlework, music, chess, calligraphy and painting.
The most important thing is that she has a first-class ability to read people's expressions. It seems that for every step someone takes, she can think of three steps.
So Guan gradually assimilated into the group and dared not have any other ideas. After all, her mother-in-law and sister-in-law did not have any deep hatred against her.
Therefore, Guan took the initiative to talk to Jie: "Isn't your sister learning painting? I have a few ancient paintings. They are just sitting there. Why not send them to your sister so that she can see them? It's better than hiding them at the bottom of a box."
Xie nodded: "Go ask your sister what she likes."
This was Guan's intention to bring the relationship closer, because her sister-in-law, who married later than her, was already pregnant, and her in-laws did not blame her at all. But then again, her in-laws did not look down on her, but they would not help her much either.
If Guan wanted her mother-in-law and sister-in-law to help her, she had to please them. Xi Que beside her also breathed a sigh of relief: "It's good that you think so. When you asked the third girl to come over that time, she never wandered around and asked questions. It can be seen that she was brought up very strictly and usually doesn't bother others. Besides, she is the sweetheart of the second wife. If you treat her well, the second wife will also treat you well."
"I hope so too." Guan said.
But Yao Niang already knew what kind of person Guan was. She would rather serve people who are helpful to her than to those who are not helpful to her. Although she appeared to be amiable on the surface, she was not very close to Guan.
Besides, when Yu was pregnant, Zhen immediately asked the kitchen to stew a tonic for her. However, Yu was not happy at all. She said that Yan Jingzhao was taking the Shuntianfu County Examination. In fact, Yan Jingzhao also took the County Examination in Shuntianfu. for the Prefecture Examination in April.
He failed the provincial examination and was not even a student.
How could Yu not be anxious?
"Second sister-in-law, are you okay?" Yao Niang asked.
Yu smiled and hid her thoughts: "It's just a little bit annoying, the rest is fine."
After visiting Mrs. Yu, Yan Ningxin smiled and invited them to come over for tea. Only Yao Niang went over happily, while the rest said they had something to do. They didn't realize that since they hadn't paid much attention to their elder sister for some days, she made good tea.
"The tea flavor is light and the tea color is clear, very good." Yao Niang said with a smile.
Yan Ningxin thought that this was all thanks to the several books on the Tea Classic that Wu Xian gave her. She was not proficient in music, chess, calligraphy and painting, and she was not good at needlework from the beginning. She only learned it because she heard that Yan Yingqi liked to drink tea.
Therefore, she was somewhat proud: "If Third Sister wants to have tea in the future, just come to me."
"That's great." Yao Niang took another sip and thought it tasted good.
Yan Ningxin had eaten the cakes sent by the third wife several times. She and Xie's Yao Niang had not had much interaction, so this was just a way of returning the favor. Seeing Yao Niang praising her, she said, "I heard that the fourth sister said that the third sister would also go to the Gong family this time. If you don't understand anything, just ask me."
Yao Niang said, "I don't have much to ask. I'm just following my sisters. I'll do whatever you do."
Yan Ningxin thought so too.
It was Yao Niang's first time going out, and Xie was even more nervous than her. "The ladies in the capital are usually bold and unrestrained, not as refined as us Jiangnan people. Most of the girls here can play polo. If anyone bullies you, you must come back and tell me."
"Okay, mother. It's normal to be left out when I go out with them for the first time. I'm not Yingniang, who can't even go to the toilet alone and requires someone to accompany her. I'm a lone wolf, so don't worry about me." Yaoniang was used to being alone. When she was in Jinling, she would occasionally go out with Zhen to meet people, but she would never steal the limelight from Yingniang.
However, Xie felt sorry for her daughter. She was neither legitimate nor illegitimate, but it was all thanks to this child's strength.
"It's all mother's fault." Xie murmured.
Yao Niang was stronger than her mother: "Mom, don't say these old sayings. Since ancient times, talents have emerged from the poor. Moreover, I am the daughter of the Minister of Personnel, my grandfather was the governor of Henan, my brother has great potential, and my mother is kind and capable of doing business. She is very considerate to me. If I am a complaining woman all the time, then how can people in this world survive?"
Back then, she had seen little girls who were much younger than her, wearing ragged clothes, carrying their younger brothers or sisters on their backs, and holding clay pots with a little thin rice porridge in their hands.
Compared to these children, her life was already very good.
Why complain about yourself?
Xie was also startled after hearing what she said: "That's right."
In fact, Yao Niang also wanted to reassure Xie, so Gu Mama ironed her clothes in advance. Qingdai and Hongxiu were also very happy. If the young lady could go out to play, they could go out with her, too. It was better than staying at home all the time.
Only Guan heard that Yao Niang went out to socialize with the girls from the first house. She believed that Xie had said something to her father-in-law, so she acted like that. She felt aggrieved again: "I stay at home all day and cannot go out to see people, but the one who married a concubine's daughter always thinks of herself as the daughter-in-law of the Minister of Personnel."
But she was still unable to express her pain in words.
If she cried and said this to her husband, it would be like pointing at a monk and scolding a bald donkey. Isn't she that stupid?
Originally, everyone in the third room was oppressed, but now her sister-in-law went out to the banquet happily, and she had to serve her concubine mother-in-law unhappily.
I have become a person who cannot be seen in public. How can I make her feel less depressed?
Xi Que advised: "Don't be angry, when our eldest master becomes famous in the future, he will have everything. She is proud, but the second master didn't even pass the examination for a student."
"That's true, but I always feel that I, as a mother-in-law, don't care about anything for my son and daughter-in-law. My husband was chosen because of his own talents, but my daughter-in-law is like a useless piece of trash who can't stand the light of day after she got married." Guan's words became more and more vicious.
If one hadn't heard it with one's own ears, no one would have thought that Guan, who seemed to be the most well-behaved, was actually such a person.
Magpie immediately asked the people who were following him to keep watch, so that no one could hear them, as that would be considered treason.
Facts have proven that a person's status does not represent his or her nature. A noble lady is not necessarily virtuous and well-educated. Guan is the best example. She just looks like what everyone dreams of: a perfect family background, impeccable manners, and good housekeeping skills.
But in reality, she is a self-centered person who regards herself as a bodhisattva and sees others as mud.
**
The carriage drove smoothly along the way. Yaoniang and Yingniang were in the same carriage. Yingniang was showing off: "I have a very good relationship with the fourth sister of the Gong family. The umbrella I had last time was given to me by her. And the youngest son of the sixth wife of the Gong family is also very cute. Don't you think it's strange, third sister? She doesn't want anyone else but me to hold her, saying that I am the most beautiful."
"It sounds good." Yao Niang smiled. She knew Ying Niang was showing off.
Yingniang was indeed very proud: "Third sister, you can't stay at home all the time, you have to go out more often."
"Yes, I will." Yao Niang said lightly.
The two chatted awkwardly all the way. Yao Niang was too lazy to listen to her and just closed her eyes to rest.
Gong Ci Fu's family is large, but I heard that the Gong family is very frugal, unlike the Yan family, which has pavilions and terraces decorated with gold and jade. This is also the reason why Yao Niang rarely complains about herself.
Zhen's actions were truly impeccable. She introduced the girl in front of Madam Gong, "Our third young lady was at home with her mother a few days ago. Today, I brought her here to pay my respects to you."
Yao Niang was born in June this year, which means she will be 12 years old soon. She combines the advantages of Li Shi and Yan Yingqi. She is not petite and delicate like the southern girls, but tall and slender, similar in height to her elder sister Yan Ningxin. Although she has the same hair as her sisters, it is obvious that her appearance is much more outstanding.
It is said that she is like Chang'e in the moon and a lotus in the dry land, and her beauty is truly unforgettable.
"The third daughter of your family is very pretty." Old Madam Gong said with a smile.
Zhen smiled and replied, "Thank you for the compliment."
After the adults finished their talk, the eldest daughter of the Gong family became the host. She was the granddaughter of Mrs. Gong and looked very dignified. Along the way, she introduced the Yan sisters: "Let's not talk about the things next to our house. The water lilies beside the pond are very beautiful. The stage is also placed nearby. Because of the sound of water, the echo can be heard from far away."
Yao Niang was surprised to find that her sisters at home seemed to be different here. Ying Niang, who was always sharp-tongued, immediately took Gong Da Nang's arm and said affectionately: "Gong Da Nang, don't say so much. I am not here just to appreciate the flowers. I am here to play with you and Fourth Sister. Last time we played pot tossing, you were the top scorer among us. You must take me with you to play."
"Of course, you have such a sweet mouth, how could I not care about you." Miss Gong saw that Yingniang had a round face and was very cute, just like the little sister next door, innocent and naive, and she didn't know why she wanted to take care of her.
Yingniang smiled brightly, looking like a spoiled little sister.
After Miss Gong brought them to their destination, Qianniang had attended several poetry gatherings and met some familiar people. Yan Ningxin accompanied Yaoniang for a while, and then was called away by a maid, who said apologetically: "Third sister, I have something to do and I have to leave for a while."
"Sister, go quickly. Don't worry about me. I'll stay here for a while." Yao Niang was afraid of delaying Yan Ningxin.
Yan Ningxin seemed to have something really going on, so she left first.
Most of the young ladies here are familiar with each other. She missed the opportunity to introduce herself with her sisters for the first time. Now the Gong family thought that the two sisters of the Yan family would introduce themselves, so they would not say anything more.
How could she know that this would happen? Yao Niang was calm and took the two girls to appreciate the flowers together: "This is a hydrangea. We have one at home too."
"Miss, you usually have a good relationship with the second lady. Why is it that now she is only concerned with making friends and doesn't even talk to you?" Qingdai was a little dissatisfied.
Yao Niang smiled and said, "They don't owe us anything, why would they help us so much?"
"But aren't you sisters?"
It was clear that when they were in Jinling, the second and third girls had a very good relationship.
Yao Niang smiled: "But this is the capital. We were just children before. Now we are growing up and everyone has to make his own plans."
The four daughters of the Yan family are not far apart in age, but they are enemies in the same industry. This is a truth that only Yao Niang understands now.
If you want to fit into a circle, you can't just flatter your way into it all of a sudden. Otherwise, people will mention you in a flattering way in the future, and you will be laughed at.
It's called a flower banquet, but in fact it's just for everyone to get together and enjoy themselves.
The girls were throwing pots in groups of three or four, or feeding carp in the pond nearby, or even joking together. Yingniang in particular was laughing so hard that she was bent over, and she was playing and joking with everyone.
In fact, Yao Niang is also a little envious. Social skills are also a kind of ability.
Am I too conservative? Should I go around and beg others to be my friend? It seems unnecessary. Yao Niang is not a humble person.
She might as well paint on the side. She asked someone for a brush, ink, paper and inkstone, and painted a picture of women admiring flowers. Originally, she just painted casually as a pastime. After all, she was diligent in painting figures every day, and even got up to paint when she was sick, but she always felt that something was not enough. Unexpectedly, when she was almost done, Miss Gong saw it and was full of surprise.
"Ms. Yan San, your painting skills are really good, especially the accurate capture of the characters' expressions. I can recognize who is who even from the back."
"Thank you for your compliment, young lady. I just saw the spring scenery in the garden and my sisters were admiring the flowers, so I was itching to paint and wanted to make a souvenir." Yao Niangsi didn't think her painting skills were that outstanding at all.
Miss Gong praised her, and the girls behind her, who were all familiar to her, naturally followed suit. Yao Niang then took the opportunity to reintroduce herself to them. They were all girls of similar age, and they exchanged ages.
Someone asked Yao Niang: "Your paintings are really good. How many years have you learned it?"
"How can I be good at painting? I have only learned it for more than four years. But I see that the flowers on your handkerchief are embroidered very well. Did you embroider it yourself?" Yao Niang began to guide the conversation.
The girl smiled shyly and said, "Yes, I embroidered it."
"You are amazing." Yao Niang admired her handkerchief and continued to guide the topic: "It's just that the hibiscus flowers on it reminded me of a few poems. Well, since we are all gathered here, why not play a game."
Miss Gong smiled and said, "What game? Just tell me."
"The sachets and handkerchiefs we wear always have patterns on them. If we use this as a flying flower order, if someone can't answer, we will punish him by making him wear flowers on everyone else's head. How do you think?" Yao Niang suggested.
Everyone thought this was a good idea, and Miss Gong also agreed.
Suddenly everyone here started talking.
…
When Yan Ningxin returned to the garden, she thought she would see Yao Niang sitting there alone, but unexpectedly, Yao Niang mingled with everyone and started talking and laughing.
She turned to Jinli beside her and said, "I never thought that Third Sister would have such a good time the first time she came. These girls who grew up in the inner chambers really don't need my sympathy. They have taken to it so quickly."
Jin Li smiled and said, "Miss, you have nothing to worry about. Didn't Master Wu say there will be a polo match next time? The other girls in the Yan family are completely clueless, so this is a good opportunity for you to show off your skills."
Yin Dan also nodded: "Yes, young lady. The young ladies of the Yan family are all from the south. They always suppress you because they have studied a few more years. You should let them see your power soon. In this way, the master will look at you differently."
Yan Ningxin nodded secretly. She could only help her cousin if her father valued her. In this world, only her cousin was truly related to her by blood and was the best person to her.
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