Chapter 048 Chapter 48
Yao Niang, who was sitting behind the screen, still didn't understand why Shen Linfeng came?
Then he looked at Shen Linfeng in the hall, picking up the essay topic and glancing through it, writing with his mind focused. The servants standing in the hall were still glancing at him from time to time.
Is it true that people with good looks are more likely to attract attention? If so, why do I have to wear a veil every time I go out? Men and women really live differently in this world.
However, Xie noticed that her daughter looked at Shen Linfeng from time to time. She had also come here at that time. If a man and a woman were in love, they would be curious about each other at the beginning. Shen Linfeng heard that he had been hiding in Henan because of the eldest girl's affairs, and now he was willing to come here. She had an idea in her mind.
The topic Shen Linfeng got was "Excessive Expenses", which he was very familiar with. It was a policy question from the sixth year of Jiayou in the Northern Song Dynasty. He was actually asked about this. Before he took the imperial examination, he had also written many policy essays from previous years.
After a little thought, he began to write.
Although Yan Mai was drinking tea, he was also paying attention to Shen Linfeng. He originally thought that it was really a 15-year-old boy, but he didn't expect that it was the 19-year-old Shen Linfeng. As expected of someone who had won the second place, he was different. He was already somewhat satisfied in his mind, and seeing Shen Xunfu's calm and composed look, he could tell at a glance that he was confident.
Sure enough, in less than half an hour, Shen Linfeng had handed in his paper. The examiners were of course Yan Mai and Jie Zhifu, both of whom were successful candidates in the two imperial examinations and had very good abilities. After seeing Shen Linfeng's solution, they suddenly understood.
Most of the essays in the imperial examinations were made up of things that were criticized by previous generations, but being able to dance while wearing shackles was a real skill.
Shen Linfeng passed the policy discussion stage very smoothly.
Yan Mai also said to Shen Linfeng: "Young man, writing articles is a beautiful thing, but in the future, it is not just talk on paper to stabilize the country."
Shen Linfeng was very good at holding his temper, and he immediately said humbly: "The governor taught me that I am still young, and I will need your guidance in the future."
Generally young people tend to be impetuous, Yan Mai also has grandchildren, Jing Zhao is like this. Yao Niang also thought that her brother could not be like this. If he heard someone scold him like this, even if it was an elder, he would not accept it. He even wanted to blame the chief examiner for ranking second in the provincial examination.
When Xie saw Shen Linfeng like this, she nodded secretly.
The second level was about archery. Shen Linfeng pulled the bow from a hundred steps away. It was a bow with a force of seven and a half. He pulled it open in an instant and shot at the center of the target without any effort.
Shen Xun smiled and said to Yan Mai, "Master, I wonder what piece of music is in the third level? My nephew is well versed in music and plays the pipa very well."
Yan Mai glanced at Shen Linfeng and said, "You're a good young man. You have everything. But this time I'm not going to release the song. You guys should listen..."
A clear and melodious piano sound came, and Shen Linfeng thought to himself that this was the konghou being played.
"This is 'Yangchun Baixue', an ancient song composed by Shi Xuan of Jin and Liu Juanzi of Qi. Almost everyone knows it, but it is too high-brow and not appreciated by many." Shen Linfeng roughly knew what Miss Yan San meant. She was saying that it would not be so easy for her to marry, and that this girl had a very noble character.
Shen Xunfu and Yan Mai on the side were also listening leisurely. Suddenly, the sound of the piano stopped. Shen Linfeng quickly plucked the strings. Yan Mai had originally closed his eyes, but now he opened his eyes and looked at Shen Linfeng. The young man has quite a lot of tricks.
But a husband who is too handsome is not necessarily a good thing, as it is easy to attract peach blossoms. But thinking about the appearance and talent of my granddaughter, they are a perfect match.
Yao Niang heard Shen Linfeng playing the piano in the inner room. The sound of the piano was so smooth and fascinating that she couldn't help but smile and turn her head away.
Mother Song was watching from the side and came up to congratulate Xie: "Madam, congratulations on your happy marriage."
…
From time to time, Shen Xunfu said to Yan Mai: "Your Excellency, I will write a letter to my brother and sister-in-law in the capital. If they knew that my nephew married your daughter, I'm afraid they would be very happy."
Yao Niang said: "This Shen Futai is very good at handling things!"
"He is about the same age as your father, and he is already a provincial governor, and a capable official. This is already very remarkable," said Xie.
Yan Mai and Prefect Jie were also very satisfied with what Shen Xunfu said, and said to the uncle and nephew of the Shen family: "My meaning is very clear. My granddaughter and her mother plan to go to see the peonies in Luoyang next month and then return to the capital. I will let them take my letter back."
Shen Xun clapped his hands and smiled, "Isn't this a coincidence? My sister-in-law loves Luoyang peonies the most, and Linfeng is also a filial son, and he is also planning to go to Luoyang next month to pick a few pots of expensive peonies to bring back. It just so happens that we are all a family now, so let Linfeng escort Madam Yan and Miss Yan together. Isn't this the best of both worlds?"
Yan Mai glanced at Shen Linfeng and said, "Gong Ding, I'm going to trouble you."
Shen Linfeng had not expected such a coincidence. It was really a coincidence. He glanced into the inner room and said seriously, "I will definitely keep in mind the governor's entrustment."
…
Yao Niang had never expected that she had only wanted Shen Xunfu to back off, but she had not expected that her marriage would be settled so quickly. Her grandfather was her father's elder, and if he had spoken, and her father had already had that intention, the marriage might have been a done deal.
But she didn't seem to be so reluctant in her heart. After this trip, she realized that it was difficult for them to pick someone with similar talent, appearance and family background in such a blind marriage, not to mention having similar personalities, which they knew nothing about before marriage.
Perhaps, this world will allow men and women to interact freely one day. Otherwise, it would be like writing an eight-legged essay, dancing in shackles. She was lucky, at least she knew he was talented and well-educated before marriage. Her brother was directly chosen by the elders because of the relationship between the two families.
Just like my second sister-in-law, Yu, everything went well after she got married, but she was a very ambitious person at heart, while my second brother was a good-for-nothing. Another example was her brother, who had a rebellious temperament, and her sister-in-law could not control him, so she always felt uneasy.
Shen Linfeng had a stable temper, was extremely talented, had already passed the imperial examination, and even looked better than any other man she had ever met.
"Yao Niang." Xie personally brought in the Tremella soup.
Yao Niang stood up quickly: "Mom, why did you bring it here in person? Put it down quickly."
Xie smiled and said, "I was afraid that you had some grudges in your heart, but from your expression, it seems that you have already made up your mind."
Yao Niang nodded slightly: "When I was in the capital, I felt that I was pushed out to take the blame. I was unwilling in my heart. I always felt that I should have nothing to do with the Shen family and live my own life. But, mother, things are often unpredictable. We have already arrived in Henan, but we still get married. Since it is inevitable, why not think in a positive direction? Mother, just like the matter of your daughter asking for an imperial decree for you, if you don't try, you may think it is impossible in this life, but it really succeeded. Today, when we were playing Yangchun Baixue, he suddenly continued, and I thought maybe I could give it a try."
"I think it's good too, Yao Niang, don't think too much, just enjoy it." Xie also relaxed.
What does it mean to enjoy it? Yao Niang was suspicious.
After this matter was settled, Yan Mai returned to Guide, Shangqiu and other places to inspect the river. Shen Xunfu had to accompany him, but only Shen Linfeng was very nervous.
He actually arranged his own marriage and was going to accompany Xie's mother and daughter to Luoyang. The last time he was engaged, he played a polo match with Yan Ningxin. I didn't expect that he would have to accompany them this time. Of course, this was what he should do. If the mother and daughter walked alone, it would be easy for the scoundrels to covet them.
"Rong An, you should prepare more food for the road. By the way, what is the best thing to eat on the road?" Shen Linfeng asked.
Rong An smiled and said, "You don't like eating lamb skewers the most, why don't we take a lamb with us on the journey?"
Shen Linfeng waved his hand: "That's too bloody. Let me think about something suitable for girls to eat."
Rong An glanced at Shen Linfeng and said, "You've never been like this before! I see that you always like to sleep the most, but now you have to accompany Madam Yan and Miss Yan, you can't do that anymore."
Shen Linfeng hit him with a slap on the shoulder, feeling rather annoyed and angry: "What nonsense are you talking about? Don't say this outside."
Rong An covered his mouth and laughed secretly, and said quickly: "I know, I know."
Because April was going to Luoyang, Ye Jingwan, Shao Xixi and Chen Shuyi went to pray for her together. This time they almost knew her true identity. Ye Jingwan just found it funny and heard that her grandfather and grandmother had a quarrel.
You have to know that the Ministry of Personnel is in charge of the promotion of officials all over the world. If my brother could marry the daughter of the assistant minister of the Ministry of Personnel, his future prospects would be limitless. Even her grandfather was the governor of the river, and her brother was a Hanlin, and her family background was very prominent. It's a pity that it's too late to regret.
Yao Niang didn't care about these undercurrents: "I will be going to the capital soon. If you sisters go to the capital in the future, you can go to the Yan family in Anrenfang to find me."
Ye Jingwan raised her glass and said, "Sister Yan, the mountains remain green and the water flows forever."
"By the way, Yao Niang, you are going to Luoyang, are you and your mother going alone?" Shao Xixi was the most enthusiastic. She knew that both Yan's mother and daughter were like fairies. Although they brought guards with them, there were no men with them after all. She was afraid that the servants might collude with them.
Because of this, Shao Xixi was very worried and said, "You should bring more people."
Yao Niang remembered that Shen Linfeng wanted to go with her, so she couldn't tell them now, so she just said, "Okay, thank you Sister Shao for your concern, I will bring more people. But how are you now? I see that you have dark circles under your eyes."
Shao Xixi yawned as she spoke: "I have to embroider pieces and shoes every day, and even sew the water birds on the caps myself. Isn't it tiring?"
窈娘就經歷過顏如貝和顏寧馨的兩場婚事，繡鞋繡衣都是在繡坊定做的，新娘子要做的是荷包香袋這樣的東西，這是新婦要送給婆家人的。
所以，窈娘提醒道：“邵姐姐為何不在繡坊定做，旁的功夫還不如多做些別的針線，如此在婆家人家才能看到啊。那些繡衣雖好，可穿一日就得脫下來，費功夫不說，可能還比不得那些時興的繡衣。”
說白了，你也不是繡娘，平日大家的繡活不過是小打小鬧，怎麽比得上人家專門的繡坊。
這也是肺腑之言，若非是邵惜惜，她也不會說起。
邵惜惜抿唇：“我那繼母巧舌如簧，說新嫁娘只有自個兒做嫁衣才能婚姻更美滿，我父親素來不管這些庶務，我也只好這麽做了。”
“原來是這樣，邵姐姐，我之前在彭家姐姐的胭脂鋪子曾經入了一份幹股，我聽說彭家也有繡坊，她們正要分利錢給我，只可惜到時候我可能就不在這裏，那些利錢我也拿不到。不如就讓彭大姐兒換成蓋頭和繡鞋送去你府上，如此也當作是我送給你的成婚禮，哎呀，真的好想參加你大婚之喜，可就是沒功夫了。我爹爹也數次來信，催我和我娘回去。”窈娘加了最後一句，也怕邵惜惜覺得是施舍給她，怕她有想法。
可能窈娘随時都有母親在旁，還是父兄都在，最大的問題就是婚事問題，現在也解決了，她的日子比別人好過多了，有時候像邵惜惜這樣的事情對她而言都是難以想象，所以能幫則幫一把，她也不圖什麽回報。
說實在的，今日一別，可能日後很難再見了。
只不過邵惜惜拒絕了：“顏妹妹，心意領了，若是彭家給我送過去，我們家人又要問東問西，反而不得安生。”
窈娘也不勉強：“那好，倒是我多事了，姐姐莫要怪罪。”
葉淨婉看的出來窈娘有些生氣了，因為邵惜惜和俞慶兒不同，俞慶兒家世在那兒，她雖然父母不疼，可祖母是王府出來的鄉君，她和窈娘才是同一個階層，二人也格外和的來。可邵惜惜看似熱情活潑，其實是那種很分的清的人，如果窈娘能夠體察到這一點，也就不能這麽突兀了。
場面一時有些僵住，其實窈娘也很少處理這種場面，她在家就一直被父親培養要如何的矜貴拿架子，每次稍稍拿出點自己的本事來，就有不少人想和她結交，今日她也是真心為邵惜惜打算，但不知道邵惜惜為何這般？
可她既然不要，自己也就不勉強了，可她們這般好像自己犯錯了似的。
還是顧媽媽提醒道：“姑娘，天色不早了，今日還得回去收拾行李呢。”
就這樣窈娘也松了一口氣，也和她們道別：“多謝諸位姐姐今日為我踐行，我們日後有緣再見。”
等窈娘走後，陳淑怡原本就和葉淨婉邵惜惜關系一般，也借口先走了，唯獨只留下她們二人的時候，邵惜惜有些難為情：“不知道今日是不是我做錯什麽了？”
“不是，你什麽都沒做錯。但你也能看的出來，金陵顏家果然如傳聞那般，你可能不知曉，她祖父父親為人極其強硬，我曾經聽我祖父說起，說她祖父還是觀政進士的時候就一日彈劾兩個宰相，她父親連沈家的面子都不給。所以，你拒絕她，她可能有些不開心，還會覺得已經很遷就你了。可是惜惜，我總覺得都是朋友，大家性格彼此不同，但也是同甘共苦的人，窈娘還能在你的及笄禮上挺身而出，可見她是個極好的人，你不必介懷別人是同情你。”葉淨婉拍了拍她的肩膀道。
邵惜惜還想說些什麽，又怔了半會子，醒過神來才發現葉淨婉也離開了。
在回來的路上，窈娘還問顧媽媽：“您喊我做什麽？其實也不必如此，”
“姑娘，所謂朋友在精不在多。”顧媽媽是怕她吃虧，因為姑娘從小被保護的很好，唯一最難過的日子是和祖父母在西北，但頂多也就是三老太太偏心，可在外面，她依舊是甘陝布政使的孫女。
窈娘笑道：“哎呀，這事兒我都忘記了，何必那般敏感。”
“以前您和她們一樣，現在她們知道您的身份了，可不就是……”顧媽媽道。
窈娘明白了，就是別人開始看你的眼色了，因為身份不同了。以前她頂多就是解知府的外孫女，和她們交往她們想說什麽就說什麽，現在若是自己不高興和父親說什麽了，她爹可是吏部侍郎啊？
連交好數月的朋友都是如此，若是在親事上呢？
回來之後，窈娘和解氏說起這樣的情況，解氏道：“這就是為何門當戶對的道理，若是真的下嫁，別人和你交往都帶着小心翼翼的面具，尤其是男子，最不能容忍女子家世強，即便你已經很通情達理了，但你的存在，就是一種壓迫，要不都說男人喜歡升官發財死老婆呢？”
“娘，這話感覺不像是您能說出來的話？”窈娘有些狐疑，她娘平日是那種連放屁和賤人都不會說的人。
解氏輕咳兩聲：“這是你爹和我說的。”
窈娘笑道：“這也難怪了，罷了，我不為這些事情煩擾了，過不了幾日就要啓程去洛陽，這幾日好好在家陪陪外公外祖母。”
夜深了，窈娘很快睡着了，解氏把顧媽媽喊過去，對她道：“今日你做的對，窈娘這孩子還是閱歷太淺，她日後會是吳興沈氏的主母，那位沈公子看起來對她感覺不同，就怕她多說幾句，不小心把自己和沈家的婚事說出來了。”
顧媽媽道：“您說的是。”
“馬上要和沈臨風一起去洛陽了，這一路上你們不要太攔着，讓她們多接觸。若是還不成，婚事就作罷。”解氏總怕自己女兒吃虧。
顧媽媽不可置信：“三老太爺不是同意了嗎？”
解氏笑道：“還是我和她爹說了算，窈娘她是我的寶貝，我不能讓她吃虧，也得考察考察這位沈公子，好了，今日我和你說的話，不要和別人說。”
顧媽媽連聲道是。
很快就到了要出發這一日，窈娘特別換上了一襲春衫，翠綠的衫子配着珍珠白百褶裙，顯得身姿靈動飄逸，愈發清新可人。
就連頭上戴着的帷帽都是輕紗綴着絹布做的柳葉，上面還綴着細碎的流蘇珍珠，窈娘站在解氏身邊，就不明白的對解氏道：“娘，不過是一個帷帽，您為何給女兒做的如此精致？”
解氏雖然不一定知道每一個男人的心思，但她知曉一個女子如果要低三下四的和男子求好，那樣子會讓男子瞧不起你，太過矜持清高，又會讓男子望而卻步。可想而知，如沈臨風這樣的男子，無數女子往上撲的人，他們不會主動追求別人。
所以要吸引這樣的男子，作為女子你一定要誘惑力，很吸引人，可以牢牢地釣住其他人。那麽就一定要通過打扮，神态，表情來表現，如今戴着帷帽，也要展現出女子的魅惑來。
“等會兒你就知道了。”解氏拍了一下女兒。
沈臨風是騎馬過來的，他也怕來的太早了，別人沒起床，自然，他也是由己推人，因為他就是個躺在床上拔都拔不起來的人。
只是沒想到過來的時候，解氏和窈娘都已經把行李裝在馬車上了，顯然人家都起的比他早，沈臨風很不好意思：“顏夫人，三小姐，是我來的遲了。”
解氏笑道：“不是你來遲了，是我們起的早了，你還得從東邊趕過來，自然就慢一些。”
沈臨風笑了笑：“顏夫人，我已經打算在開封到洛陽，我們可以在松陽客棧，還有幾處地方落腳。您看看——”
“你和我們三丫頭說吧，我是一出門，東西南北都不認得的。”解氏連忙擺手。
沈臨風拿着地圖的手緊了緊，窈娘也沒想到娘會把她推出來，娘不是一直都說女兒家的名聲要白璧無瑕的麽？
但她也大方的上前一步，帷帽上的流蘇須須一下就掃到了沈臨風的手，沈臨風往後退了一小步，又覺得不對，立馬看了窈娘一眼，隔着一層輕紗，他還是你能看到窈娘的眼神。
窈娘見他似乎退後了一步，有些疑惑的看着他，一雙杏核眼露出迷茫。
沈臨風立馬往前一步，深呼吸了一口氣，又重新介紹：“我們先到松陽客棧，這裏是出了開封府之後的第一個大客棧，然後再就是在汝南驿館這裏下榻，這個地方算是交通要道，之後我們再在洛陽的鳳林客棧住下，這個地方離牡丹園是最近的。”
“你安排的很妥當啊，只是我聽說鳳林客棧很難定的，你有沒有提前定下？”窈娘仰起頭看了他一眼，這人實在是太高了。
沈臨風笑道：“放心，我已經托人先過去打點了。”
窈娘颔首：“那我們就放心了。”
Shen Linfeng also breathed a sigh of relief, and suddenly said something without anyone noticing: "Do you think I look calm now?"
Yao Niang shook her head instantly, covered her mouth and laughed: "No, you look very nervous."