Chapter 7 Chapter VII

"Sure enough," Biwen told Zhu Shi, "Second Grandma Zhen told his wife that she should take the key back from Qiuyue, but the wife said no. Why? The reason behind this is that the Second Grandma Zhen failed to make a plan, so she made another plan, and said that she might as well borrow some money first, and spend it on the old lady. More than 20,000 silver, let's pay for it!' The second grandma Zhen has never touched such a nail; she naturally became suspicious of Qiuyue, saying that she didn't know what she was doing in front of her wife! As a result, she often had trouble with Qiuyue, sneering and sarcastic; Behind my back, I don't know how many tears shed."

"So there is still such a passage!" Zhu Shi asked: "Since Qiuyue only told her wife, and the law is not passed on to everyone, how do you know?" "Qiuyue told me by herself. She said: Her grievances must be known to someone, so that she can survive. She also said: If you hadn't left this mansion and jumped out of the right and wrong, I would not have dared to tell you." "Really!" Zhu Shida sighed, "Among the Tsing Yi, there is such a righteous deed with the heart of a lone minister and evil son, I am really ashamed." "Qiuyue has always been afraid that she would be no match for Second Grandma Zhen; in the past, she relied on the old lady's belief in her, and her words were the old lady's words. Second Grandma Zhen naturally supported her and said what she said! Now, although the wife supports her, but, First, the majesty of the wife is far inferior to that of the old lady; second, the shrewdness of the wife is not as good as that of the old lady; At that time, I didn’t know how to control Qiuyue.” Biwen was a little excited, “I often worry about Qiuyue; with her, even ten of them can’t withstand the shock of Second Grandma’s finger. At this moment, I have a problem, you see useless?"

Bi Wen thought of Qin Guan's aunt who was a direct relative; since Pingjun Wang Taifujin intervened in this matter and implicitly expressed support for Qiuyue, Second Grandma Zhen would have some scruples. "It's not a bad idea to do this. However, the way to intervene needs to be thought out carefully; it is too obvious, so that Second Grandma Zhen thought: 'Okay! You put a big hat on me!' Then the more you do it, the more twisted it will be." , it became an incomprehensible deadlock, which is even more ominous.” "Since you understand, it's up to you to think about this method." Biwen said again: "There is one more thing, it doesn't matter if the emperor's gown fades, according to uncle and grandpa; you can't be careless after all. You have to be careful. "

Sure enough, Li Xu had guessed right, Cao Fu was only punished with a fine of one year's salary; at the same time, the azurite satin woven by Suzhou Weaving Yamen also faded, although it was not for "higher use", it was dealt with fairly, and the weaving was of high quality. Bin also fined his salary for one year. "However, it's very strange to have another edict." Zhu Shi told Biwen: "Originally, three weaving places would go to Beijing in turn to send out pieces of satin to meet official business; this year we were supposed to go to Beijing for weaving in Suzhou, but there was an edict yesterday: Come, I should untie the satin and send it to Cao Fu. I don’t know why the fourth master has just returned, why did he go to Beijing again?”

"You didn't ask?" "I heard that Prince Yi sent a letter asking him to come; I don't know what to ask." "What's the important thing, you can't say it in the letter; you want to call me to ask it face to face?" "Then I don't know. Let's wait until the fourth master comes!" The so-called "Prince Yi sent a letter" is actually just forwarding the edict in the name of "Minister of the Prime Minister's Affairs". So when Cao Fu arrived in Beijing, he went to the gate of the palace to hand over the greeting as usual before returning to the place where he stayed- —His elder brother, Cao Qi's family of Xingsan.

As stated in the Shangyu, Cao Fu went to Beijing to wait for Prince Yi's questioning; so early the next morning, he issued a post of greetings and went to the mansion to pay homage.At the end of the afternoon and the beginning of the application, Prince Yi began to return to the mansion; soon there was a word: Prince Yi was tired and did not plan to meet Cao Fu.There is no need to come tomorrow, just wait for Pingjun Wangfu to listen. Hearing this, Cao Fu couldn't help wondering: It's too late, even though he is a close relative, it's inconvenient to see King Pingjun.But he was a little worried; He Cheng, who followed him to Beijing this trip, said, "Why don't you go and see Master Zhu?"

"That's a good idea." So, I kept visiting Zhu Shi by car.He already knew that Cao Fu was going to Beijing, because he had been sent there the day before; he also knew that he was staying at Cao Qi's house, and he estimated that he would not come to see him until the next day.Didn't know that he came to visit unexpectedly; Bi Wenxian was overjoyed when word spread. Especially when I heard that He Cheng had also followed, I felt even more cordial.At present, Zhu Shi accompanied him into the middle gate; Biwen welcomed him into the upper room, and without paying attention to saluting, he asked He Cheng for a "clothes bag" first; because Cao bowed down to see Prince Yi, he was dressed up, and it was already summer, so he was wearing a robe. The gown is very uncomfortable, and he is eager to change into plain clothes, but he is reserved by nature. Even though Biwen has helped him change clothes when he was at home, he always feels that her status is different now; except that he can't think of a more appropriate address for a while, I had no choice but to still call her Biwen, and all other ideas were different from the past, especially if she was no longer a master and servant, a friend's family should be respected, so when Biwen came to unbutton his jacket for him, he took two steps back and bowed his head. He clasped his hands and said, "Don't dare!"

"The fourth master is the same," Biwen complained to him, "It's like coming home here, why are you still wearing a robe? According to me, you don't even need to wear a mandarin jacket, just change into a robe." "Then I will do it myself." Cao leaned over to Zhu Shi and said, "Let me use the guest room." Biwen suddenly realized that the pedantry of the "Fourth Master" had flared up again: He smiled and said, "Just change it here. I'll go to the kitchen to have a look." In the kitchen, I saw Mama Qi and Xiyu fanning the stove to boil water; the top-quality "Sanxun" scented tea was already placed in the covered bowl for guests, and Bi Wen said: "No need for this tea! The fourth master drinks melon slices; fortunately I still have two catties left. Xiyu, go to my back room and get the oldest tin can!"

Then, I discussed with Qi's mother how to entertain guests.Cao Fu didn't pay much attention to delicacies, but tea and wine had to be of the highest quality; there was a vase of flower carvings sent by the Prince's Mansion of Pingjun, which Biwen had been reluctant to open, so it was time to use it today. Back in the main room, I saw that Cao Fu had changed into casual clothes.Although the parents of the Bannermen only wear filial piety for a hundred days, the Cao family still abides by the rules of the Han people. Except for officials, the mourning at home is still three years old. He wears a mandarin jacket, but prepares two mandarin jackets, and wears black solid gauze at polite people’s houses; here, since Biwen said that it is as if he has arrived home, he might as well wear a green cloth mandarin jacket and a black cloth melon skin hat on his head. White velvet hat knot.

From the plain clothes, Biwen naturally thought of Mrs. Cao; he also thought of Qiuyue and Qinguan.But logically, of course you have to ask Aunt Ji and Tang Guan first. "Tang Guan is still naughty, his mother can't control him, beat him twice, but it's still the same. Alas!" Cao Fu sighed. The relationship between Bi Wen and Tang Guan is like sister and brother, so after hearing Cao Fu's words, I felt a little distressed; I couldn't help thinking, and said it without thinking: "Since my aunt can't control Tang Guan, why don't the fourth master Bring him to Beijing and give it to me."

"This——" Cao Fu thinks it is a good idea, but it depends on Zhu Shi's intentions: "I can't ask for it. I'm afraid of causing trouble for the family." "What trouble there will be; but I'm afraid Aunt Ji won't let it go." "This child will be successful only if he leaves his mother." Cao Fu said again, "Let's discuss this matter in the long run." Zhu Shi did not approve of this move, so he just followed Cao Fu's words and said: "Anyway, Mr. Ang still has time to wait, so we can discuss it slowly." After speaking, taking advantage of Cao Fu's inattention, he gave Bi Wen a wink. Biwen socialized with Cao Fu, and went to He Cheng to talk about the old days, and listened to the situation of the old lady after her death.In the main room, Cao Fu was talking about business. He was summoned to Beijing for this trip, but Prince Yi did not see him. He said that he had something to convey from the King of Pingjun, but he didn't know what was going on. He was deeply confused. Listen quietly. It wasn't until Cao Fu finished speaking that he replied: "Now the king of the county spends more time in the clan's mansion and less time in the palace. Since Prince Yi said so, it doesn't seem to be a big deal." "Have you heard anything from the county king?" "There's nothing important to say; just say that Mr. Ang is too loyal, those people from the Ministry of Internal Affairs, oh," Zhu Shi realized that the words "people from the Ministry of Internal Affairs" were in a contemptuous tone, and hurriedly explained, "Don't worry, Mr. Ang! Most of the people in the Ministry of Internal Affairs are smart and capable; in contrast, the county king is often worried that Ang Gong will suffer." "It doesn't matter if you suffer a loss, as long as you can afford it, it doesn't matter if you let them take advantage of it! They are all from the Ministry of Internal Affairs." "Ang Gong's measure is really unattainable." Thinking of the attitude of Cao Zhen and his wife towards him, Zhu Shi couldn't help but feel a little aggrieved, so he asked casually, "How is Tongsheng? Are you still so chic and unconcerned?" This sentence is a derogatory term; Cao Fu naturally understands it, but he doesn't like to praise people's shortcomings by nature, so he covered it up for Cao Zhen: "He just wants to socialize a little more. You know, I am lazy by nature, and I am most afraid of socializing; thanks to someone He replaces me." Cao looked around and asked nonchalantly, "Are you getting along well with the county king and the host?" "Yes! We both feel that we hit it off very well." "The king of the county has frequent contacts with Prince Zhuang, right?" "Not many," Zhu Shi replied, "it's Tai Fujin who often goes to Prince Zhuang's residence to greet Concubine Mi." "We have known each other since we were young." Cao Fu replied, "Concubine Mi's surname is Wang, from Suzhou; the old man is a member of the magistrate's team. How did he live in my house back then? My eldest sister was with him when she was seven or eight years old. My son; I don't know much about it. My uncle understands it completely; when the late Emperor lived, my uncle took care of Concubine Mi's house." "No wonder! Now the uncle and grandfather are also quite taken care of by Prince Zhuang. It is said that there is a long history." "The relationship between each other is very deep; even the fourth elder brother has a close relationship with the county king, which makes sense. It's really hard to tell the difference between the palace and the palace. You will know when you stay in the palace for a long time." Zhu Shi has heard about this before; however, it is inconvenient to ask Cao Fu for confirmation. It is said that the fourth elder brother Hongli, who only likes to be close to Shuzong's Pingjun Wang Fupeng, has something to do with his "low background"-the birth mother of the prince and grandson, if If she is a woman from the Ministry of Internal Affairs or is from the "Xinzheku" - the Huanyi Bureau of the Ming Dynasty, which specializes in housing the wives and children of felons, she is considered "of humble origin".The fourth elder brother's biological mother is said to be a maid in the Rehe Palace; therefore, his brothers from the same father and ancestors all look down on him; only Fu Peng thought that his mother was also a woman from the Ministry of Internal Affairs, but Emperor Temeng "pointed at marriage" ", in order to become the "Prince with the Red Flag", Fujin met far more than the biological mother of the fourth elder brother. In reality, there is no difference.Therefore, every time he protects the fourth elder brother, he treats him as a brother and sister; the fourth elder brother is naturally happy to get close. While talking, he caught a glimpse of He Cheng's shadow outside the window; Zhu Shi got up and said, "I have something, please take a look at Mr. Ang." After finishing speaking, he went to the study to fetch a manuscript of poems that he wrote for Fuppen; it also appended several poems written by Fuppen himself. This is to find something interesting to do for Cao Fu. While he is reading the manuscript of this poem, he can accuse him of a crime and talk to He Cheng. "Old He, your spirit is getting better and better." "Thanks to Master." "Where's your brother?" "It's okay!" He Cheng replied, "I hung the painting last month and fell off the ladder; fortunately, it's not heavy." "Where's the wine?" Zhu Shi said with concern: "You have to persuade him to stop it." "That's not true! If I hadn't been drunk that day, I wouldn't have fallen off the ladder properly." He Cheng then said: "I go to the house twice a month. The young master and young lady are both good-looking, and the young master is very strong. Like a calf. It’s my wife, according to the old lady, her bones are really worrying.” "Thank you, thank you!" Zhu Shi didn't mention his wife's illness, but only expressed his gratitude: "I can feel at ease here because of you old adults taking care of me." Then he asked: "Where is Qin Guan? The newly hired one How is that teacher?" He Cheng glanced into the room, and said vaguely: "It's generally not bad. I told my aunt about the situation of Officer Qin." Zhu Shi understood that it probably hindered Cao Fu's inconvenient words, so he also changed the topic: "How many years have you not been to Beijing?" "Oh! It's been many years!" He thought for a while and replied, "Seven years." "Look, what has changed in the capital in the past seven years?" He Cheng thought for a while and replied, "Nothing else has changed; the only thing is that teahouses and wine shops are pasted with 'Don't talk about state affairs' red paper notes. There were also in the past; but it's not everywhere like it is now." "Oh, I don't know about that." Zhu Shi replied, "I thought it was like this before." "No, no, it's quite different." Seeing Cao Fu looking up, He Cheng said, "Master, please go in!" In the main room, Cao Fu covered the manuscript, nodded and said, "Brother Hua Zhong's poetry is getting old." "Ang Gong should give advice. How to misrepresent the award." "I don't dare to do it." Cao Fu said, "There are quite a few poems that the king of the county sang with the fourth elder brother." "Yes! Brother Si likes to make poems." Zhu Shi originally wanted to criticize Brother Si's poems as lacking in spirit; they didn't even look like poetry at all, but when he thought of what He Cheng said, "Don't talk about state affairs", he swallowed. "Please sit back, Fourth Master!" Bi Wen turned out from the back hall, and said with a smile: "Today is too late to prepare, and there is nothing good to invite Fourth Master; but I opened the jar of wine that I was reluctant to open." "It's good to have good wine!" Cao Fu stood up happily, "It's better to have a glass of wine later in the solar eclipse." So Bi Wen guided them to the back hall; on the square table with rosewood and marble surface, there were only two sets of cups and chopsticks; Porcelain jug to pour wine; thanks to Bi Wen's teaching, the wine was scalded just right, and when it was poured out, it smelled bad; gulp. "This time I drove to Beijing by dry road, so it's inconvenient to bring wine; I drank it for free along the way. There are many bad ones and few good ones. The good ones are far behind this wine." "When we're in Beijing, I'm not afraid that there won't be any good wine to drink," Bi Wen said; picking up Zhu Shi's chopsticks, he served Cao Fu with vegetables. "You," Cao Fu said with difficulty, "why don't you sit together?" It was very difficult for Cao Fu to utter these words; while Bi Wen's words sounded even more incredible.Because of the strict rules of the Cao family, Cao Fu is famous for being upright; Aunt Ji and Aunt Zou don't even sit at the same table when dinner is open, let alone order a girl to serve you?Therefore, Bi Wen was really flattered, but he never considered obeying; he just said: "I have to watch in the kitchen." Then he glanced at Zhu Shi, "You have two more drinks with the fourth master." But Zhu Shi didn't understand the insurmountable boundary between master and servant in the old days, he just felt that they should be like a family, so he replied: "Being respectful is worse than obeying. After you finish your work in the kitchen, come to respect the fourth master's wine." "You did my respects!" Zhu Shi obeyed obediently.While drinking, Cao Fu was thinking: Biwen just called Zhu Shi "you" and "I" directly, which is more polite than ordinary couples who are enemies; There is no resentment, and it seems that they are still willing to obey, which shows the depth of love.From this point of view, Tang Guan entrusted Bi Wen, so he didn't worry about Zhu Shi not following Ai Ji's wishes, so he took time to teach her well. This idea is a bit selfish; Cao Fu thought again: However, that can also be repaid.Besides, although Tang Guan is not a talented person, it would still be a pleasure to educate him as an adult.Decided to go to Beijing next time and bring Tang Guan with him.
Zhu Shi was more concerned about Guan Qin, and because of He Cheng's flickering words, this concern increased; so he said "placement" to Cao Fu from the guest room and returned to the bedroom, and then asked Bi Wendong. "Alas!" Bi Wen sighed, "Qin Guan is fine; only Qiuyue suffers." "How do you say that?" "Qiuyue's situation is difficult; there is Chunyu in Shuangzhi Fairy Hall, so of course she doesn't want Qiuyue to take care of her. Jiazhen's second grandmother secretly supports Chunyu, and she is getting more and more competitive with Qiuyue. Qiuyue really can't ignore it, but she agreed to the old lady. My wife, and my wife's entrustment, I have to talk about things that I can't see the past; I don't know if it's okay to say it, but it's even worse. I have to wrong myself and try my best to deal with Chun Yu. It is more appropriate to say something tactfully, and what should be done according to her wishes. Sometimes Chunyu listens, and sometimes keeps silent. Qiuyue has nothing to do with her." "'Every family has scriptures that are difficult to recite'. I don't want this scripture to be read by Qiuyue." Zhu Shi expressed worry, "Looking like this is definitely not a prosperous scene. When will I come to persuade you?" Fourth Master." "How can I persuade you?" Bi Wen immediately warned, "Don't worry too much! It's better for me to tell Tai Fujin one day, to explain to the fourth master in person, or to write a letter back." "Okay! You can do as you say it is appropriate. But you have to keep this matter in mind." "Why bother you to tell me! Could it be that I don't care as much as you about the affairs of the Cao family?" Bi Wen then asked, "Have you talked about Xiao Wang's horoscope with the fourth master?" "Talk about it. But I didn't say the phrase 'the tiger and the rabbit meet and return to the dream'. It's useless to say." "What did the fourth master say?" "He said, Mr. Geng is very smart. He told me, don't mention Xiao Wang's horoscope in front of Lao Wang." "That's for sure! Only when the old Wang cut the title can the younger Wang take over the title; of course the old Wang doesn't want to talk about this horoscope. Maybe he will get angry when he mentions it." "Fortunately, I don't have much time to meet Lao Wang; I might accompany the fourth master to see him tomorrow." Zhu Shi yawned, "I'm going to sleep! I have to get up early tomorrow." Getting up early the next day and entering the mansion, Zhu Shi's original intention was to tell Pingjun Wang Fupeng first if Prince Yi sent someone to pass on to Cao Fu.Nazhichen arrived at the mansion at the beginning of the day, and Fu Peng had already entered the palace. It is said that on this day, several idle clans from the Zhenghuang Banner and Xianglan Banner were summoned by the emperor; Both the "red belt" and the "red belt" are under his control, and he has to go to the class to introduce him. Therefore, when Cao Fu entered the mansion at Chenzheng, he had to see the old king Naersu first; according to the custom, the "national ceremony" was performed first, and then the family ceremony was discussed.Not only was Naersu deprived of his title because of his crimes, but he was also confined at home and not allowed to go out, so he was depressed and complained a lot. "Did you arrive in Beijing that day?" "The day before yesterday." Cao Fu replied, "It was already too late when we arrived, so we didn't have time to come to the mansion to say hello; yesterday we waited all day in Yi Wang's mansion." "Meet King Yi? What did you say?" "I haven't seen you yet. King Yi is tired after returning home. He said he has something to pass on to me today." "Yi Wang has too many errands, so to speak, he looks down on you; he must know how to be flattering. If you know how to be flattering, hmph, you should work hard for it!" This is the so-called "slandering the court", Cao Fu didn't dare to say more; he only replied vaguely: "Yes!" Then he changed the topic: "The prince is fatter than when I came to see you last time. .” "Food all day long, do nothing, and naturally gain weight." Na Ersu said sadly: "I have become a useless person, waiting to die." "My lord, don't say that. Sooner or later, there will be a day of recovery." "Resurrect! What are you doing?" Naersu laughed, "That year I was transferred back to be 'Bi Mawen', and it was a grace. Hmph!" This refers to the first year of Yongzheng, when Naersu handed over the seal letter of the acting General Fuyuan and returned to Beijing; he was ordered to "manage the Shangsi Courtyard"-one of the three courts of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, in charge of the government decree of the horse, and the Minister of Special Jane is also in charge; It cannot be regarded as a humiliation to send a hereditary county king to manage it; so Naersu referred to it as the position that Sun Wukong held in Journey to the West to laugh at himself. "My lord, please be patient!" Cao Fu could only persuade in this way, "Be punctual; treat the situation in front of you as a test, and be cheerful, so you won't feel troubled." "You have to be cheerful--I won't mention it." Naersu said, "Go and see your elder sister first!" "yes!" Naersu lives alone in the West Garden, because he is a person who has been banned by the nobles, so it is inconvenient to occupy the main house; but his wife still lives in the landlord's house as the current Pingjun Wang Taifujin.The girl led Cao Fu in, and when Tai Fujin saw his plain clothes, he couldn't help crying. When the news of Mrs. Cao's death came, Cao Fu was still in Beijing; the sister and brother had already cried a few times relative to each other.At this time, although Cao Fu felt sore and wanted to cry, but he was afraid of making Tai Fujin more sad, so he held back his tears and persuaded: "Elder sister, please take care! I am too sad; the old lady is in the spirit of heaven, but she is uneasy." Tai Fujin nodded and asked, "Have you been to the West Garden?" "yes!" At this time, two girls came up, one brought a warm towel, and waited for Tai Fujin to take it to wipe away tears; the other girl lifted up a foreign-style hand mirror, squatted slightly, and pointed it at Tai Fujin's face According to, at the same time handed a powder puff. Tai Fujin carefully made up the powder and wiped away the tears, before drinking tea and talking about the family life with Cao Fu. The important people in the family naturally asked each one, and finally talked about the old lady Cao: "This year's mountain is not good, and the old lady's major affairs will not be done until next spring; I am afraid that there will be important business at that time, so I can't ask for leave." Cao Fu said again, "It's just troublesome work, nothing else; as long as you have time." This is because Cao Yin has been buried in the ground and is safe; a huge cemetery has been built, and there is a ready-made "cave" for the old lady Cao to be buried together, without any trouble.But Tai Fujin had another plan. "Biwen told me that day that the old lady left a box of things for Guan Qin; she said it was worth 100,000 silver?" "Yes! This box is now in the hands of Qiuyue. In the future, Qin Guan will be on an errand and the cost of getting married will be covered." Tai Fujin thought for a while and said: "Fourth brother, I have an idea and I want to discuss it with you. Qin Guan is naturally the lifeblood of the old lady, but 'Jade can't be cut, it can't be used'; It will break his ambition; our family has many relatives, Qin Guan came to Beijing to work, if it costs money, can we ignore him? As for marriage, he must be ambitious and willing to make progress. , That's the business of the Rong family! If there is nothing wrong with bad things, and the bad things don't get bad, just the pomp and pomp of marriage will only make people laugh, don't you think?" Cao Fu slapped his thigh suddenly, "Eldest sister really said it to my heart." He said, "The old lady is in Japan, and everything is fine; she can't see through this point, and she still misunderstands me. " "I know, I don't blame you." Tai Fujin continued: "I mean, the old lady's money has to be spent on the old lady; besides, the descendants of Changyin are more interesting than just happy with Qinguan alone. Much more." "Yes!" Cao Fu replied, "Elder Sister, if you have any ideas, please tell me." "I think, leave 20,000 silver for Qin Guan; buy the rest to sacrifice land." Tai Fujin said again, "If you have a free time, write a letter back, just say it's my intention. As for taking care of Qin Guan, there is Me. Anyway, as long as there is this 'Iron Hat King', whoever inherits it will have to listen to me." Tai Fujin said this for a reason.It turned out that Naersu had seven sons in total, and the three of the second, third and fifth sons were concubines, but they all died young; only the four she gave birth to were completely unharmed.Therefore, no matter who seizes the title, he is her own son, and he cannot but listen to her. "The eldest sister said so, I asked the second sister-in-law to make a prayer before the old lady's spirit. The old lady was worried about Qin Guan; she was afraid that no one would take care of her, so she left more things for him. With the words of the eldest sister, the old lady There is nothing to worry about." Cao Fu said excitedly: "I will write when I get back today." "Do you live with the third child?" "Yes. But last night I was at Zhu's house—Biwen's." "Oh!" Tai Fujin said with great interest, "I've never seen this child before. At first glance, he is stable and capable; his appearance is also pleasing. I'm not saying that Aunt Ji is not worthy of such a girl." "So it is." Cao Fu replied expressionlessly; after a pause, he added: "Thanks to Tang Guan for taking care of her." From Tang Guan to Qin Guan; Tai Fujin and Cao Fu had the same opinion, both believed that the death of Mrs. Cao was a blessing for the pampered Qin Guan.But Tai Fujin didn't take Cao Fu's strict discipline for granted, and advised him not to push too hard. "Boys are always boys! It's not a thing if you don't let the door out and hang out with the girls all day long; it's not appropriate to be locked in the study and look like a nerd. Besides, Qin Guan's temperament is very important." I can't help it; if you push too hard, you will be afraid when you read the book, which is not good." "Eldest sister is right! I also feel that there is always something wrong with the previous method. Otherwise, with Qin's qualifications, I should have achieved something." "What achievement are you talking about?" Tai Fujin asked, "How do you want a child of twelve or thirteen to achieve?" Cao Fu also respected and feared this "big sister" since childhood, but now he can't help but feel embarrassed when he hears her aggressive words.At this moment, a voice was heard from the yard: "Master is here!" "Uncle" refers to Fupeng, the king of Pingjun.Although he is a junior, he is a relative after all; Cao Fu stood up first and looked out of the glass window. Fu Peng, who came around the corridor, had already changed into plain clothes, a blue robe and black jacket, with an apricot-yellow silk belt around his waist; he was wearing a Ning satin hat with a ruby ​​knot and a piece of jasper on the brim.With long eyebrows drawn into the temples, and a face as white as jade; handsome and heroic, he is one of the most beautiful men among the young princes in the troubled times. When the door curtain was lifted, Cao Fu greeted his face as soon as he met his face; he only called out: "Your Highness!" "Fourth Uncle! Please sit down." Fu Peng turned his face and said with a smile, "Mother and Fourth Uncle have chatted for a while?" "We've been chatting for quite a while." Tai Fujin asked, "Have you met King Yi yet?" "See you." Fu Peng turned his face back, "Is Fourth Uncle having any entertainment at noon?" "No." "Then have a light meal here." "yes." "Go talk with fourth uncle in the study!" Tai Fujin asked next, "Where is the dinner?" "Come back and eat with your mother." "Alright! Come in when you're done talking." So Cao leaned over and let Fu Peng go first.In the study, Fu Peng's face became more serious.And it's standing up and talking. "Yi Wang asked me to tell my fourth uncle that everything should be quiet, and we must not be flustered; we must never disturb ourselves." It is conceivable that he omitted the word "mediocre".Cao Fu didn't know where these words came from, he was stunned for a moment and replied: "What King Yi said, of course he meant something. Presumably there is an explicit indication." Fu Peng took a deep look at him, "Where did fourth uncle send Xiruan?" He asked. "No! Absolutely not." Cao Fu replied firmly. "Oh!" Fu Peng thought for a while and asked again: "Could it be Tong Sheng's work?" "No." Cao Fu replied, "Tong Sheng's behavior is in His Royal Highness's insight. I am very disturbed by the fading of the gown, but Tong Sheng doesn't care about it, saying that it is a big deal to punish him. I also blame How can he be like this when he is on an errand? Your Highness, please think, if he has such an attitude, there will be a guard against severe punishment, and secretly transfer property?" "Then there is no such thing! But," said Fuppen after a pause, "the source of the news is extremely reliable. There is always a reason for it which you and I do not understand at the moment." "Yes! I'll write back and check right away." "There's no need to be urgent; we'll check when fourth uncle returns." Fu Peng sat down, pointed to a chair opposite and said, "Please sit down." "I want to ask. King Yi specially summoned him to Beijing to explain this matter." "In addition, I would like to ask, how does the South describe the measures taken by the imperial court?" This question really taught Cao Fu to be dumbfounded, not knowing what to answer?A person who has experienced the world once said to him: "'You can only talk about three points when you meet people, and you can't give up your whole heart'. Even if you give it to your relatives, it is no exception. It should be noted that 'loyalty' does not necessarily mean 'red gall'; 'red gall' does not necessarily mean 'loyalty'".Cao Fu thinks the most reasonable and famous sayings, and because of his nature, he doesn't like to inquire about gossip, and he doesn't like Taoists' opinions. So at this moment, not only did he not dare to tell the truth, but he also couldn't tell the truth completely, which made him hesitate even more. Although Fu Peng's sophistication is not deep, but he is quick-witted and sees his difficulties; then he said: "Fourth Uncle, you don't have to be in trouble. It's one thing to tell me; it's another thing to tell King Yi. I Tell fourth uncle the truth again, what can and cannot be said in front of the emperor; Yi Wang has also considered every word. Otherwise, why would he work so hard?" Hearing this, Cao bowed his shoulders lightly; he nodded deeply and replied: "I understand, I understand. Some are fair and some are unfair to today's words. For example, "fire loss" turns darkness into light, Changed to "raise honest bank"; instruct the governor to arrest the robbers, so as to comfort Yanlu; reduce Su Song's floating grain; remove the "lazy people" status of Shaoxing Prefecture, and treat them as one with ordinary people, and the most recent decree: expel Huizhou and Ningguo in the south of the Yangtze River The "small people" in each prefecture are good people, and how many people can stand up and relax, it is really a great merit!" "By the way! I read this edict a while ago, and I was always wondering." Fu Peng asked, "Fourth Uncle, do you understand what's going on?" "I know a little bit. Generally speaking, there are people with great misfortunes everywhere, not among the people of Qi. The idle people of Shaoxing——." The lazy people in Shaoxing are no different from "Lehu". They are not allowed to take exams; they are not allowed to do business; there are restrictions on marriage, clothing, and residence.The same is generally true of the boat households with nine surnames on the Fuchun River and the scorpion households in Binhai, Guangdong; in addition, in Jiangxi, Zhejiang, Fujian and other provinces, small counties in Shanzou often have "shack dwellers" who are not as good as the people in Qimin; There are even "beggars" in Zhaowen County, who are poor and humble for generations and will never make it to the top. "It turns out that there is a 'beggar's residence' in Changshu!" Fu Peng was greatly surprised, "No wonder there is a so-called 'education chicken'." "'Jiaohua Chicken' is a famous delicacy in Changshu; I don't know how much blood and tears it took to invent this delicacy. However, all these small people are just discriminated against. After all, they are better than the 'companion' in Huizhou Prefecture and the 'servant' in Ningguo Prefecture; Because of 'companion' and 'servant of the world', they have been servants of others for generations, and there are two villages adjacent to each other, and it is taken for granted that one surname serves the other surname. There is nothing more unfair in the world than this!" "So that's what happened." Fu Peng said calmly, "Others can talk about this with eloquence; those who come from the Ministry of Internal Affairs are not allowed to talk about it. I understand it. Fourth Uncle, let me tell you what people have to say about the emperor. " Only then did Cao Fu understand that praising the imperial court and improving the status of the fine people with the coat is like singing a harp; complaining because he is a "slave".If the emperor had too much heart, it would be enough to cause disaster; therefore, he was very ashamed and regretful, and admired Fu Peng for his young age and careful thinking, which showed his talent. "If there are complaints about the emperor, it's nothing more than the matter of the eighth elder brother and the ninth elder brother. I feel that the handling is too strict." Cao Fu said again, "I don't know who made the rumor that the emperor changed the name of the eighth elder brother. 'Aqina'; Brother Nine changed his name to 'Saisi Hei', which means dog and pig in Chinese. I refute rumors everywhere, but that is definitely not the meaning. If the emperor calls his compatriots dogs and pigs, let me ask: what do you think of yourself?" "It's right to refute the rumors. But you don't need to use such wording! Just say that it doesn't mean dogs or pigs; and they changed the name themselves. It's just because it's inconvenient to use the original name of Tianhuang sect since it's demoted to common people, so the emperor wants They changed their names themselves." Fuppen asked again: "What about the young workers? What do the people say?" "It is said that his meritorious deeds are so great; the emperor is killing heroes. There are also people who say—" Cao Fu suddenly showed fear, and refused to continue. "Fourth Uncle just say it." "I mean it. However, it's best not to mention what I said to King Yi." Cao Fu lowered his voice and said, "It is said that the emperor crossed the river and demolished the bridge to kill people." "That's right!" Fu Peng also had a serious look on his face, and his voice was low and inaudible, "The old man is fate! At the beginning, the original intention of the emperor was that the old man was not willing to be wronged by his words to the fourteenth master, thinking that the two of them were at odds; so Let the old man take care of the seal of General Yuan, and send his trusted guards to spread the word, which means that he hopes that the old man will participate in the book of the fourteenth master, and the more fierce the participation, the better; This matter led to the seizure of the seal first, and the loss of the title later. As everyone knows, 'a good fortune is lost, safety is not a blessing', if he joined the Fourteenth Lord back then, I'm afraid that today he will be on the list of extermination." Cao Fu was terrified by what he said; after thinking for a while, he said seriously: "Your Highness, I should ask Tai Fujin to explain to the old prince in a tactful way. I went to see the old prince just now and I complained a lot. It is not a good thing to spread the word. !" "The old man knows. But he just likes to complain, what should we do?" Fu Peng said again, "But it's no wonder. It's all right to cut the title. How can people bear the fact that they are not allowed to go out? The complaints are naturally quite big, and we can't do it. Don't let him get it; otherwise he will get sick from boredom." "Your Highness is really filial and wise." Cao Fu sighed; he paused for a while and then said: "However, this is always something inappropriate." "That's right! I have to be more careful. If there is such a villain who likes to tell stories, if he comes to see the old man, he has no choice but to be honest and blunt; get out of the way!" "Yes, yes! This method is good."
After dinner, he talked about the family life again; until the sun was westward, Cao Fu was accompanied by Zhu Shi and returned to Zhu's house.Although Cao Fu and Cao Qi are siblings of the same father and mother; but they have been separated from the north and the south since childhood, and he respects the "third elder brother" without being close to him, and feels that living in Zhu's house is more comfortable; moreover, he also has things to do with him. Zhu Shi discusses. "Ah!" Bi Wen said at the first sight: "The third master just sent someone to say that the palace sent a first-grade pot and four kinds of snacks to the fourth master. I am afraid that the fourth master will not know, so I ask you to go back to eat early." "Oh, what did you say to the people here?" "I said that the fourth master has gone to the palace, maybe he will come back; I will transfer the conversation to that." Biwen said again, "I also prepared the dishes; but, logically speaking, I should go back to the third master for dinner." 曹俯想了一下说：“说得是！我先回去吃饭；吃完了我还回来。今天仍旧在府上借榻。” “唷！”碧文笑道：“连'府上'两个字都用上了！”接着又说：“你老快去快回；来找补第二顿。不然，天气热，我给预备的菜就蹧蹋了。” “好！”曹俯欣然答说，“我一定来扰你的。” 曹俯真的早去早回，起更时分便已到了朱家。带来两样点心；却非平郡王府所送，是宫里带回来的——曹颀是内务府茶膳房的首脑；常有御用的点心带回家。 两样点心一甜一咸。甜的是枣泥核桃奶卷；咸的是火腿、鲜肉、虾米馅的酥饼。碧文每样尝了一个说：“奶卷是南边吃不到的；这三鲜馅的酥饼，不是我说，还不如咱们府里来得讲究。” “如今也不行了！”曹俯接口说道：“从老太太一去世，谁也没有那个闲工夫，也没有那种兴致去讲究了。” 虽是饮食之微，也听得出他语气中大有沧桑之感。这也勾起了碧文怀旧的情绪；等安排好了酒菜，让朱实陪曹俯喝酒，她就坐在一旁，一面磕瓜子，一面为朱实谈曹家的岁时乐事。 曹俯一直不曾开口；等碧文忆往告一段落，他才徐徐开口，“有件事，我至今不解。”他说，“怡王不知从那里来的消息，说我家有人悄悄儿将家财挪移到别处。我可不知道有这回事？” “喔，”朱实问道：“这话是郡王告诉昂公的？” "yes." “四老爷，”碧文插嘴问道：“会不会是震二爷？” “不会。”曹俯便将曹震对于御用褂子落色这件事；根本未加重视的话，说了给她听。 “既然震二爷不在乎；震二奶奶也就不会把这件事放在心上。看起来，另外有人。” 曹俯听出弦外有音；再看到朱实投以阻拦的眼色，越觉事有蹊跷，便率直问道：“看起来你似乎已知其人；谁啊？”碧文踌躇了一会，看着朱实说道：“怡王特为把四老爷请到京里来问这句话，可见得这件事关系不轻；我看，应该告诉四老爷。” 要告诉曹俯的是什么事，朱实自然心照；他有些不以为然，“你也是猜测之词。”他说；意思是倘或冤枉了好人，于心不安。 “不错，我是猜测。请四老爷放在心里，暗中留心。”碧文又说：“四老爷是最明白的人，绝不会在心里存成见。” “对了！”曹俯急忙表白：“我不会存成见。不过，我得查一查，如果有这回事，当然得向上头有个交代；可没有这回事，我亦以明白，何以有此谣言？止谤莫如自修，总是自己有不周到的地方，找出毛病来才好改。” 这番话说得通达而恳切，朱实改了主意；赞成碧文把她心里的话说出来。 从眼色中得到了同意，碧文便即说道：“如果真有人把家财挪到别处，第一犯嫌疑的是隆官。” “喔，”曹俯问道：“与他何干？” “莫非四老爷不知道，颜料是隆官采办的？” "I know." “四老爷既然知道，莫非就想不到隆官采办的颜料是下等货色？” “不会！他采办来的颜料，我亲自验看过的；货色不错。”曹俯又说，“而且是隆官一定要我亲验；足见他问心无愧。” 听这一说，碧文楞住了！朱实当然懂得这些事务上的弊端，心想真是“君子可欺其以方”；曹俯实在忠厚得可怜了！于是，他忍不住说道：“昂公，给你验看的那一包样品，是上等货；入库的东西就不同了。贵本家隆官嫌疑实在很重！何以见得呢？” 朱实自问自答，将当初自尚之舜那里，初次得闻御用褂落色的消息，转告曹世隆时，他如何惊惶失色，急于赶回江宁的情形，细细说了一遍。 当然，为了要证明碧文与他所见不虚，对于当时的情况，虽未添枝加叶，而语气是加重了的。因此，曹俯颇为动容；听完默无一语，脸上却有种莫可言喻的痛苦的神色。 这表情就很奇怪了。照常理说，这些话不信则已，信了不是生气；就是着急。何以有此痛苦之色——倒像曹世隆是亲近的子弟，他有错处，亦须容忍；不便发作似地，这就令人莫测高深了。 “四老爷，”碧文实在忍不住了，“这里跟在家一样，你老有话尽管说；闷在心里别闷出病来，可不是当耍的事。” 曹俯只用软弱的眼光看着她；好久才长叹一声，然后看着碧文说：“华仲亦跟休戚相关的至亲一样，我亦无须再有什么顾忌；刚才听你们所说，让我想到一件我一直不肯信以为真的事。看起来，季姨娘跟我说的话，似乎还不是全属虚妄。” “季姨娘怎么说？” “她，她——，”曹俯很吃力地，终于将一句从未形诸口舌的话，说了出来，“她说，隆官跟你震二奶奶，不干净！” 碧文、朱实相视动容，却都默无一语；自然而然地表现出一种不以为绝无可能的态度。 “我一直不信。”曹俯仍旧是只看着碧文说，“季姨娘没有智识，不知轻重；她的毛病，没有一样是你所不知道的。从老太太一去世，她跟你震二奶奶更加不和，也是你在家的时候，都看得出来的。所以我当时很生气，狠狠地说了她一顿；责备她其心可诛。现在看起来，她的话有几句是真的。” “那几句？” “她说，你震二奶奶包庇隆官，很发了些财。我也曾问过人，说隆官没有钱——。” “四老爷，”碧文打断他的话问：“你问的是那些人？” “无非那几个管事的。” “管事的没有一个不是巴结震二奶奶的；自然看震二奶奶的分上，替隆官隐瞒。不然，怎么叫包庇呢？” 曹俯连连点头，“说得有理！”他说，“我现在也明白了，我一直是睡在鼓里。如果不是他自己心里有病；如果不是他发了财，何必急着要赶回去？急着赶回去，就是唯恐出事，预作安排。不但隐匿财产，说不定还湮没了好些营私作弊的证据！” “我的天！”碧文失声一呼，颇有如释重负之感。“四老爷到底全明白了。” 明白是一回事，处置又是一回事。考虑下来，只有写信给曹震之一法。朱实认为事不宜迟，信要赶快写；他可以托兵部驿递，或是另外安排最快的方法，将信带到江宁。 于是曹俯便止杯不饮，吃了一碗碧文特为替他包的馄饨，喝着茶便动起手来；这封信很长，写完已经四更天了，索性不睡，等朱实起身，当面托付。 “信没有封口，你看看妥当不妥当？” 朱实不愿参预人家的家务，答说：“昂公的处置，一定妥当的。”说着，当了曹颊的面，将信封好；还请他在封缄之处画了花押，方始带到王府。 未末申初回家，曹俯已经睡了一大觉，吃了午饭回曹颀家去了。朱实便写了一封信告诉他，正好有江督衙的摺差回江宁，托他顺便捎带；大概半个月之后，曹震就可以收到信了。 信上一共四件事，首言怡亲王托平郡王转告，居官当差，务须持之以静，安分供职。勤慎为先，自能长沐皇恩。 第二件事就是谈隆官有挪移财产之事。话当然说得很活动；“风闻”有此情形，不知真假。眼前虽已蒙谅解，此后万不可再有类似举动。告诫曹震，要格外当心。 接下来便转述太福晋的意思，曹老太太的灵柩不宜久停，入土为安，今年山向不利，明年春天务须下葬。一切应该预备的事，早须备好，亦足以“上慰太福晋垂念”之意。 最后便谈到曹老太太留给芹官的那一口箱子。他说太福晋对置祭田一节，十分重视此事亦须速办。不过，不可擅作主张；“一切禀承汝二婶母意旨而行。”这“二婶母”是指马夫人。 曹震将信念给妻子听完；接下来便冷笑一声，“这隆官，真好大胆子！”他说，“我非叫了他来，好好训他一顿不可。” “你别得着风，便是雨，四老爷也不过说'风闻'而已；并没有什么真凭实据——。” “你就是护着他！”曹震大吼一声，“都是你，替他讨这个差使；讨那个差使，采办得好颜料！差点落个大处分。”他越说越气，跳着脚骂：“靠借当头过日子的穷小子；如今居然有家产挪移了！他的钱是那里来的？死没良心的东西，看着好了，总有一天我把他治得死去活来。” “你去治他好了！”震二奶奶毫不示弱，“在我面前跳什么脚？不错，我替他讨过办颜料的差使；可是谁验的货？是那个死不要脸的，割了侄儿的靴腰子，说嘴不响，马马虎虎验收了。这会儿还好意思在我面前跳脚。” 这就像兜心一拳，打得曹震五中翻腾，像有一口血要呕出来——原来当初曹世隆领了上等价，办来末等货，怕曹震那一关通不过；便在云收雨散时，问计于震二奶奶。她替他出了个主意；请曹震到秦淮河河房去喝酒，拿一百两银子买服了新自虎丘移植到秦淮的名妓花宝宝，迷汤灌得曹震色授魂与当夜便留宿在那里。第二天日高未起，曹世隆闯了进来；与花宝宝俏声低语，将曹震惊醒过来。 在帐中细听，才知道花宝宝是曹世隆的相好，竟是割了侄儿的靴子。一面不无内疚；一面又因为有个把柄在人家手里，只好在验收颜料这件事上，得过且过，作为安抚。 事后才知道花宝宝跟曹世隆不过见过一次面，什么都还谈不到。可是“震二爷割了隆官的靴腰子”这句话，已经传遍了。曹震吃了这个哑巴亏，越发痛恨隆官；不想这时候震二奶奶又拿这句话来堵他，以致于气得脸色又青又白，坐在那里只是喘气，形状着实可怕。 “何苦？”锦儿便来转圜，“放着太福晋交代的两件大事不办；好端端地又为不相干的人呕气。” 这一提，让曹震想到置祭产的事，脸上立刻有血色了，震二奶奶一下看到了他心里，冷笑一声，管自己回到卧房，坐在靠门的椅子上，静听他跟锦儿说些什么？ “太福晋交代的两件大事，一件容易一件难。难的那件，你看怎么办？” “那件是难的？” “不就是要让秋月把那口箱子交出来，照太福晋的意思，重新分派。” “喔，这一件，确是很难！”锦儿答说，“秋月不会肯轻易松手的。” “你也是这么想！”曹震紧接着说：“咱们好好想个主意。这一回如果再办不成，以后就无论如何不会有这么好的机会了。” "good!" “那么，你说，该怎么办？” “我那知道怎么办？这件事，只有二奶奶办得了。” 曹震默然；锦儿也没有话。震二奶奶不免奇怪；回身去望，恰好雕花隔板上有条裂缝，便凑近了向外望去；只见曹震连连呶嘴，伸出一根指头，向卧房指指点点。锦儿却只是微笑，不作任何表示。 这就不必多看了。震二奶奶轻轻巧巧地走到床前，和衣歪倒，脸朝里床；那张特制的红木大床，是曹震亲自画了图样所打造的。 里床从头到底，镶了尺半高一长条的西洋玻璃镜。合卺之夕，正是夏天；闹新房时不论老少，都拿那一条玻璃镜开玩笑；害得震二奶奶其窘不堪。有些亲戚家的小姐，不懂它的用处；问得更妙：“二嫂子，你睡觉还照镜子啊？”让震二奶奶无以为答，气得要将床撤走；但从曹老太太到管家嬷嬷一致反对，不说不吉利，只说没有这个规矩，震二奶奶无奈，只好找块湘绣帐檐，将镜子遮住，但特意留下一个空隙；为的是脸虽朝里，亦可窥知屋中动静。此时自是张着眼朝那空隙中望。 不多一会，望见曹震掀帘而入，站住发楞，显然是没有想到震二奶奶睡下了。但见他楞了一会，忽然浮起笑容，向床前走来；“怎么？”他低声下气地问：“是生我的气。” 震二奶奶不理他；怕他探身来看，便将眼睛闭上。 “何必呢？咱们还有大事商量。” 震二奶奶依然不睬。然后从感觉中发现，丈夫在床沿坐下来了。 “装什么！多大岁数儿了，还闹这种脾气。” 一听这话，震二奶奶怒不可遏，霍地起身，推开曹震下了床，拍案吼道：“我知道，你就是嫌我老了，丑了！巴不得我快死，好另娶十七、八岁的填房是不是？我告诉你，你别做梦！” 曹震被骂得无名火冒；正待发作时，锦儿抢了进来，大声说道：“二爷，你可不能摔镜子！” 这是提示，但也是警告。意思是怒无所泄，不妨摔东西出气；但摔破镜子也跟动手打妻子一样，事态严重，就不好收场了。 曹震一想不错，要找样东西来摔一摔，发一发威。镜子不能摔摔瓷器，首先看到的是一个“雨过天青”冰纹的花瓶，这是真正的“哥窑”，未免不舍；再看到的是一个康熙五彩窑的茶碗，那是一套，缺一个也可惜。就这踌躇之间，锦儿已找了个忙虚瓷壶，匆匆塞到曹震手里，还哄小孩似地说一句：“给你这个；这个好！” 震二奶奶让锦儿逗得噗哧一声笑了出来；自觉虎头蛇尾，不好意思，一转身又歪倒在床上了。 曹震自是啼笑皆非，但悍妻可恨，犹有可人意的娇妾。这样自我譬解着，一肚子的气也就消了。 “我去打水来。洗把脸，也就该到太太那里去了。”锦儿这话自然是冲着震二奶奶说的。 原来从曹老太太一死，马夫人自然而然升了一级；震二奶奶也就像以前伺候曹老太太那样，到开饭时必去照料。不同的是，在萱荣堂，午晚两餐都到；在马夫人那里，只有开晚饭时才去，有什么事要商量该请示的，都在饭桌上说。 等打了脸水来，锦儿又到床前拉了一把；震二奶奶方始起身，坐到梳妆台前，慢条斯理地擦脸匀粉。曹震可有些忍不住了。 “这件事，怎么办？”他扬着信说。 “急什么！有你的总有你的。” 曹震还待言语，只见锦儿连连抛过眼色来，只得沉默。等震二奶奶理妆已毕，才又问了一句：“是不是一块儿到太太那里？” “你不去怎么办？谁念信给太太听？” 曹震最痛恨的就是这种口吻，明明可否只一个字就可以了，偏偏要用这种只当人家想逃避责任的语气；当时气往上冲想顶她几句，但毕竟咬着嘴唇忍住了。