In early summer in May, the capital. Pen | fun | pavilion www. ｂｉｑｕｇｅ。 ｉｎｆｏ

"Miss, they're too bullying!"

The finch ran in angrily, and her little face was full of anger.

"What's wrong again?"

Xu Ai sat under the south window, facing the bronze mirror on the dressing table, carefully retouching her makeup, and when she heard the complaint, she was not surprised at all, and asked lightly, "Who bullied our girl this time?" ”

What a 'again' word! exhausted the three recent 'grievances' of the master and servant.

The finch pursed her mouth, rubbed the handkerchief in her hand, and said hatefully: "It's not the few sluts in the kitchen who are red and white!" Your appetite has not been very good for the past two days, Miss, and the maid has thought of asking the kitchen to cook a few refreshing side dishes, but they have, but—"

The finches' eyes were red, and they twitched their noses, "This is not a cold winter, green vegetables are rare, obviously there are special Zhuangzi to send fruits and vegetables, but they insist that they don't, and they settle accounts with the slaves and maids with a philistine face." Jokes in and out of the words. It happened that the little maid in the Agarwood Courtyard ran to order food for the nurse, and she asked for expensive seafood, and the cook didn't say anything about 'the world is difficult', 'I don't know how expensive firewood and rice are if I don't belong to the family', so I boiled fish porridge for the old woman. ”

The capital is not close to the sea, and the nearest port is hundreds of miles away, so it is not easy to preserve things in summer, and sea goods are rare.

However, that Feng's mother is just a nurse, and she is just an old slave in the end, but the people in the kitchen are stammering.

On the other hand, their young lady is a guest of the Qi family, but she is not even as good as an old product.

They are clearly bullying people.

"What's this, Mother Feng is the nurse of the eldest grandmother, and the county lord has to look at it a few times, and slowly say that it is a fish, even ginseng and bird's nest can be eaten."

Xu Ai was not angry.

The Qi family is already good, she is nominally a 'guest', but she is not a guest of Xiqi, at most she is a helpless orphan girl living in the house.

Qi Yanzhi, who really had a 'relationship' with Xu Ai, was sent to Jinghua Academy.

At first, he would order the little servant to come back every few days. To see if Xu Ai is okay, by the way, I will send her some trinkets such as rouge and silk flowers.

Later, I don't know if it was because the academy was busy with homework, or if someone stumbled Qi Yanzhi, or simply because he had changed his mind, and the number of times the little girl came to visit Xu Ai became less and less.

In the past half a month, the little guy has disappeared even a shadow.

Qi Yanzhi seemed to have forgotten Xu Ai, did not send anyone, and did not say a word.

If it is changed to someone else's family, if such a situation occurs, Xu Ai will definitely be driven away and sent out of Beijing far away.

But the county lord of Qinghe didn't do this, and still entertained her with good food, drink and clothing.

Only some shallow-eyed slaves and maids occasionally say a few cold words, but they don't dare to treat her very slowly.

This girl was probably too comfortable a few days ago, forgetting her identity, and even thinking about saying goodbye to the nurse of the young master's mother.

Xu Ai put down the Huanghuali open-carved hairpin in his hand, did not look back, and said in a deep voice through the mirror: "Finch, you remember one thing, we are guests, and we should abide by our duties." The county lord is already very good to us, don't have any excessive requirements. ”

"But, but ......" Finch was not convinced, wiped her tears vigorously, and wanted to refute two sentences.

Xu Aiban lowered his face, "What, you don't listen to my words?" ”

Que'er trembled subconsciously, and hurriedly knelt down: "The slave doesn't dare, the slave and the slave feel sorry for you." ”

Second Master Qi had no news, and the slaves and maids of the Qi family began to give their masters and servants a blank look, and the finch was worried that if this continued, their young lady would be swept away by the Qi family sooner or later.

Que'er's idea is also simple, arousing Xu Ai's anger, and finding an opportunity to go to the county lord to complain and scare those cheap maids, so that they can know that her young lady is not easy to bully.

It's really not good, but I also have to write a letter to Second Master Qi with Miss to complain about grievances and recount old feelings, so don't forget Miss.

Xu Ai saw the appearance of the finch kneeling and crying through the mirror, her eyes flashed, and she immediately eased her tone, "I know you are for my good, okay, don't be wronged, get up." ”

"Miss, if you understand the heart of the slave!" With a thick nasal voice, the finch slowly climbed up.

Xu Ai stood up, walked closer, and said softly, "I understand what you mean, but I can't do that." The second master went to the academy as a serious matter, and I can't disturb him for some trivial things, which will ruin his future. So...... Bear with me. ”

Knowing that this was an apology from her master in disguise, she nodded her head with tears, "The slave understands, Miss rest assured, in the future, the slave will abide by her duties and never cause trouble to Miss and the second master." ”

Xu Ai smiled and reached out to wipe away the tears from the corners of his eyes, "This is my good bird!" ”

As she spoke, the corner of her eye swept inadvertently over the south window.

……

"That's what she said?"

The county lord had just finished the May Festival gifts to the families, and a little maid talked back, and she couldn't help but ask in surprise.

"Yes, she also said that the county lord treats her very well, and the county lord is busy with affairs, and there are a few slaves and maids with broken mouths, and they have nothing to do with the county lord." The little girl lowered her head and said respectfully.

The county lord frowned, thought for a moment, and asked, "These days, she hasn't been discharged from the hospital?" Didn't even let the maid walk around and listen to the news? ”

The maid shook her head: "No." ”

The county lord's brows furrowed even tighter, and he thought for a long time before waving his hand and saying, "Very good, you can go back, so that you can 'serve' Miss Xu." In addition, let the slaves and maids in the kitchen and sewing room pay attention to proportion, and don't lose their manners. ”

The maid answered and withdrew.

The county lord sat alone on the clinical kang in the west room, holding a string of prayer beads in his hand, and he moved it again and again.

"Something is wrong, I always feel that something is wrong with her,"

At first, the county lord didn't take Xu Ai in his eyes, but only regarded her as a sparrow clinging to the powerful, thinking that she could easily 'squeeze' people away.

As a result, Xu Ai lived in Qi's house for more than two months, and neither the 'forced' wealth of the flower viewing banquet nor the strict discipline of her mother could scare Xu Ai.

Now that Xu Ai has been coldly treated, he can still say such a 'general knowledge' thing, either he is really reasonable and open-minded, or he is full of suspicion.

"What's wrong?"

Qi Ling walked in with his feet raised first, and found that his wife did not greet him as usual, but sat on the kang in a daze, muttering something in his mouth.

He couldn't help but be a little curious, sat on the bamboo cushion on the other side, and asked curiously, "Madam, is there something going on at home?" ”

It should be fine, even if there is something, it is a happy event.

It's MayDay, and the family is busy giving gifts everywhere.

There are still a few family affairs in Beijing, and others are just going to pay it back, the eldest daughter-in-law's sister-in-law will be out of the cabinet next month, but the son's daughter-in-law is not in Beijing, and Xiqi, as an in-law, always has to go over to help.

There is also Jingyue Nunnery, and I also have to order people to come over from time to time to ask for peace and send some fruits, vegetables, game, etc.

…… Therefore, these days, the county lord is so busy that his feet do not touch the ground, but he keeps smiling all day long, and his spirit is getting better and better.

Why are you frowning today?

The county lord was startled, suddenly came back to his senses, stroked his chest and said, "When did the master come back?" ”

"Just came back," Qi Lingxian said busily, "It's all my fault, madam, I didn't scare you." ”

As he spoke, he picked up the tea bowl on the kang table and handed it over, "Drink saliva and suppress the shock." ”

The county lord didn't want to drink it, but seeing that her husband had shame in his eyes, his heart softened, so he didn't reach out to take it, and directly took two sips of his hand, and said, "I'm fine, but I just thought about things and got distracted." By the way, sir, do you have their letters? ”

When Qi Jinzhi and his wife left Beijing, they would write home every seven or eight days, report their itinerary, and talk about what they had seen and heard on the road.

The county lord counted the days, and it was time for his son to write back.

Qi Lingxian's expression suddenly became serious, and he nodded, but he didn't say anything.

The county lord understood, and called the big girl who was waiting outside, "The lord and I have to say a few words, nothing important, don't come in and disturb." ”

Thrush is also a smart and steady person, and when he heard this, he immediately understood, "The servant obeys!" ”

The thrush withdrew from the west room, sent out a few maids serving in the hall, and finally withdrew from the main room himself, and stood directly by the door.

Seeing this, Huang Ying, cuckoo and other maids also guarded several windows vigilantly to prevent anyone from eavesdropping.

"Master, Dalang, they have already arrived in Usa?" The county lord asked in a low voice.

Qi Lingxian said: "The letter sent by Kuaima this morning, they have arrived safely. However, when he was about to reach Usa, he encountered robbers. ”

"What?" The county lord was shocked and forgot to control the volume for a while, "Dalang, are they okay?" Can you be injured or injured? The voice was already shaking.

Qi Lingxian reached out and grabbed his wife's arm and pressed it hard, "It's okay, they're all fine." Don't worry, Madame, and listen to me slowly. ”

The county lord breathed a sigh of relief, and folded his hands and chanted a few Buddhas. Then I realized that I had lost my temper and pulled the corners of my mouth in a sneer.

Qi Lingxian smiled understandingly, and when he first heard the news, he was also taken aback.

After carefully talking about what Qi Jinzhi said in his letter, Qi Lingxian sighed, "I knew that Wusa was not peaceful, but I still didn't expect the situation to be so serious, fortunately, they brought enough people, and there are also our own people in the camp." ”

The county lord had calmed down at this time, and echoed, "Yes, Da Lang is okay, he has been on the battlefield in the end." Poor daughter-in-law, alas, I fear that she will not—"Regret it!

Qi Lingxian thought of the secret report he received last night, and smiled and said with relief: "Don't worry, Dalang's daughter-in-law is the daughter of the Gu family, and she is definitely not an ordinary woman who has no knowledge." However, there is one thing that I have to ask my wife to bother more. ”

The county lord raised his eyebrows, "What's the matter?" ”

Qi Ling leaned forward first, almost lying on the kang table, and whispered a few words in the county lord's ear.

The county lord's pupils shrank, her face was cloudy, and she also lowered her voice, "Master, is the news reliable?" How could that man—"Rebelled?"

"Although there is no conclusive evidence for the clues that Da Lang took out from the living mouth left behind, that person is definitely a major suspect."

Qi Lingxian said mockingly, "Everyone in the world says he is a fool, but in my opinion, it is us who are stupid." ”

The county lord hesitated, thought about it again and again, and asked tentatively: "What does the old man mean, do you want to take this matter-"

She held out a finger and pointed to the sky.

Qi Lingxian shook his head slowly, "Without evidence, no one will believe it." ”

Who can believe that a fool would rebel?

Okay, you said it was possible that a few women behind the fool were plotting.

Everyone will ask again, even so, why did the spies in Yunnan's prefectures and counties and the southwest camp not find anything abnormal?

You must know that rebellion is not a trivial matter, it requires all kinds of preparations, people, horses, grain and grass, weapons, and even large-scale siege equipment, these are not something that can be done overnight.

Annan is a remote and barren place, and if you want to prepare these things, no matter how secret, there will be trouble.

Not to mention the side, just the money and food, if you want to raise these, the palace is bound to take it from the people.

It is certain to impose taxes and miscellaneous taxes, and it is not impossible to forcibly seize people's land.

This is followed by the exiles, or simply the officials forcing the people to rebel.

Because of the toss of Liang Rebellion, one-third of Yunnan is a little chaotic.

But the southwest camp is very normal, and the spies are all over the southwest, and if there are really homeless people, it is impossible for those spies not to know.

But now, except for Qi Jinzhi, no one has found out.

The county lord was silent, yes, this matter can't be said.

She believed in her son and husband, but the emperor and the people of the world did not believe her.

The Qi family can't stand the toss anymore.

Qi Lingxian said again: "Let's pay attention to this matter secretly." But there is one thing that we must do as soon as possible. ”

The county lord was a little depressed, if the king of Annan really rebelled, then the neighboring Yunnan would definitely break out in war, and her son and daughter-in-law would be in danger.

This place was chosen by her and her husband for their son...... If the two of them had a case, she—she would be the murderer.

"What's the matter, just say it, master." The county lord said without much spirit.

After twenty or thirty years of husband and wife, Qi Lingxian naturally understood his wife's thoughts, and he did not complain about himself in his heart.

But things have happened, the southwest is in chaos, and the son and daughter-in-law have no way to avoid it, so they can only attack head-on.

Sighing silently, Qi Lingxian whispered a few words.

The county lord's eyes widened sharply: "Eyeliner? Right in our house? ”

Qi Ling nodded first and shook his head, "It's not decided yet, but we can't take it lightly." ”

The county lord clenched his palms and squeezed out a few words from between his teeth, "I want to see who is the master who can hide from you and me." ”

There are spies in the family, which is definitely a great insult to the housewife who was born in Jiangmen.

Suddenly, a thought flashed through the county lord's mind, and she narrowed her eyes.

……

In the Dongqi Mansion across the wall, in the Chunhui Hall, the eldest princess sent a group of slaves and maids to whisper something to Qi Lingyuan.

"Mother, is the news reliable?"

Qi Lingyuan's eyes were glowing with scorching light, and after more than a year of leisure, his bones were about to rust.

The most important thing is that Dongqi was defeated, and the two sons were not satisfactory in the yamen, if they didn't plan again, their branch would lose to the next door.

"Absolutely." The eldest princess's cloudy old eyes shone brightly, and she was also looking forward to the chaos over there.

The southwest is the territory of the Qi family, and if something happens, it is difficult for others to solve it completely.

As long as there is really chaos over there, Qi Lingyuan's father and son will have a chance to make a comeback.

A smile bloomed on the eldest princess's well-maintained face, and she was secretly proud in her heart: in this way, it was not in vain for her operation.

"Okay, that's great," Qi Lingyuan stood up excitedly, rubbed his hands, and circled around the room.

But soon, he paused again, "But in the palace—"

Xiao Ye, the old emperor, he didn't trust Qi Lingyuan.

Even if the southwest really fights, Xiao Ye will choose Qi Lingxian next door.

Not to mention, at this moment, Qi Jinzhi's kid is in Wusa, and the building near the water is the first to get the moon!

"Moreover, now that the southwest camp is in the hands of the Ma family, the Ma family will probably not let go of this opportunity."

Great Qi has been peaceful for a long time, and there are occasional wars, which are also small-scale.

War exploits are the most rare, but there is no shortage of generals who can fight.

In addition to the four major mansions, there are also several Hou mansions, and in addition, the saints have also promoted some military generals from poor families in recent years, such as Huo Menglong, the general of Zhenguo.

These people can lead their troops into battle.

There are many people who can choose from saints, and they will definitely not choose Qi Lingyuan, a 'criminal minister'.

"Alas~ damn it!" The more Qi Lingyuan thought about it, the more depressed he became, and his legs weakly fell on the official hat chair below.

The eldest princess flirted her eyelids and scolded angrily: "Look at you, you are all grandfathers, and you can't hold your breath like this?" ”

If she wasn't sure, how could she bother to plan this?

Is it really easy for you to fool three widows?

Especially to personally disclose the misfortune that his daughter once caused? In the end, it is possible to ruin his daughter's reputation?

The eldest princess has never read any books and does not know any art of war, but she is very successful.

Since she dared to do this, she must have something to rely on.

"Mother, son, son is just-" They were almost fifty years old, but they were severely reprimanded by their mother, and Qi Lingyuan's face was a little uncomfortable.

Luckily, there were no outsiders here, otherwise he would have been even more uncomfortable.

The eldest princess felt sorry for her son, so she didn't say anything, but only lost her sentence: "Don't worry, I have all my own opinions." ”

The mother and son discussed, and Qi Lingyuan went out satisfied.

The eldest princess looked at her son's back, was silent for a moment, and then called the maid: "Is the fourth grandmother back?" ”

"If you go back to the ancestor, the fourth grandmother has already returned, and she came to greet you just now, and the maid has asked her to go back first." The maid replied respectfully.

In the past, they always called their master 'eldest princess', even after the Qi family's accident, they did not change their title.

Two months ago, the fourth master and the fourth grandmother had a scandal one after another, and the eldest princess rectified it, so she ordered the family to change her name to 'ancestor'.

"Send someone to Henglan Courtyard, and say that I have something to tell the fourth grandmother." The eldest princess said.

"Yes." The maid agreed and retreated, walked to the bottom of the porch, beckoned a third-class maid, and whispered.

The little maid responded sharply and ran out of Chunhui Hall happily.

After a cup of tea, the little maid panted and ran to Henglan Courtyard, she stood at the door, holding her knees with her hands and panting heavily.

When her breathing had calmed down, she slowly walked into the courtyard, and as soon as she reached the courtyard, she heard a caustic voice screaming and reprimanding.

“…… How can there be a daughter-in-law like you in the world? Hmph, if your mother-in-law explains, you should only be a deaf ear...... Let me ask you, has Brother Mian not been back for several days? What do you eat? Can't even look at your own man? ”

"The daughter-in-law didn't dare to ...... The fourth master said that there was something important, and the daughter-in-law didn't dare to stop it, if the mother-in-law had something to tell the fourth master, she might as well find-"

The soft female voice defended in a low voice, and before she could finish speaking, she heard a crisp sound of 'pop'.

Then, there was another sharp scolding: "You still dare to talk back? There are really no rules, if your mother-in-law says one sentence, you can reply ten sentences? What does it mean to find Brother Mian when there is something, I can't say a word to my son if it's okay? ”

“…… Daughter-in-law, daughter-in-law don't dare There was a hint of grief in his voice.

"Don't dare? Hmph, I see that you are very bold, I said that you should learn more rules at home and copy the female commandments, but you run out all day long, do you see which young grandmother with rules will be like you......"

"The daughter-in-law went to Yongenbo Mansion to check Mrs. Tai's pulse, and the ancestor also knew about this." The woman who spoke seemed to have run out of patience.

"Smack!"

Another resounding slap, "Okay, you dare to use the old ancestor to press me?" Why, I, as a mother-in-law, can't discipline you? ”

“……”

"Why don't you speak? Who do you show to be aggrieved? Phew, it's really hard to get on the stage, I said a long time ago that I should find a good lady who is the right person, but you are a vixen who complains indiscriminately, and hooks me up as a good brother to be confused......"

"Mother, the relationship between the daughter-in-law and the fourth master was given by the queen." The woman couldn't help it, and finally said with hatred.

"Bang~Bang~~"

Two slaps in succession, the scolding became more and more harsh, "Wow, you are talking about the mother again." Why did the mother give you a marriage, don't you know? Hmph, in broad daylight, you are a young lady who has not been out of the cabinet, but you deliberately led my brother Mian to a private meeting in the teahouse, and was bumped into by the ninth princess, the queen is benevolent, so she gave you a marriage. Otherwise—"

The little maid couldn't listen to it anymore.

She had long heard that since the fourth grandmother had done that ugly thing, the eldest lady had been very unkind to see her. I scolded all day long, and every time I made a fuss.

The eldest princess also wanted the fourth grandmother to have a long memory, so she didn't stop her.

The eldest lady has intensified, at first she just scolded a few words and punished the female commandment, but now it has developed to punish kneeling and slapping at every turn.

No, I can't let the eldest lady fight anymore, the eldest princess is still waiting for the fourth grandmother to reply.

Taking a deep breath, the little maid pretended to have just run in, and shouted crisply: "Fourth grandmother, fourth grandmother, the old ancestor please go over and talk back!" ”

The shouting in the room stopped abruptly.

"Four grandmothers, four grandmothers?" The little maid shouted as she walked into the house.

Before he could reach the door, the curtain was lifted, and out came a beautiful young woman with red and swollen cheeks and a haggard face.

The little maid looked at it, it was not someone else, it was the fourth grandmother Yao.

"Ancestor called me? But what are the commands? Yao Xiruo sniffed and asked in a thick nasal voice.

"So that the fourth grandmother knows, the ancestor said that there is something to ask you to come over, as for what it is, you will know when you go." The little maid saw that the eldest lady did not come out, and she didn't know that she was inside, so she gave a blessing and said with a smile.

Yao Xiruo was stunned, and a flash of brilliance flashed in his eyes. She deliberately didn't answer immediately, but turned her head to look through the door.

"Uh-huh!" Ning didn't dare to speak, only coughed heavily, waved his hand at Yao Xiruo, and motioned for her to hurry out.

Yao Xiruo secretly scolded the 'old poisonous woman' in her heart, but she still made a deferential appearance on her face, bent her knees in response, and then went out to Chunhui Hall with the little maid.

The next day, Yao Xiruo triumphantly took back the pair of cards and keys from Ning's hands, and the eldest princess relied on Yao Xiruo's family to enter the palace......

PS: Hey, catch the bugs! (To be continued.) )