The Double Ninth Festival was approaching, and Zhao Ze saw that the day of the market had not yet arrived, and the business in the shop was relatively light, so he looked for a vacancy, and took a few packs of dim sum just bought in the nearby cake shop, and a small jar of chrysanthemum wine, and went back to Zhang Shanjia Hutong. The shop was temporarily handed over to Lao Zhangtou to watch.

When he got home, he found that Zhao Yan had come back at some point. In the morning, Zhao Yan claimed to meet a regular customer and ask the other party for a new order for next month, but he didn't expect to see him at home. Zhao Ze didn't think much about it, so he asked Zhao Yan: "What did Master Zhu say?" How much paper and ink will he order next month? Have you all talked about it? ”

Zhao Yan was also a little surprised that he would go home at this time, and smiled a little unnaturally: "Master Zhu has something, tell me to go to him tomorrow." I saw that it was still early and the shop was not busy, so I came back to see my grandmother first. How did my brother come back? ”

Zhao Ze replied: "It's almost the holiday, I bought some pastries and chrysanthemum wine and came back." He carried the things in his hand into the house, and greeted his grandmother Niu's family, and when he got up, he saw a large number of things on the round table in front of Niu's family, which were the special snacks of the Double Ninth Festival of the two most famous pastry shops in the capital, and a small Nanmu box, which was marked by a well-known silver building in the area of the City God Temple.

Aunt Xiao Qian, who had an unclear smile on her face, seemed to mention it casually: "These are all acting as brothers and honoring old ladies." These snacks are all the old lady's favorite food in the past, and every year Chongyang has to send people to those two shops to buy them. In this box is the new chrysanthemum silver hairpin in this year's jewelry pavilion, the style is new and ingenious, the workmanship is exquisite, and the old lady wears it is the most suitable. ”

Zhao Ze showed a look of surprise on his face, these things were all bought by Zhao Yan? The price is not cheap, just those few packs of dim sum cost at least two or three taels of silver, not to mention the price of the hairpin. How can Zhao Yan have so much money? His monthly salary is only three taels, and as far as he knows, his monthly salary has long been handed over to Aunt Xiaoqian, he eats and lives in the store, and his daily expenses are based on the rewards of guests.

The Niu family seemed to be very satisfied with the filial piety of his grandson, and when he caught a glimpse of the ordinary flower cake and chrysanthemum wine produced by the ordinary shop in Zhao Ze's hand, he was a little disdainful. Yan Sun Ming knew that she only wore good things, why didn't she know to buy some decent food and come back? has a good salary every month, and he is in charge of the accounts by himself, some of them are oil and water, but he refuses to listen to her with a dead heart, he is a little cheap in the Hou Mansion, and he is so stingy with his elders, he obviously doesn't take her as a grandmother in his eyes, right?

Niu's heart was dissatisfied, and Zhao Ze was beaten again, the flower cake was given to the girls, and the wine was given to Aunt Xiao Qian. Recently, Aunt Xiaoqian has served her very well, and honestly handed over the private money in her hand, it seems that she has been subdued. She was also happy to give the three of them some sweetness, knowing that they were concerned about Zhao Di, so she often handed Zhao Di to Aunt Xiaoqian to take care of, but he was not allowed to sleep in his biological mother's house at night.

Niu Shi lost his temper, was in a good mood, and simply kicked a few juniors out of the room. Before Zhao Ze left, he asked her for instructions: "The yard of Yongguang Temple West Street has been rented, and the house has been cleaned, so you can move over at any time." What day does Grandmother plan to leave? It's best to move before winter, otherwise it will snow in winter and it will be even more difficult to walk on the ground. ”

Niu's face was not very good-looking: "What are you moving?" I sent a girl to see the house, although the yard is big, but the house is very simple, there is no fire wall, it is actually by burning the kang for heating, and only the main house has a kang in the west house! How do you live on a cold day? Besides, the landlord here suddenly embarrassed us, so we had to give him a little color, lest he think that any cat or dog could blackmail the founding fathers! ”

Zhao Ze frowned, exited the room with some frustration, and sighed under the porch.

Zhao Yan had already returned to the room with his biological mother and sister and his little brother Zhao Yan, and there was laughter and laughter. Zhao Ze frowned, hesitated, and called Zhao Yan in the courtyard.

Zhao Yan lifted the curtain and came out, and asked with a casual smile: "What did the eldest brother tell me to do?" ”

Zhao Ze asked in a deep voice: "Where did you get the money to buy things?" ”

"Why can't I understand what my eldest brother said?" Zhao Yan's smile was a little stiff, "My silver is naturally earned by doing things." Suddenly, he showed a look of sudden realization: "Do you think that silver is too much?" Don't be surprised by the eldest brother, the younger brother is quite articulate, and sometimes in order to attract business, he inevitably pats the customer's ass. The guests listened well, and it was common for them to reward their younger brother with a few taels of silver. I don't need to pay this money to the public account, do I? ”

According to the rules, the private tips of the guests are indeed owned by the rewardee, and do not need to be attributed to the public account. But Zhao Ze is not a fool, the guests who come to the door buy a lot of things, if they are in a happy mood, the amount of change is not large, and the guests are also willing to reward the money to the guys. But this kind of money is generally not much, and if you have one or two coins of silver, it is already a windfall. If Zhao Yan had only been in the store for such a short time, he had earned so much reward for himself, Zhao Ze would never believe it.

He said in a deep voice: "Don't coax me, if it's really a guest's reward." When you solicit business from large households, you always ask people to buy more things, and when you buy more, you will give away other things, and the more you buy, the more you will give, but the things you give away are not money. I've found out that on several occasions you say you've given something to a customer, when in fact it's sold at the original price, and the money from the sale goes into your own pocket. Don't you know anything about me? ”

Zhao Yan also sank his face: "You say I'm greedy for money? Is there any evidence? I gave other items to the guests who bought a lot of things, and the Houfu account office knew about this, and I didn't say anything. Because I have sold so many things, they praise me a hundred times better than you. Big brother is jealous in his heart, so he made up something unfounded to smear me? ”

Zhao Ze was anxious: "I didn't have it!" You've sold a lot of things, and the business in the store is good, and I'm happier than you. But you can't be greedy for money in the public account! Don't forget, if there is a mistake in the reconciliation, you and I will compensate for the bad money! My grandmother and uncle and aunt are very kind to our brother, how can you live up to their trust in you?! ”

Zhao Yan sneered: "Don't talk about it so high-soundingly, you can't talk nonsense about things without evidence." If you want to hate me for doing business better than you, why don't you practice your way of dealing with people first? With that, he dropped the curtain and went back to his room.

Zhao Ze caught up with two steps, but finally gave up. He was a little frustrated, when Zhao Yan just brought Aunt Xiaoqian back, he was still very kind to him, and he was faintly grateful to him for redeeming Aunt Xiaoqian for the silver. But now, Aunt Xiao Qian's resentment towards him is as good as ever, and Zhao Yan, who has softened a little, has also returned to her previous attitude. Zhao Ze has no memory of the so-called killing of his brother when he was a child, and he always feels that it is fake, and it was made up by others to coax him. But the great-grandmother and uncle and aunt of the second room said this, and the grandmother, aunt and younger siblings of his own small long room also said the same, and he couldn't help but feel at a loss. Could it be ...... What a sinner is he? Therefore, you do not deserve to be treated with kindness by others?

The Niu family in the house had already heard the movement in the courtyard, she didn't intervene, but felt that the eldest grandson Zhao Ze was too dead-eyed, as long as the account was covered up well, so that the Hou Mansion couldn't make a mistake, what was it to be greedy for some silver? In the past, when she was the housekeeper of the Nanhou Mansion, the stewards under her were greedy for at least one hundred and eighty taels of silver a year. Zhao Yan was greedy for those few taels of silver for oil and water, but in order to supplement the family, he added two dishes to his grandmother from time to time, which was his filial piety. The Hou Mansion has occupied the net worth of their small long house, what happened to the few taels of silver per month? It's stingy enough to only give a study shop, and only allow it to operate, not for their family. Zhao Ze also blamed his younger brother for this, whether he could tell the difference or not, who was his relative? !

Niu muttered: "If it weren't for Xiao Erfang's only recognition of you, I would have asked Brother Yan to be the shopkeeper for you." If you don't have any interest, you won't even be able to fish for oil and water. ”

The two girls Bailing and Thrush heard it, the former quietly added hot tea, and the latter whispered to Niu Shi with a smile: "Since the old lady has this meaning, why don't you think of a way to let Brother Yan be the shopkeeper?" Brother Yan treats the old lady with filial piety, and he is also generous, he is the shopkeeper, and he can also honor the old lady with more silver. ”

Niu Shi was silent, but he could see that he was not unmoved.

Bai Ling stared at the thrush, but did not say a word. When she doesn't know? Thrush is now eyebrow-to-eyebrow with Zhao Yan all day long. The extra pair of jade bead earrings and a twisted silver bracelet in her hand were all given by Zhao Yan. Zhao Yan added a new jacket and a new pair of shoes, which Thrush quietly made for him. Thrush is also smart now, and knows that relying on the old lady alone will not work, so she has already thought of a future for herself. Although Zhao Yan is not rich now, he treats the thrush well, and he is willing to buy her things. In the future, he became richer and richer, and it was better for Thrush to make him a concubine than to be sold outside.

But what does it have to do with her? Bai Ling's heart snorted. Why hadn't she thought about her future? Everyone is just half a pound and eight taels.

As if he hadn't found anything, Bailing lifted the curtain and went out.

At this time, an old servant rushed in from outside with some excitement: "Brother Ze! Zegoer! People outside are talking about it, saying that Uncle Wang has come back from the northwest! ”

Zhao Ze was still in the courtyard, and he was stunned when he heard this: "Uncle Wang? Who are you talking about? Another old servant also ran out of the kitchen in surprise, and from his reaction, it can be inferred that this Uncle Wang must not be an ordinary person.

The old servant who reported the news smiled: "Brother Ze'er doesn't remember? It is our uncle's former companion, Uncle Wang. He was an official in the northwest and had not returned to the capital for more than ten years, but the two families still exchanged letters in the early years. ”

Niu also heard the movement in the house, and immediately helped the thrush and walked out: "What's the matter?" Make things clear for me! His voice was still a little trembling, and he was obviously very excited.

The old servant hurriedly told the news he had just heard: "The old slave just went to the market to buy rice, and I heard someone say that General Wang Dongsheng from the northwest has entered the city, and his family has also come, and there is a long convoy. His home is still in the old place, which was purchased with the help of the county grandfather, in the Shijia Hutong not far from the Hou Mansion. I heard that General Wang entered Beijing this time, either to be sent to Liaodong, or to stay in Beijing! Even if he can't stay in Beijing, his family will always have to stay in Beijing. Brother Ze, our family has hope! ”

Zhao Ze frowned, he still didn't understand: "Does this person have a good relationship with his father?" Why haven't I heard my father mention it before? ”

Niu's heart was pounding, and he only felt that he had found a better object to fight the autumn wind outside the small second room, and said unhappily when he heard the words: "He has been to the northwest for more than ten years, and it is common for him to have inconvenient communication." Besides, he was timid, and your father asked him to do things for King Ying together, and he was instigated, and later even the letters were broken, and we used to laugh at him for not having the life of a very human minister, but now it seems to be a blessing. He and your father grew up together, and their affection is not comparable to that of ordinary people. Knowing that our family is having a hard time, we will definitely lend a hand. He is your elder, you pack some gifts as soon as possible, come to the door to ask the elders to go, don't slack off. ”

Zhao Ze hesitated a little: "If he really has affection for our family, he will naturally come to the door." Now that his family has just arrived in the capital, we will get up to him......"

Niu scolded at the head: "What's wrong with this? Do you feel embarrassed? How much is a face worth a pound of silver? He has just come back from the Northwest and can he know where we live? If we can't find it, we won't find it, so how will we live in the future?! If you don't go, I'm too lazy to do this, how can I count on you in the future? Brother Yan'er come here, Ming'er, you go to the Wang family, don't pay attention to your brother. If Wang Dongsheng is not there, he will find his wife and daughter-in-law. His family is familiar with our family, and he has just married his daughter-in-law, and he brought his daughter-in-law to greet me. You just say that I let you go, and if they dare to snub you, I will find the imperial historian to tell him to go!" He is not the same as a small second room, without our family, his mother and son can't even live, and now that he is an official, if he dares to put up a fight against his benefactor, I will definitely discredit him! ”

Zhao Yan and Aunt Xiao Qian both heard the movement and came out, and when they saw Niu's order, Aunt Xiao Qian quietly pinched her eldest son, and Zhao Yan hurriedly agreed. When he saw the glow on his biological mother's face, he knew that General Wang might really be able to help his family, and his heart suddenly moved.

Originally, I thought that when I raised enough money, I would take my biological mother and siblings back to Fengxian to join my grandfather's house. But if General Wang is willing to help their family and make them live better, it doesn't have to be carried out according to the original plan. How can Fengxian compare with Beijing? Moreover, it is the place where they have lived since childhood.

Seeing that Zhao Yan was obedient, the anger in Niu's heart disappeared a little, he glared at Zhao Ze a few times, and suddenly remembered one more thing, so he said to him with a straight face: "You are not happy to run errands, and I am too lazy to worry about you, but there is one thing for you to do." Didn't you rent a house? Let's move now, to the house you rented. ”

Zhao Zezheng lowered his head to listen to the training, and was a little puzzled when he heard the words: "Didn't grandmother just say that she wouldn't move?" ”

"Idiot!" Niu scolded again, "This is close to the downtown area, the rent is expensive, we live here, how can we make Wang Dongsheng believe that we can't get by?" Naturally, your newly rented place is good. Just clean the house, don't add any furniture first, don't add firewood, just let him think that our house is about to be unable to open the pot, so he will give money generously. Don't give me a filling, and if you don't want to help, get me back to the shop!" ”

Zhao Xiang got out of the house and asked Niu with some excitement: "Grandmother, how much silver will Uncle Wang give us?" ”

Niu Shi looked back at his granddaughter and showed a loving smile: "Silly boy, what is silver?" He can do us so much good. If I remember correctly, he has two sons, all of your same age, and it is time to marry them. That's from the military attache of Sanpin...... "RS."