Beijing, Cao's house, east house, upper room.

As soon as Cao Song came back from Changchun Garden, he was summoned by the Zhaojia clan. Before Zhao Jia's mouth spoke, Cao Song knew what his mother was going to say, what else could he say besides Cao Xiang and Cao Fu's family affairs?

Sure enough, I heard Zhaojia's chatter: "Brother Song, tell me, is it the young lady of Bai Shaoqing's family, or the daughter of Zhou's commanding envoy?" The family affairs of the fourth child should also be discussed, so that the fifth child can be booked. ”

When Cao Song heard this, he couldn't help frowning, and asked, "Which Bai Shaoqing?" Is it the one who has an old girl in the family? ”

Zhao Jiashi glanced at Cao Song and said, "What old girl?" It's only twenty-one, which is a good age. There is an old saying, called 'the wife is the fifth, and the old mother is the same'. Find a bigger daughter-in-law, it will hurt people. ”

Cao Song hesitated for a moment and said, "Didn't you say that their daughters don't marry, they want to recruit an old son-in-law, and they have to pick and choose, but they haven't found anyone?" ”

Zhao Jiashi "coughed", cleared his throat and said: "What's wrong with this, not only did I find a daughter-in-law, but I also sat on an inheritance, where to find such a cheap thing." ”

Cao Song waved his hand and said, "Don't mind!" Our family is not poor and can't afford to marry a daughter-in-law, how can we let Xiaosi go out to be a son-in-law, this is not a good reputation. Even if the four are out in the future, they will make people poke their backbones and be laughed at. ”

When Zhao Jiashi heard this, he was a little impatient, and muttered: "Can you still eat good words as food?" The Miss Bai family, your cousin and aunt have also seen it, and she didn't pick her appearance or character, which point is not worthy of the fourth child? ”

"If there is no difference in appearance and character, why was the draft brand removed? My cousin's words have never been scoreless, and my mother doesn't know it, so where can I believe it? Cao Song said.

Zhao Jiashi was so choked that he couldn't speak, and said for a long time: "If you don't worry, change to find a reason, I'll go and see each other?" In case it is wishy-washy, it will also save you from missing a good family. ”

"If my mother thinks it's really good, then say it to Xiao Wu, who is dancing and writing all the time, and has no intention of being a leader." Cao Song said casually.

When Zhao Jiashi heard this, he couldn't help but be annoyed, pointed at Cao Song and said, "Black-hearted thing, who gave you this idea?" Is it that your daughter-in-law is worried about the family property and is afraid that the little five will divide hers, so she encourages you to say this? Xiao Wu must be talented and good-looking, what kind of daughter-in-law can't marry, and still have to be a door-to-door son-in-law? She pretends to be honest, and she is also restless, just a loser! ”

Seeing that his mother said something ugly, Cao Song couldn't sit still and said, "Mother, where is this!" The son just followed his mother's words and said it casually, why did he get involved in Jinghui again? The fifth child is not bad, but where is the fourth child? He is also the son of his mother. Even if she doesn't think about the fourth child, the mother is sympathetic and sympathetic to her son. If the fourth child is allowed to go out to be a son-in-law, the son will not have the face to see the uncle and brother. What outsiders don't know, they have to say that their son treats his siblings poorly. The emperor is the most benevolent old man, and he can't see this. If this reputation goes out, his son's future will also be ruined. Rather than waiting to be disliked, if the son resigns from the guard now, the son can be more peaceful. ”

Zhao Jia's family is a woman's family in the end, although she has a small calculation in her heart, she still relies on her eldest son in major matters.

After listening to Cao Song's words, she sneered and said, "As for it? The emperor is in charge of the world's major affairs, who can he manage to marry a daughter-in-law? ”

When Cao Song said these words, he was also a little dry-mouthed, picked up the teacup, drank it all in one gulp, and said, "There are fewer people in this capital who are disgraced because of the discord between the brothers?" ”

Zhao Jiashi said with a smile: "This can't be, the fourth brother has always listened to you, and your brother has nothing to say to the little brothers." ”

Cao Song shook his head and said, "That was before. If my brother really became a son-in-law for someone else's family, then it would not be my brother. Save the future to give birth to nephews and nieces, all of whom are other people's surnames, and I am panicked. Even if I went underground, my father would give me a big stick. ”

"It's a pity, I heard that there are only four or five Zhuangzi in their family." Zhao Jiashi said with a little regret: "Since the Bai family can't do it, what about the daughter of the Zhou command envoy family?" ”

Cao Song knew that his mother's surname was greedy for money, and he was quite helpless, but he still said: "The fourth child is talented, and I heard that the lord of the Guozijian is very important to him, and he said that he can't earn a phoenix crown for his mother." The candidate for this bride can't be too low, right? The fourth child is only sixteen this year, and the mother doesn't have to be too anxious, just pick the right one slowly. The one in the Zhou family, didn't my mother say it was inappropriate last time? is a concubine, her appearance is mediocre, her brother is not successful, he is in his twenties, and he is still in the official school. ”

In Cao Song's heart, he really didn't believe in his mother's vision. These words, he also pays attention to the right people. In addition to the girl's character and appearance, I also hope to find a serious person.

The fourth child wants to be a member of the imperial examination, but in addition to the clansmen in the officialdom in the future, if he can have a strong wife, he can also save a lot of effort.

Cao Hao's colleagues are from Shangsanqi, most of them are Manchu surnames, and there are also many daughters, nieces, sisters, and nieces and nephews in their families who are waiting to be married.

It's just that among them, their family background and appearance are good, and they all left a brand in the draft, and their relatives are not allowed to be self-contained. The rest are either unable to climb, or they are deficient in this or that way, and they don't have a lot of satisfaction for a while.

When Zhao Jiashi heard his son's words, he sincerely thought about his brother-in-law, looked at him quite strangely, and said, "You have always been very arrogant, how can you be so bothered about this?" Great grace is great hatred, be careful to raise a white-eyed wolf. ”

"Mother, the fourth child has always been honest and filial to his mother. The mother looked at her son and took care of it, and the aunt was also more tolerant. It's all a family, the family is prosperous, and the son is also down-to-earth when he is out on an errand. Cao Song said bitterly.

When Zhao Jiashi heard this, his expression froze, and he said angrily: "How can you be tolerant, when the ancestor can't make offerings?" Are you coming out of my belly, why do you just talk to outsiders? What kind of bullshit family is that, it's a thorn in my heart. In the end, the circles under his eyes were already red, and he choked up: "I said that I would not accept a concubine, but I stole my girl before I was pregnant." finally gave birth to three of your sisters and brothers, and received a treasure butterfly. The jade was given by the old lady, who forced your father to enter the cave room? The difference between the fourth sister and the fifth sister is less than half a year. I have a big belly, watching your father hug his little wife, which one is not soaked in tears? Now it's good, I still have to pretend to be virtuous and worship the enemy. ”

Listening to Zhao Jia's mention of the old things, Cao Song didn't know how to speak. The son does not say anything about the father, this is the old reason.

However, he was also quite touched in his heart.

Since I was a child, I have seen in books that men are respected. Women are three from four virtues, and only jealous women will oppose their husbands taking concubines.

Cao's family room and second room, except for Cao Hao, the other adult males all have concubines.

It's just that is really a harmonious wife and concubine, and they are happy?

Thinking of this, thinking of Zilan living in the wing, Cao Song couldn't help but sigh in his heart.

After Zhao Jiashi finished speaking, he felt a lot more comfortable, wiped his tears with a handkerchief, and said: "Maybe I'm getting old, I can't sleep at night recently, and I can see your father when I close my eyes." ”

"It's all stuffy in the house, and my mother has nothing to do with going out for a walk, and if she wants to eat, she also tells her son." Cao Song said.

Zhao Jiashi was quite relieved to see his son so considerate, looked at him and said, "After all, he has grown up." From now on, I'll rely on you. ”

The two of them were talking in the house, and Lu Ju took a little maid and stood outside the door to obey orders. Although her head was bowed, her ears were erect.

This is not only about Cao Xiang's family, but also about her life.

If Cao Xiang really goes out to be a son-in-law, she just wants to be a concubine, and it has become a luxury.

Everyone has selfish intentions, although she knows that if the fourth master is close to each other, it will be beneficial to the career, but she is also afraid that the other party will have a good surname and will not tolerate sand in her eyes.

Even if she has been waiting for Zhaojia's for many years, and her grandmother is Zhaojia's **, but the slave maid is a slave and a maid in the end, and I haven't heard of anyone who can turn the world upside down.

These words, listening to Zhaojia's family talk about Cao Xiang's family affairs all day long, Lu Ju also felt tormented. At this time, listening to Zhaojia's complaints, thinking that it was difficult for his wife and concubine to be at peace, her heart was also in chaos.

Just as he was thinking about it, he heard the door curtain ring, and Cao Song had already come out of the inner room.

Seeing the green chrysanthemum, Cao Song stopped and asked, "Some time ago, the prescription prescribed by the imperial doctor to calm the nerves, does the wife still use it?" ”

Lu Ju shook her head and said, "Mrs. doesn't like it smells bad, so stop that." At present, I use the medicinal diet recipe given by the eldest wife, using ginseng, deer antler velvet and yam to make porridge. ”

Although he didn't look down on Lu Ju's grandmother, Cao Song had a good impression of Lu Ju and knew that she was sensible and capable, and said: "The second grandmother is not comfortable, and my wife will have to work hard for you to put more effort into it. Speaking of which, we all owe you a thank you. ”

Lu Ju was busy leaning over and said: "It's all what slaves and maids should do, don't dare to be the second master's boast." ”

Cao Song saw that she was not arrogant or impatient, steady and generous, nodded, and said, "Fortunately, with you waiting in front of your wife, you can also have less right and wrong." As he spoke, he walked away.

Lu Ju looked at Cao Song's back, and her heart slowly sank.

The second master is the parent of the second room, if the fourth master really loves himself in the future and loses his proportion, then the first one to attack himself is also the second master.

After all these years of being a maid, she knows how to be in a good way; Being a concubine room, for her, although it is not as good as the sea of swords, mountains and fires, but every time she thinks about it, it also makes her shudder...... * East across the courtyard, go to the room.

Although Jinghui did not show her pregnancy, she had changed into loose clothes and sat on the kang.

Jade Dragon and Zilan sat on a stool, talking with each other here. The jade dragon is holding a needlework in her hand, which is a half-embroidered red belly pocket, on which is the pattern of a boy stepping on a lotus and hugging a carp.

The red ground green lotus golden carp looks very joyful, and the stitches are extremely dense, so it can be seen that it is with heart.

Jing Hui saw it in her eyes and said, "You can't do this all the time, and you hurt your eyes carefully." There is still more than half a year for the child to land, what is the hurry? ”

In fact, Jade Dragon is older than Cao Song, not to mention Jinghui. It's just that the rules are like this, so I have to set the names of my sisters and sisters.

A smile had already appeared on Jade Dragon's face, and she tilted her head and said, "Grandma, do the math, the little master was born in winter." In addition to the belly pocket, there are also small jackets and pants. The material cotton, the slaves and maids are all prepared, and after a while, I will ask my grandmother to choose the patterns. ”

The scar on her face was much shallower, and it looked like it was white, covered with powder, and it didn't look as dazzling as it used to be. It's just that she has a heavy mind and doesn't like to stay in front of people, so she can't get out of this yard easily.

A man in his early twenties, like an old woman, has white hair in his sideburns.

When Jing Hui saw it, she couldn't bear it, and said, "Have you run out of pearl paste last time?" A few days ago, I told the third girl that if she still has one over there, she will prepare another one for us. ”

When Jade Dragon heard this, she couldn't help but be stunned, and then said with a smile: "I'm tired of my grandmother, and I still have half a bottle." It is indeed a good thing, the slave maid thinks that this face has a lot of fine hair. If there is another one, grandma will keep it, and it will be a waste to save it for slaves and maids. ”

"Don't be reluctant to use more every day. If you can get rid of all these scars, isn't it better than anything else? Jinghui said.

Jade Dragonfly trembled her lips, didn't say anything more, and nodded slowly.

After all, Zilan is a newcomer, and she doesn't have a round house yet, so she acts very carefully and respectfully.

Seeing Jinghui and Jade Dragonfly, they were not intimate when they got along, but they took care of each other, without verbal sparring, and there was no open and secret fighting.

Zilan saw it in her eyes, and her heart was also a lot more steady.

Although these people called her to go to the room a few times, and there was no less "teaching" in and out of the words, Zilan had already made up her mind, remembered her identity, kept her own life, and did not get involved in the confrontation between his wife and grandmother's mother-in-law and daughter-in-law, so that she was not a person inside and outside, and was rejected by others.

Therefore, she not only treats Jinghui respectfully, but also treats Jade Dragon as a "sister", and she does not dare to take it big at all.

When Cao Song came back, he saw this scene of "harmony between wives and concubines".

In other words, he designated to be proud, thinking that he was blessed; Today, after listening to my mother's cry, all this in front of me is a little dazzling.

Seeing Cao Song coming in, Jade Dragon and Zilan both stood up, and Jinghui also got up to get off the kang.

Cao Song took two steps forward, held down his wife, and said, "Aren't you shouting that your feet are sore, let's still sit." ”

"I've been sitting for a long time, and my legs are a little numb." Jinghui said, seeing that Cao Song had not changed his clothes, he told the maid to go out and bring water.

"Really? Then I'll help you wander around. When Cao Song heard this, he had no idea and asked.

Seeing him so careful, Jinghui was a little embarrassed, and said with a smile: "It's not so delicate." ”

In the end, in front of Jade Dragon and Zilan, Cao Song was also a little embarrassed, approached Jade Dragon, looked at the work in her hand, and said, "The carp is embroidered?" A few days ago, it was still just a fish tail. ”

Jing Hui remembered something and said, "Did you see the fourth uncle?" The fourth uncle has been here, as if there is something wrong, and he won't say anything when asked. ”

The maids had already brought water, Cao Song freshened up and changed clothes, and went to look for Cao Xiang.

Cao Xiang was already sitting in the study, as if he had twenty-five rats in his arms, scratching his heart with a hundred claws.

has been out of filial piety for half a month, and he has not yet spoken to his family because he is waiting for his teacher's reply.

Finally, as soon as he got the letter of approval, he had already arrived at the Ministry of Officials to fill the vacancy, and he heard the news that Zhao Jia's family had proposed marriage to him.

He knew that in the end, he had to make a decision from his brother, so he waited for his brother to come back.

When it came to the matter, he was also a little apprehensive.

As a child of the Cao family, what he does is quite selfish, and he is not a good brother or brother.

It's just that his life is less than 100, there is no regret medicine in the world, he has been depressed in this family for more than ten years, and he really doesn't want his children and grandchildren to live here.

To get ahead, marry a wife who is in love, have two lovely children, and serve his biological mother so that he can serve his biological mother is his wish since he was a child.

Although in the eyes of the world, the imperial examination is the right way, but it is on the list, and if you want to be released, you will start from the seventh grade, just like this time. There was also a two-year delay.

It's good to be an official outside, and my brother will teach him a lesson, and he will respond; The matter of marrying a wife has been 'the order of the parents, the words of the matchmaker' since ancient times, and the idea is not in accordance with the rules, and I don't know what will happen to my brother?

Hearing footsteps in the yard, Cao Xiang hurriedly dropped his book and ran to the door of the study.

"Fourth, what are you looking for me?" Cao Song asked with a smile when he saw him come out.

"Second brother, here...... Sit down...... "Cao Xiang was quite nervous, and asked Cao Song to come in and sit down.......

Cao Song sat down, raised his head, and saw Cao Shuo panicked and his little face turned pale, and said with a smile: "Why did you bluff like this?" This is the news, afraid that he will be 'married' out to be a son-in-law for others? ”

When Cao Xiang heard this, he was stunned and said, "Second brother, is it decided over there?" ”

"It's decided, just discussed with me what 'dowry' to prepare for you." Seeing him like this, Cao Song deliberately kept a straight face and quipped.

Hearing the sound of "plop", Cao Xiang had already landed on his knees and said: "Second brother, please forgive my younger brother for being difficult to obey, my younger brother has already made a white head appointment with someone." ”

When Cao Song heard this, he couldn't help but be surprised, pulled Cao Xiang up, and said, "Teasing you, look at this stupid look." Speaking of this, he looked at Cao Xiang with a smile and said, "This yellow hair hasn't faded yet, so you know that you are worried about other people's daughters?" Let's talk about it, which lady is beautiful? If you have the right door and good character, my brother will ask someone to protect you from the media. ”

Cao Xiang looked at Cao Song's eyes and said, "Brother...... It's the green chrysanthemum girl next to my wife. ”

"What?" When Cao Song heard this, he stood up suddenly.

Thinking of Lu Ju's plain and dignified appearance, and then looking at Cao Xiang in front of him who was serious and said that he wanted to marry a wife, Cao Song only felt angry, and said: "I still think she is a rule, I didn't expect to beat you in private, it's really hateful." What kind of [***] soup have you been poured in, how can you say it if you marry a girl! ”

The more he spoke, the more annoyed he became, and said hatefully: "In the end, it is the bloodline of Mrs. Zhang's old pious woman, not peaceful, I will make someone drive her away, see what else she does?" So saying, he was going to go out.

Cao Xiang was already shocked, hugged Cao Song's thigh, knelt down and prayed: "Brother, it's my younger brother who has admired her for many years, and she doesn't do anything like green chrysanthemum." ”

Cao Song glared at him and said, "What do you know about the children's family?" Don't talk this nonsense again, if it gets out, who will marry your daughter. ”

Cao Xiang's head shook like a rattle, and said: "Second brother, I heard that when the second brother married the second sister-in-law, the elders should not be, or the eldest brother and sister-in-law are going around it." Second brother, can't you help your younger brother this time? By the end, I had burst into tears.

Cao Song couldn't help but be moved, but he still frowned and said: "One yard is one yard, even if you have a girl who can look good, you have to be almost the same." If you like it, you can take the house after getting married, and there is no reason for a maid to be a wife. ”

Cao Xiang bowed his head and said: "Second brother, whose girl is not raised by her parents, if she can decide her own background, who would be willing to be a maidservant?" Brother I'm ...... My brother was born to my aunt...... I don't want my son, inferior ......"

"What nonsense? Why did it get to my aunt again? Cao Song stomped his feet vigorously, and he didn't know how to persuade for a while.

Although he has always treated his brothers and sisters equally, he also knows that this cousin has suffered a lot of faces from his mother, and he can't help but feel a little guilty in his heart.

"It's useless to beg me, my wife won't answer, you die of this heart." Cao Song hesitated, turned his face and said.

"Second brother, my younger brother has begged the Lord of the Sacrificial Wine to make up for the lack of release. In a few days, there will be instructions, and he will leave Beijing in May. Cao Xiang raised his head, his face was already depressed, and said solemnly.

"How temporary, why haven't I heard you mention it?" Cao Song was a little puzzled, but he didn't object in his heart, patted him on the shoulder and said: "It's also a good thing to go out early, so you don't have to hold this book all day and read people stupidly." Isn't there a shortage in Kyori? At a young age, who can rest assured that you will go out? ”

"The eldest brother has already entered Beijing as a guard when he is so old, and the second brother has also traveled south and north when he is so old, and his younger brother is sixteen this year." Cao Xiang said.

Cao Song nodded, pondered for a while, and said, "If you are afraid that your wife will not be able to choose a family affair, then wait until you come back at the end of your term." On the wife's side, I am here, don't worry. ”

Cao Xiang shook his head and said, "Second brother, I want to take my aunt and Lu Ju to take office." ”

"Mrs. doesn't seem to be able to do without that girl...... Cao Song hesitated, but seeing that his younger brother was acting like this, it was indeed like he had fallen in love with Lu Ju, so he pulled Cao Xiang up and said, "Okay, okay, get up." Whoever asked me to be my brother always had to think of something to ask my wife for you. ”

Cao Xiang stood up, picked up a piece of paper from the desk, and handed it to Cao Song with both hands.

"What is this?" Cao Song took it with a smile, glanced at it, his expression was frozen, and he stared at Cao Xiang and said, "Which one is this trouble?" ”

Cao Xiang had already made up his mind, so he no longer hesitated and said, "Second brother, this is a document for my younger brother to voluntarily give up his family property and leave the house. With this, Mrs. ......"

Before he finished speaking, he had already been hit hard and fell to the ground.

"Bastard! Do you remember what your last name was? Don't even your ancestors want it? Cao Song was furious, but his feet did not stop, and he kicked several times.

Cao Xiang gritted his teeth and endured it, his eyes were red, but he didn't have the slightest intention of dodging...... * Rehe, Chunwangfu Garden, West Courtyard.

Bao Ya looked at the delicacies on the table, her eyes were already shining, and she said with a smile: "I really didn't expect that after a few years of marriage, you have become a great skill." Let's talk about it, did Cao Hao teach you in private? I remember hearing him mention it in his early years, and he also built a restaurant when he was in the south. ”

Chu Yu said with a smile: "The forehead is busy with errands, where is the time to fiddle with these." Only when he was in Shandong, he said that he was idle and his forehead was Zhang Luo. It's mostly based on the recipes outside, and then I figure it out by myself. ”

Speaking kung fu, Xicai has already taken the pen and ink.

Chu Yu took out a wooden box from the cabinet, took out a book from it, turned the pages, took pen and ink and bowed his head to write.

Bao Ya looked at it strangely, and when she finished writing, she reached out and took it, and said, "What is this?" It's really not thin. ”

"It's a recipe, or it was suggested when I was bored in the early years, and I will use it when I marry a daughter-in-law and a daughter-in-law in the future." Speaking of these, Chu Yu couldn't help but chuckle: "It's also amazing to think about it, in the blink of an eye, the children are all going to school." ”

"Tsk, I was still worried about it, since it was a family heirloom, then I could only dry my eyes." Bao Ya put down the recipe, raised her eyebrows, and said.

"What's there? If you like it, ask someone to copy it for you. Chu Yu smiled.

Bao Ya listened, waved her hand hurriedly, and arrived: "You still spare me." I'm not as skillful as you, let me fiddle with food, and let me ride a horse and shoot arrows......"

(To be continued)