Cao Mansion, Banyan Courtyard, Upper Room.

Zhuang Xi listened to Cao Hao's question, and did not look panicked at all, but casually pointed to the chair on the ground: "Hao'er, sit!" ”

Looking at Zhuang Xi's slightly lonely expression, Cao Hao sat down silently.

Zhuang Xi wiped his beard and said, "Old man knows that you have wanted to ask for a long time, and I have been waiting for you to open my mouth for the past two years, but you don't care; It's like this today, but what's the change? ”

Cao Hao nodded, which was an answer, and then asked, "What is the identity of Mr.?" Since it's waiting for me to speak, there should be no taboos, please tell the truth! ”

It was rare for Zhuang Xi to see Cao Hao so serious, staring at his face, his eyes were blazing, and asked, "After knowing the identity of the old man, how will he be?" ”

Cao Hao's eyes narrowed: "Knowing the identity of Mr. and determining Mr.'s position, Cao Hao may have some decisions!" ”

Zhuang Xi couldn't help but smile and said, "Could it be that Hao'er is still worried that old decay will harm you?" ”

Cao Hao shook his head: "Although I have only been with Mr. for two years, I can detect Mr.'s sincere concern." It must be the blessing of the boy, who has been able to get such care from his father and ancestors. It's just that I can trust Mr., but I can't trust the people behind him! ”

Zhuang Xi was not annoyed and angry when his true face was revealed, but looked relieved: "Old man, I wish you spoke earlier!" Speaking of this, his eyes gradually became deeper: "In this life, I have received a lot of favors from your father and ancestors, your grandfather has nurtured me, and your father has saved my life, and now he has come to you,...... That's not what it was meant to be. ”

Cao Hao was a little confused when he heard it, but he didn't question it, not only did Jiang Ning's Zhuang Chang roughly say that Zhuang Xi had received the grace of his "father and ancestor"; Even if it looks at Cao Yin's attitude towards Zhuang Xi, he is also like a confidant, otherwise he would not have asked him to go north to take care of Cao Hao.

However, the "real intent" made Cao Hao's heart sink. With such a big ear and eyes, can remotely control Jiangnan, and can know Cao Yin's thoughts, besides the one above, which one else can there be?

For a while, I only felt extremely cold, this is the so-called imperial mental technique? Cao Hao thought back to the past two years in Beijing, cute guards, raising flags, rewarding land, giving marriage, ring after ring, was he lucky, or did he become a fool who was covered his eyes and ears?

Cao Hao sighed: "My father is not a vassal king, but a loyal and cautious courtier, although I am his son-in-law, but inheriting his position or not is not a matter of the above sentence, why bother so much?" It's ridiculous! ”

Zhuang Xi nodded: "Tianwei is unpredictable, maybe it's just to protect the Cao family!" Looking at the old decay for the past two years, the favor of the Cao family does not seem to be fake! ”

Cao Hao sneered, I don't know if I should be glad to be a low-key person. If it weren't for Cao Yin's loyalty, if it weren't for his lack of ambition for power, he would have ushered in another "grace".

When Zhuang Xi saw Cao Hao's demeanor, he couldn't help frowning and said: "It's good that the son understands in his heart, and he can't be resentful, so as not to be noticed by others and invite trouble!" ”

This is indeed a sincere teaching, but although Cao Hao knew that he had good intentions, he was so tired that he didn't even have the energy to say thank you.

Mr. Zhuang asked, "You came to look for Lao Yuan, should you just want to know this?" Did you encounter some trouble out there and want to use my help to find out something? ”

Cao Hao looked at Mr. Zhuang and said, "I remember that when Mr. first came here the year before last, my father mentioned in his letter to me that Mr. had been here in the capital in the early years. In the past two years, if I encounter something difficult to understand, most of them are my husband to solve my doubts! Looking at Mr. Chen's speech, he knew all the prefectures in the capital and the officials of the court and the central government. Mr. has never been out of office, presumably he was a staff member in the palace of the prince and magnate in the early years? ”

Mr. Zhuang smiled and nodded.

Cao Hao thought for a while, and then said: "There are a lot of powerful people in the capital, because he has no intention of exploring Mr. Wang's past, Cao Hao is too lazy to think about this. Now it seems that since Mr. is the person above, then this person who was ordered to vote will not be an ordinary person. In this Kangxi Dynasty, in addition to the four auxiliary ministers in the early years, who else can be more prominent than Mingzhu and Suo Etu? Mingzhu died of illness a year before I entered Beijing, and although the family was not as prominent as in the early years, it was still a family of lords; Is this a diagram? Dead for seven or eight years......" Speaking of this, he suddenly remembered a slightly book-colored deed he had heard, and couldn't help but be shocked, glanced at Zhuang Xi seriously, and muttered: "Zhuang ...... Mr. Xi,...... Mr. Xi? ”

For the famous "Ming Xiang" and "Suo Xiang", although the two have lost power and passed away, after all, in the past few years, various related deeds and stories have been circulated among the people, and even widely known. Among them, there is such a one, related to a strange person staff.

Nasuo Etu was first charged with "discussing state affairs and forming a party and acting recklessly", and was handed over to the Zongren Mansion for detention and confinement. This time into the prison of suffering, the warmth and coldness of the people suddenly appeared. Although he has been prominent for decades, and his protégés have been all over the government and the opposition, the only one who went to visit this former minister of power was one of his guest secretary staff surnamed "Xi".

In that rumor, this staff member is quite a bit of a "come without a trace, go without a trace", he just sneaked into the prison silently and delivered drinks and food to Suo Etu. Later, Suo Etu died in prison, and it was this guest surnamed "Xi" who took care of the funeral, and when the matter was over, he "cried bitterly and left, not knowing what to do".

When he first heard this strange story, Cao Hao also praised the style of the staff member. Where does this seem like the Qing Dynasty, it sounds like a "scholar" in the Spring and Autumn Period, and it really deserves the word "loyalty". Unexpectedly, a few years later, the "taxi" he admired would appear beside him in such a posture.

Zhuang Xi smiled bitterly: "Many years of old things, I didn't expect the son to hear about it!" ”

Cao Hao still has a little admiration, but he also sighs in his heart, since he wants to do "intermittent", he should make a choice, and he is afraid that he will commit the above taboo by doing so. Probably what he said about Cao Yin's "life-saving grace", this is the matter.

Knowing Zhuang Xi's identity, Cao Hao did not suddenly feel enlightened, but became more and more confused. Since he knew that Zhuang Xi was deeply favored by the Cao family for two generations, and he was a very righteous person, why did he still send him to his side?

Zhuang Xi had been carefully observing Cao Hao's expression, and had already expected his confusion, so he couldn't help but shake his head and smile slightly: "It seems that Gongzi is also puzzled." In this way, I am finally more comfortable with old age. The old man has been thinking about it for two years, but he hasn't figured out the intention of the above to order the old man to be by the son's side! Now, I still hope that the son is smart, and he has long said that he will solve the doubts of the old decay! ”

Cao Hao came to Zhuang Xi for the first time, knowing that he had a doorway in his hand and wanted to use it to investigate the dynamics of the palaces today. Now, this side is far more complicated than I imagined, how dare I use him casually?

Cao Hao immediately got up and hugged his wrist and said: "In the end, I was reckless, disturb Mr., there are still some things that need to be dealt with, so don't bother Mr. first!" With that, he was about to say goodbye and leave.

"Childe stays!" Mr. Zhuang shouted: "Since you are looking for the old decay, it can be seen that it is useful to the decay, and you want the old decay to find out some news!" The above only orders the old decay to help you by your side, so this is also the old decay's business! If the son insists on taking out the old decay, he will be tired and derelict in his duties! ”

Cao Hao couldn't cry or laugh when he heard it, and he was afraid that Mr. Zhuang was also the first person to do this. But the bottom of my heart is still very useful, first, for his frankness and sincerity, old-fashioned and warm-hearted, and then because of his ability, Mr. Zhuang is really a rare good helper. Cao Hao didn't politely excuse himself, so he told everything today.

After hearing Cao Hao talk about the changes in Fuchengmen, Zhuang Xi's expression also became solemn. No matter who is calculating behind the scenes, it is unforgivable to take the surnames of the common people as child's play.

"Sir, after today's changes, I feel that we can't be so muddy anymore! Even if I'm just a spectator, I have to see and hear clearly! Only in this way can we prevent problems before they happen, and only then can we make our parents and relatives truly safe! Cao Hao's voice was not loud, but his tone was full of firmness.

After a long time, Mr. Zhuang nodded: "Old man understands!" ”

*Cao Mansion, Front Yard, West Cross Yard.

This side of the west road in the front yard was originally to house some doormen, so it was a small cross-courtyard with a few reading powers. Originally, Wei Hei and Wei Bai lived here, but later Wei Bai got married and went north with Fangcha, so Wei Hei moved to another place and left this side for their little couple.

The courtyard is not big, with three main rooms in a small room, two bright and one dark structure. There are two wings on the east and west, which serve as kitchen warehouses.

On the kang in the main room, there are some fabrics and needles, and Fangcha sits on the kang, and picks out a few good pieces with herbs to determine the embroidery pattern. Seeing that Fangcha was slightly tired and helped her waist, Vanilla hurriedly said, "Are you tired, take a break!" In the first few months, it was not a joke, and before sitting on the fetus, it was necessary to give birth to a good child! ”

Seeing the appearance of vanilla, Fangcha couldn't help but smile and quipped: "A girl's family, full of people who will not raise it, this is heard, and you are not ...... Ah......h

Vanilla's face was flushed, and she wanted to beat Fang Cha twice, but she had scruples, so she had to give her a blank look and said: "Look at you, you are all people who are going to be mothers, and you are also scathing and mean, but you can change it, you don't have to bring the child in the future!" I'm the same age as you, and I'm two months older than the month, so what's so strange about knowing these people! ”

Seeing Vanilla staring at her stomach with envy, Fang Cha twisted uncomfortably, waved her hand and said, "Okay, my aunt, Sister Vanilla, don't look at it!" Your eyes are even hotter than the one in my family! ”

Vanilla retracted her gaze, picked up the embroidery bandage on the side of the gang, picked up the needle and thread and swiped it on her head, and said while doing the embroidery work: "I just envy you, but I am really blessed!" ”

Fangcha thought that Zhang Luo started talking about the matchmaker before the vanilla fight, and the family affairs were still undecided in the past six months, so she couldn't help but wonder: "Look at Aunt Zhang, you don't love money as much as my grandmother, and you are outstanding, why hasn't this been decided yet?" ”

Vanilla bowed her head and said: "People outside this mansion, after all, they don't know the roots, and my surname is not as refreshing as yours, my mother is very worried!" ”

Fangcha was married in her mother's house and knew something. Vanilla is now twenty, which is considered an age in her daughter's family. Besides, people outside, serious people, where will they marry a maidservant? Even if there is a kiss, I am afraid that it is mostly a meaning of filling the house and accepting concubines. As for a Mian surname like vanilla, if he marries in a daze, let alone Zhang Gen's family, even Fangcha is not at ease.

When the two were waiting beside Cao Yi, they were not close, and occasionally had some quarrels. Now that they are all older, and after those things before, they are now much closer than when they were young. And after all, they have lived together for more than ten years, and there are no sisters in the family, and the two have some sympathy for each other.

"The one in my family knows a lot of close friends, so I asked him to help me inquire and see if there is a suitable appearance and character! Maybe, your big matchmaker is me! Fangcha said with a smile.

Vanilla hurriedly shook her head: "Grandma, I don't dare to bother you, don't talk to Second Master Wei about this!" In that case, I won't have the face to come to your yard in the future! ”

Fang Cha saw that Vanilla was serious, and knew that her surname was shy, so she said: "Okay, good, good, if you don't say it, don't say it, you must not come, you are the only one who can talk, if you don't come again, then I will not become a dumb person in the future!" ”

The two were talking and laughing, and the little girl outside the door said, "Grandma, the second master is back!" ”

Vanilla hurriedly got up from the kang and said to Fang Cha with a smile: "Look at me, I forgot the time while talking about it, I went home first!" ”

Fangcha also went to the ground: "This is going to the mouth of the meal, why don't you go back after eating?" ”

Vanilla said: "Mom is still waiting for me, besides, Second Master Wei is also there!" ”

Fang Cha pursed his lips and smiled: "We are a small family, where are those evasions, and besides, he hasn't seen you!" In that case, then I'll send you!

Vanilla waved her hand: "What to send?" The people in the front yard and the backyard meet again all day, so let's rest! ”

Waiting for Vanilla to come out of the house, Wei Bai was about to enter the door, saw her, politely said, and when she left, Fang lifted the curtain and entered the door.

"Why is it so early?" Fangcha asked as she cleaned up the things on the kang.

Wei Bai walked to the table, picked up the teapot, and poured a few sips: "Maybe it's hot, this heart is 'sudden', I just feel that something is wrong!" ”

"It can't be sick, right? Why don't we ask a doctor to take a look! Fangcha put down the sewing box and said.

Wei Bai shook his head and said, "It's okay, Lao Bai's body bones, where does it look like he's sick?" But I'm a little hungry, so let's set the meal! ”

Fangcha called the little girl and gave an order. Because he didn't want to work hard for the tea, Wei Bai hired a cook among the relatives of Cao's mansion to be responsible for the food in this courtyard. That little girl, Xiaohong, was brought over by Fangchada's mother's family.

Because he saw the vanilla, Wei Bai asked: "Is the girl's family matter decided, I saw her wife a few days ago, I seemed to be a little anxious!" ”

"Not yet! Can you not be in a hurry, the three sons of the Zhang Gen family, only the youngest is a daughter, naturally thinking that there is a good family as soon as possible, but it is also difficult! Fangcha sighed.

Wei Bai smiled and said: "If you don't mention it to our eldest brother, since I got married, I can't bear to see my eldest brother alone!" ”

Fangcha couldn't help frowning, although she was a relative, she still couldn't forget Wei Hei's cold face. She was still hesitating whether to squeak or say something, when she heard Wei Bai suddenly say "Huh".

"What's wrong?" Fang Cha asked.

Wei Bai remembered Fang Cai's incident when he mentioned his eldest brother, so he said: "Fang Cai's son went back to the house once, went to Mr. Zhuang's side, and then went out of the house with Mr. Zhuang, I don't know where he went!" ”

When Fangcha heard Cao Hao, her heart was blocked, and then she touched her belly, which was not yet pregnant, and said with a smile: "Uncle is doing great things, where do I have to report to you here?" You're scared too! ”

Wei Bai shook his head: "I'm not talking about this, it's Fang who thought that he didn't see his eldest brother come back just now!" With the temper of the eldest brother, he treats his son as if he is a child, and even if he goes out with him, he is not at ease when he leaves for a while. Why didn't you go back and forth today, it's a bit weird! ”

Fangcha said with a smile: "Look, I just finished my uncle, and I was worried about my uncle!" Uncle is a child? I won't be abducted! It's not that I went out on an errand, I think I made an appointment somewhere, and waited for the uncle to come over! ”

Xiaohong set the meal, Wei Baikang sat cross-legged, raised his chopsticks and said: "Yes, the eldest brother will think about me, if it is my turn to worry about my heart, I am afraid that my head will come out of the west!" ”

* When Prince Yong and the Thirteenth Elder Brother returned to the Thirteen Mansions, it was already dusk.

The Baozhu of the Internal Affairs Office was very disagreeable, and made things difficult for the eunuch Wei Zhu in every possible way, with only one purpose, that is, what he wanted and what he didn't have. Until Prince Yong went to himself, he would be safe.

Prince Yong and the Thirteenth Elder Brother are all angry, isn't this epidemic prevention for everyone? It's too unbelievable to choose this time to make trouble, if you really put up with it, I don't know what moths will happen to the other party.

Prince Yong didn't enter the Thirteen Mansions, but just patted the Thirteenth Elder Brother on the shoulder and said, "This time my brother is really difficult, I can't believe others, I asked the Thirteenth Brother once!" ”

The thirteenth elder brother hesitated: "Fourth brother, where is Huang Ama?" ”

Prince Yong frowned and said, "Could it be that if you work hard, there will be mistakes?" If Huang Ama is like this, don't expect it in the future! ”

The thirteenth elder brother nodded: "Well, fourth brother, I listen to you!" What's the call, don't be polite to Thirteen! ”

Prince Yong's expression softened: "This side is my good brother!" ”

Because it was not early, Prince Yong did not stay long and went back to the palace directly. As soon as he entered the palace, a long entourage hurriedly approached to pay attention.

Prince Yong was taken aback when he heard this: "What? Cao Hao took the men and horses of the military camp to surround the palace over there? ”

(To be continued)