The place where Lian Mengxing lives. He lost his father as a young man, lost his wife as a young man, and left behind a pair of children. Kangxi lost his mother in 55 years, and only had filial piety for more than a year. Although the elders of the clan are urging, he is not a young man, and he has children under his knees, and no one forces him to marry.

And so it goes. There was no serious hostess in Ceyuan, and the middle feed was handed over to his widowed aunt

It seems that he is going to come to the door as a guest, and this greeting gift must not be prepared.

After inquiring about the details of the Cheng family, Cao Wei instructed Cao Fang to prepare a few meeting gifts.

Next. The steward of the Cheng family came to pick him up, and Cao Mei went to Ceyuan with Wang Lusheng.

Cheng Mengxing knew Cao Ming's temperament, so he didn't call outsiders, but only asked his cousin Cheng Mengkun to accompany him.

When he heard that the guests were coming, Cheng Mengxing and Cheng Mengkun joined forces to greet him. Welcomed the two in.

This garden is built according to the water, and at the beginning of entering the door, you can see the lake in front of you piled up with stones, vines vertical and horizontal, faintly revealing the white wall, which looks very elegant.

When you enter the garden, the layout has its own cave.

In the lush, there is a sheep intestine trail during the Xingluo period, as far as the eye can see, the spring is brilliant, and the melodious guqin sound is heard in the distance.

Wang Bisheng followed Cao Fang's side, feeling that his eyes were not enough, and sighed in a low voice: "This is too delicate." ”

Cao Yan glanced at it a few times, and praised Cheng Mengxing's ingenuity in his heart, and he felt a little nostalgic for this watery Jiangnan. However, he was accustomed to the spacious layout of the garden in the north, and still felt that the garden in the south was smaller.

Because of the beginning of March. The water's edge was cold, and Cheng Mengxing led the guests to the "near guest hall" in the northwest corner of the garden

"Near" is another name for peony, and next to it is a peony flower garden.

Now, in the middle of spring, it is the beginning of the peony, and the delicate flower branches make people look at it and add a little pleasure.

Arrived at the church. The guests and hosts sat down and served fragrant tea.

Cheng Mengxing called the little maid and ordered: "Go to the study to pick up the young master, and then pick up the girl from Mrs. Gu, and say that there are distinguished guests, let them come over to see the ceremony." ”

The little girl responded, and Cao Rong remembered that when Cheng Mengxing Jinshi and the first time he returned to his hometown and passed through Yizhou, he had intended to marry Mr. Zhuang, and he was a little silent.

If the gentleman is still "what is the situation?"

Cheng Mengxing also remembered this and said to Cao Yu: "Huruo." Mr. Zhuang's son-in-law is ten years old this year, right? When she left Beijing, she was only six years old, and she was already ice and snow smart, and she wanted to be even more prosperous now? ”

Cao Yan nodded and said, "I'm ten years old, and I've been studying with Xixi for a few years, and I've started to study female red since last year. ”

Cheng Mengxing saw Cao Liang's gloomy expression, sighed, and said, "I have been friends with my husband for many years, and I also mentioned this in the early years, and now I have to mention it again." If it's okay to look at the dog, I'm willing to let the dog be half a son. ”

When Cao Mian heard this, he was grateful for Cheng Mengxing's kindness, but he didn't accept it.

There is no mother-in-law in the Cheng family, and Cheng Mengxing is an old friend of Mr., and he has never been a good family. But over the years, Cao Yan has also seen from her own sisters that this daughter has a difficult situation, and without her mother's family to rely on, her life is really difficult.

So. When he mentioned Niuniu's future family affairs with his wife, he never thought about leaving the capital when he was young. Always in front of the eye, can take care of one or two.

"Brother Wu Qiao is gracious, and Mr. Underground knows and will be grateful. There is just one thing, Mr. did not say anything to people before his death, Mr. is in the flag. Cao Wei thought for a moment and replied.

Since you can't get married, it's better to refuse earlier, so as to save other people's sons from bringing them over, and then refusing as if you can't look down on other people's sons, but it makes people unhappy.

When Cheng Mengxing heard this, he couldn't help but say with a sneer on his face: "Mr. has lived in Jiangnan for many years, but I didn't expect it to be in the flag." ”

He claimed to be Mr. Zhuang's best friend, but he didn't expect that he didn't even know the details of his friend, so he was a little embarrassed.

Cao Xian was afraid that he would be too careful, and explained: "I also learned later. In his early years in the capital, Mr. encountered great changes. Only then did he live in Jiangnan. Although Mr. is not in the court, he does have the title of the emperor's grace of the five-grade Yunduwei, and after Mr. dies, there is still a grace to come down, and Mr.'s title is inherited by Niuniu's son-in-law or his son. If it weren't for this, Niuniu's marriage would be nothing; With this, it is the sin of deceit. ”

This one. Hearing this, Cheng Mengxing and Cheng Mengkun were stunned.

Cheng Mengkun remembered the rumors in the capital a few years ago that Cao Yuan's mother was a "princess".

Wupin Yunduwei, who is still a named figure in front of the emperor, did not go out, but went to Cao's house as a curtain. If there is no provision for this, who can believe it?

Cheng Mengxing thought that Zhuang Xi had the talent to govern the world, but he ran together for half his life. On the old and dead staff, the words "suffered a big change", I don't know how thrilling it was, made him lose his sharpness.

Wang Lusheng also knew Mr. Zhuang, but he didn't know him very well, he only remembered a dry old man. I didn't expect such an unattractive person to have a five-grade lord on his body. No wonder people say that there are many eunuchs in the capital, but they really can't see it, and they are a few taller than the county honor. Grade.

The atmosphere in the hall was a little heavy, so I heard someone say at the door: "Master, the girl is here with the young master."

Everyone followed the voice, and saw a few people following behind the little guy. There are two people standing in front, looking a little similar, they have always been Cheng Mengxing's children, and behind them are servant women and maids.

The girl was a little older, sixteen or too old, slender, dressed in a powder-blue dress, with braids, two ruby vows on her head, and a silk gold collar on her chest.

Although it looks like an ordinary boudoir lady's dress, there is no jeweled vulgarity, but the ruby with the size of a pigeon's egg on the collar pendant shows the sincerity of the Cheng family.

The boy was younger, fourteen and five, and was about the same height as his sister. looks a little like Cheng Mengxing. The eyebrows and eyes are more handsome than Cheng Mengxing.

Between words. The two sisters and brothers had already entered the hall, first greeted their father, and then met their cousin Cheng Mengkun.

Cheng Mengxing had already stood up, pointed to the two sisters and brothers, and said, "Xiangruo, Seventh Master, this is my little dog and dog." As he spoke, he turned his head and said to the two children: "This is your Uncle Cao, who came to the capital and is a friend of his father; That's your Wang Shibo, who came from Shandong, and has been friends with our Cheng family for generations. ”

"The niece and nephew of the crane and the nephew have seen Cao Shishu and Wang Shibo," the two sisters and brothers saluted and met.

Cao Mingtong's Wang Lusheng hurriedly got up from his seat and called for someone to give the meeting gift that had been prepared earlier

After the salute is over. Cheng Mengxing sent her daughter down, leaving her son Huxiu to speak.

Thinking that Cheng Zixiu almost became Niuniu's husband, Cao Yuan had to take a few careful looks, but the more he looked at it, the more he liked it. Respectfully and politely, he also said that the kind of down-and-out generosity is also pleasing to watch.

If Niu Niu gets this good son-in-law,,

Cao Xian suddenly had the feeling that his father-in-law was looking at his son-in-law, and he began to be picky in his heart.

The appearance is too good, if he inherits his father's amorous son, it is really not a good match; is a little lost mother, and he grew up with his grandmother, although he is knowledgeable, but he is arrogant in his bones.

Slandering in his heart, Cao Liang's face was very warm, and he said to Cheng Mengxing: "I heard that there are elders in Brother Wu Qiao's family, do you need to go to the old man's house to say goodbye?" ”

Cheng Mengxing waved his hand and said, "If you don't have to be polite, just feel free." My aunt is cold by nature and rarely sees guests. ”

Cao Xian just said, and the number of etiquette is there. When you hear this, you don't mention it."

The garden is northeast

Cheng Zihe came back with the maid and the mother-in-law, and there were two trays full of greeting gifts. A middle-aged woman sat next to the kang, leaning over the kang table and copying Buddhist scriptures.

The Cao family's meeting gift was exquisite, and the Wang family prepared the pride.

That woman was the Cheng family who helped her nephew take care of the old lady after her death. For these greeting gifts, she didn't pay attention, but frowned slightly, and said: "The girl who wants to leave the pavilion also asked you to go out to meet foreign guests." It doesn't make sense. What kind of guest is it that is so solemn? ”

Cheng Zihe sat down beside Cheng with a smile, took her arm and said, "Don't be annoyed, Mrs. Gu.

It was my father's old friend, and my father ordered me to meet my younger brother. One surnamed Cao, from Beijing. Looking at the year when he was not established, it should be the son-in-law of the Cao family of Jiangning weaving who his father mentioned too much; A surnamed Wang, from Shandong, if the granddaughter is not bad as expected, he is the head of the Rizhao Wang family, otherwise he will not be accompanied by his cousin."

When Cheng heard the word "Cao", his body was already stiff, and when he heard that "Jiangning Weaving Cao Family's Son-in-law" was already holding his chest with his hands, his face was pale.

Cheng Zihe finished speaking in one breath, looking like his aunt and grandmother, only to notice his abnormality, and hurriedly stood up: Aunt is too hot, your body is not comfortable

Cheng had already stood up, his lips trembled, he held his niece's arm, and asked urgently: "Isn't it Cao Yi, the uncle of the Cao family?" ”

Although Cheng Zihe didn't know why Cheng was so out of shape, he nodded obediently and said, "The Cao family mentioned by my father is the only one." Uncle Shi did not mention his father's name, but when he ordered someone to hand me a gift to my younger brother, he called him "uncle" to his subordinates

"Cao Liang is here," Cheng muttered, his face looking sad and happy.

Before Cheng Zihe came to his senses, Cheng had already put down his niece's arm and ran out with a "kick".

After a dozen straight steps, she listened to the footsteps and turned around. beckoned to Cheng Zihe: "Zihe, go and..."

Cheng Zihe came out, helped Cheng's family, hesitated for a moment, and said, "Does Mrs. Gu recognize Uncle Cao Shi?" Is this going straight to the guest hall? If Mrs. Gu wants to see Uncle Cao Shi, the granddaughter will ask her father to bring Uncle Cao Shi over to Mrs. Gu to ask for an encore? ”

Although the Cao family is a dignitary in the capital, since it is a good family with his own family, and the Cheng family is an elder, according to the etiquette, even if the Cheng family meets, they should invite Cao Yi to come over to meet them.

Cheng didn't answer, but asked, "Over in the living room." Who else besides the Cao family

"There is also the uncle of the same family as the uncle of the Shandong Wang family," Cheng Zihe replied.

Cheng Shi pursed his sideburns, stabilized his mind, and said, "Zihe, I also knew the Cao family earlier. You made people quietly ask your father if he could let me see Cao Jiada alone

"Look at what Mrs. Gu said, what can't you see? Mrs. Gu was impatient to see others, so she asked her father to bring Uncle Cao Shi to see Mrs. Cheng Zihe and said with a smile.

When Cheng heard this, he shook his head vigorously and said in a low voice: "According to the etiquette, when I pass." Or arrange a place where I can talk, I'll go and see you. ”

Cheng Zihe was a little confused when he heard it, and looking at Mrs. Gu's demeanor, it was not an ordinary relationship with the Cao family. But in the matter of the elders, there is no place for the granddaughter to talk much, so she responds.

Afraid that the mother-in-law would pass on the word and not understand, after she helped Cheng back to the house, she took a little maid to the near guest hall.

in the house. Cheng's waved the waiting maid and went down.

She twisted the Buddha beads on her wrists, her body trembled, and the tears that she had endured for a long time finally fell

Near the guest hall. Lake Stone Queen.

Looking at his daughter who had gone and returned, Cheng Mengxing shook his head. With a bit of anger, he said: "What is the mother-in-law who is passing the word, and you can run around at noon?" ”

Cheng Zihe asked the little maid who seemed to be to retreat first, and then said that Cheng wanted to see Cao Yuan.

"Mrs. Gu is going to see Cao Yuan" Cheng Mengxing was quite surprised when he heard this, and said: "Isn't Mrs. Gu impatient to meet outsiders, how can she think of taking the initiative to meet guests today?" Just now, Cao Mei mentioned that she wanted to say goodbye to her, but I have already declined. He is only staying in Yangzhou this time, and he will go to the south, and he will turn back in a few days. He'er said to his aunt and wife to see if they could meet next time. ”

Cheng Zihe thought about Cheng's gaffe and said, "Father, Mrs. Gu said that she wouldn't let her father bring Uncle Cao Shi over to ask for peace." She was going to come over to see Uncle Cao Shi. Looking at Mrs. Gu's meaning, I can't wait to see it immediately. If my father is cheap, I would have obeyed my aunt's wishes. Since the death of his grandmother, he has relied on his aunt for family affairs. Taking care of her daughter and younger brother is also exhausting, and it is rare to have this request, and her daughter can't bear to disappoint Mrs. Aunt

Cheng Mengxing nodded and said, "In this way, when we have a feast, I will arrange a quiet room." Go back and tell your aunt and wife. ”

He remembered that his mother had mentioned before her death that the aunt from his grandfather's outer room had been settled in Jiangning before coming to Yangzhou.

Both in Jiangning. It's common to know the Cao family, but I don't know what my aunt wants to say, and I want to meet Cao Zhu alone

In addition to arranging a banquet in the near guest hall and banqueting Cao Sunsi Wang Lusheng, Cheng Mengxing also set up a seat in the front yard. Entertain Cao and Wang's entourage.

This goes hand in hand. It is a few housekeepers of the garden.

It's rare to come to Yangzhou, Cao Yi's romantic temperament can't be stopped, and he has already taken leave with Cao Yi and gone all day drinking. With Cao Mei came, it was Wei Hei and Cao Jia Xiaoman, and Xiaoman followed into the garden to wait. Wei Hei and Cao Jia stayed in the front yard.

Guo Quanyou went to the dock to keep an eye on the repair, and the Wang family was accompanied by two Yangzhou stewards, along with Wei Hei and Cao Jia.

When everyone was talking, Wei Hei looked at the big housekeeper and looked familiar.

As soon as they reported their names to each other, he remembered that the big housekeeper in front of him was not someone else, it was Zhang Ying, who followed his son-in-law to encircle and suppress Wangfengzhuang in the summer of Kangxi's forty-ninth year.

Zhang Ying saw that Wei Hei was blind, and he was afraid that he would be taboo, so he didn't look at his face, so he didn't recognize it.

It wasn't until he saw Wei Hei looking at him that he looked over and said with a little doubt: "Steward Wei, Zonghe... But Wei He..."

Wei Hei "haha" smiled: "It's Wei." I haven't seen him for more than ten years, but Zhang Ye is still in the spirit of dragon and tiger. ”

As for why he didn't catch his head properly and became a slave in the Cheng family, although Wei Hei was strange in his heart, he didn't ask in person.

If it involves selfishness, isn't it difficult for others?

When the other two stewards of the Cheng family saw that they knew each other, they had to ask a few questions.

Zhang Ying didn't hide it, and replied with a smile: "When I was still on an errand in the Yamen, I met Wei Ye once. The days have passed so fast, and it has been more than ten years in the blink of an eye", I dare not admit it

Decade. I don't dare to admit it, twenty years, I can't recognize it?

Cao Jia looked at the person in front of him, and his heart was already turbulent.