They also know that the situation at home is not as beautiful as that seen by outsiders, and these two women were sent by his eldest brother, who knows what to do.

Sure enough, Gu Zikai just said: "You should be careful, your eldest brother probably smells something, otherwise it is so dignified, what are you going to do with the two girls suddenly?" It's almost the New Year, isn't your family going to worship your ancestors at the end of the year, your tea this year, as well as the dyed cloth, are already in the limelight, I'm afraid everyone is staring at you! ”

Li Jiu Shao sneered: "What can you do if you stare at me? Can I still eat it? Now I am still useful to the Li family, and my father still has to protect me. When I'm out of use, that's the end of the good days! ”

It's hard to answer.

It was a bit dull for a while.

Or Li Jiu Shao reacted first: "What are you talking about?" It's rare for you to go to the capital, not to mention anything else, if you want to know where to have fun and where to eat, look for me! Whoever dares to bully you without long eyes, just report my name and make sure that no one dares to touch you-"

Before he finished speaking, he was ridiculed by Gu Zikai: "You can't settle that little bit of bad things in your own house, return your name, what name do you have?" Honestly drink tea while you! ”

As he spoke, he pressed Li Jiushao to sit on the chair, and looked at An Huahao and Mei Xiaotong with concern: "You guys are new to the capital, what is inconvenient?" Just say it, don't say it. The two of us, although we don't walk sideways in this capital, we are also a little thin. ”

Mei Xiaotong thought for a while: "There is really one thing to trouble you. We first came to the capital, and it was inconvenient to stay in an inn. I want to find a quieter yard, but I'm just new to it, and I don't know where to find one-"

Before he finished speaking, Li Jiushao hurriedly said: "What's so difficult about this? I have several courtyards under my name, and you can choose which one you want, and you can live in whichever one you like. ”

Before Mei Xiaotong could speak, Gu Zikai had already rushed to say: "I also have a courtyard under my name, which is in the hat alley next to Dongque Street, which is quiet and quiet, and it is close to Guozijian nearby, and there are many teahouses, which is also a good place for students to meet friends and discuss poetry." The people living in the alley are also scholarly and noble, which is the most suitable. I'll have someone clean it tomorrow, and you can just move in. ”

When Li Jiushao heard this, he was anxious: "What do you mean?" Just your yard, small and partial, where is it suitable for people to live? Where is my yard, spacious and comfortable. Besides, my yard is full of colors, even the girls are complete, I can move in today, and I don't have to worry about anything when I live in. ”

Gu Zikai glanced at him: "Your yard is good, what's the use of having more people?" Who knows whose eyeliner those people inside are? Your own yard is like a sieve, you lend it to Brother Song and they can live in peace, but I am afraid that a casual word during the day will reach the ears of the master behind them at night. If you really want to live in it, won't it hurt them? My yard is smaller, but it's clean

。 ”

Li Jiu Shao stiffened his neck: "What's the matter, isn't it just that Young Master Ben will drive those subordinates away-"

Mei Xiaotong and An Huahao were speechless when they saw the two of them arguing first.

"Don't fight, we won't want the yards of your two families. If you have other good yards to introduce, we gladly accept them, and if you want to borrow your yard for us, then forget it, and we will find it ourselves. Mei Xiaotong had to stand up and stop the way.

Li Jiushao and Gu Zikai suddenly didn't care about arguing about whose yard was good, so they looked at it together.

Li Jiu Shao sank his face first: "Don't you treat me as a friend?" What is our relationship? You have arrived in the capital, and you have to live outside, this is a slap in the face! Do I want to go out and mix after I go nine years old? ”

Gu Zikai also said: "Brother Song, why do you and I see each other like this? ”

It seems that An Huahao and Mei Xiaotong don't borrow their yard, and they are not happy.

Mei Xiaotong said with a straight face: "We are all friends, and I am not polite to you, but I really want to buy a yard to live in." We have received all your wishes, but there is no need to say anything more about borrowing the courtyard. I don't want to see you outside, if it's just me and Brother Song, it's just a few months to borrow it, but this time my mother and uncle also came, they are old, and they are embarrassed to live in other people's homes, and they always feel uncomfortable. ”

"As you know, I don't have a shortage of money to buy a yard now, so I naturally want my mother and uncle to live more comfortably. So if you really want to help us, just ask if there is a suitable yard to sell. ”

Li Jiushao and Gu Zikai looked at each other, knowing that Mei Xiaotong and An Huahao had made up their minds, so they had no choice but to nod and say, "That's okay, let's go back and ask." ”

After saying this, Gu Zikai pulled An Huahao aside to say something about the situation after the autumn season, and then asked An Huahao to take him out to meet friends another day.

An Huahao knew that Gu Zikai was helping him, and knew that he lacked connections in this regard, so he was expanding his connections, so he readily agreed.

Over there, Li Jiushao and Mei Xiaotong were talking about the rouge gouache shop.

In the last letter, it was said that Li Jiu Shao had already bought off the aunt who combed her hair next to Concubine De, and she would use the rouge gouache when she had the opportunity.

A few days ago, it happened to be the birthday of a concubine in the palace, this concubine had raised the present for a period of time, and now there is no queen mother in the palace, this concubine has a lot of face in front of today, and everyone is also very face-saving to this concubine, and the palace has a big banquet, which is very lively.

Every time the concubines in the palace have a banquet, they must compete for beauty, and they must make themselves the most eye-catching one, so as to attract the emperor's eyes and win some favor.

Especially those low-level concubines who are not very favored, the only opportunity to show their faces and make the emperor pay attention to themselves is this kind of banquet, during that time, the good rouge gouache outside the palace, as well as satin fabrics, and jewelry heads and faces are almost out of stock.

morality

The concubine is in her body, and her grace is constant, but the more she is so, the more careful she must be, and she can't be compared.

The aunt who was bought to comb her hair also took this opportunity to try the rouge gouache made by Mei Xiaotong to Concubine De, and the effect was really good, sweet, fragrant and beautiful, so that Concubine De couldn't put it down.

When I asked, I found out that this was actually made by the peasant girl who dyed the cloth for herself, and Concubine De was immediately interested.

Especially on the birthday of the concubine, the appearance of this new rouge gouache not only attracted the attention of the emperor, but also the grace was better than before.

It also aroused the jealousy and envy of the other concubines, and they came to inquire about which rouge gouache was used.

Concubine De called the combed aunt up and asked, knowing that it was sent in by the Li family, and she knew a little bit in her heart.

A few days later, Concubine De's sister-in-law entered the palace again and spoke for Li Jiushao.

The words are very good, saying that it is the peasant girl who dyes the cloth, very grateful for the kindness of Concubine De, and now worships the old doctor Du as a teacher, because she is a woman, she naturally loves to adjust fat and powder, but let her make this excellent rouge gouache.

This peasant girl remembered Concubine De's kindness, and had no other filial piety, so she offered this rouge gouache to Concubine De with confidence, this rouge gouache was all approved by her master Du Taiyi's final prescription, and it was also the last test of Du Taiyi.

The peasant girl was used by the Li family because of her dyeing of cloth, and now she has opened a rouge gouache shop, and the nine young people of the Li family have also participated in it.

Na Li Jiu Shao is also a smart person, and he is willing to take out a share to honor Concubine De.

When Concubine De heard it, although the sister-in-law's words were tactful and good, the meaning was all there, and she also understood.

Concubine De is a very decisive woman, but after thinking about it for a few days, she asked her confidant to come out with a message and agreed.

also asked the palace people to bring a message saying that the Li family was not allowed to embarrass Mei Xiaotong, and if there was any fresh color fabric or rouge gouache in the future, it would be sent to her palace first.

He also rewarded Mei Xiaotong with a few pieces of jewelry.

Now that Li Jiushao has taken care of the shop, it has also been renovated, just waiting for the goods brought by Mei Xiaotong to be put on the shelves when the time comes, and then it will be an auspicious day for the zodiac to open.

As he spoke, Li Jiushao took out the deed that had been written long ago from his arms, and Li Jiushao had already stamped his seal on it.

Mei Xiaotong came to the deed and looked at it carefully, it was written very clearly, and the responsibilities and interests were clearly divided, so she signed and signed it, one for each person.

And the dust settled.

Li Jiushao agreed with Mei Xiaotong again, go to the inn tomorrow and drag all the rouge gouache to the shop, so as not to put it in the inn, there are too many people, and it will not be good if something goes wrong. Everything was discussed, and then the people who were guarding the staircase outside were instructed to let the table come up.

Gu Zikai came just to know that An Huahao and they had arrived in the capital, and they came to see each other, and they were all done, although they were a little reluctant, they still had to maintain the illusion of being incompatible with Li Jiushao

, so I simply got up, flicked my sleeves, and went downstairs angrily.

Li Jiu Shao was fine, and he deliberately rushed to the door and shouted downstairs: "Hmph, how old are you?" Do you dare to meddle with your lord's affairs? Even if you know each other, if you don't leave, why don't you wait for your master to invite you to dinner? ”

At the same time, he shouted to the shopkeeper: "The shopkeeper, give the master what kind of monkey head steamed bear paws, abalone juice and sea cucumber for the master to make two portions each, and the master eats one and pours one portion——"

It's very arrogant.

Gu Zikai is really angry, Li Changnan has been with him for so many years, and he has always invited him to eat one meal and can't wait to return two meals.

Is this so generous? Also steamed bear's paws with monkey head, sea cucumber with abalone juice, and two servings, and not afraid of choking to death!

Glaring back at Li Jiushao: Boy, I'll clean you up in a few days.

Li Jiushao raised his eyebrows flamboyantly, with an expression of what you can't help me.

If you don't know the inside story, you really think that these two people are born incompatible, and they will rush when they see it.

The subordinates who followed Gu Zikai chased after Gu Zikai, and persuaded him repeatedly: "Young master, young master, don't be angry!" We adults don't care about villains, and the prime minister can hold the boat in his belly—"

While persuading, he followed Gu Zikai away with a smoke,

Here, Li Jiushao's subordinates looked at each other and smiled bitterly, yes, I have to be scolded again when I go back.

Li Jiu Shao pulled a wave of hatred before returning to the box triumphantly: "How about it, I act like Lao Gu, right?" Anyone can see that the two of us don't get along, right? ”

Mei Xiaotong rolled her eyes unceremoniously, big brother, are you acting like that? You're just performing in your true colors, okay?

I really want to wonder if the two really don't get along, but they are pretending to be so kind in front of her and An Huahao.

After all, the two looked at each other's unpleasant expressions, and they were so sincere.

The shopkeeper knocked on the door tremblingly: "Jiu Shao, do you still want the monkey head steamed bear paw and the abalone juice buckle sea cucumber?" Our shop is small, and there is this abalone and sea cucumber, but this bear's paw is a rarity, and there is really no small shop, you see-"

Nine young ......

※※※

To say, in the capital, it is really not good to have no connections.

Those good and suitable yards, those ordinary middle people really can't touch the edge.

Those who can know the news, An Huahao and they have just arrived, and they can't find such a Chinese person.

However, when Yang Zongbao was looking for it, he inquired about many people, and was willing to rent out the yard to the lifters who came to the capital to catch the exam, and the rent was also appropriate, so he hoped that the movers could teach their children by the way, which is better than those private school gentlemen, isn't it?

If you give a little more money, those people are willing to pay for three meals a day.

Basically, these people are dedicated to only reading the sages and sages, and their hands are not touched by the spring water, and before they can live in the inn, the in-house has invited the mother-in-law to help with the pulp laundry.

This rented the yard of ordinary people's houses, and paid dozens of dollars a month, and there was also a mother-in-law who specialized in pulp washing to come to the door to give it to the general

The clothes are cleaned and sent back.

Most of the people with ordinary family backgrounds, who live in the capital for a long time, or have relatives and friends in the capital, basically find such people to rent.

However, such people are basically ordinary people, and there are at most one or two spare rooms in the house, which is really not suitable for Mei Xiaotong and them.

On the contrary, those students in Jing County, with this way, slowly found a suitable family to rent, which saved a lot of expenses for a while.

Or Li Jiushao and Gu Zikai's side, after three or four days, people came to the door to say that there was news.

Yang Zongbao was originally anxious, but after hearing the news, he followed him to see it for a day and looked at three or four yards.

One is a large courtyard with three entrances, and a small garden, it is said that a certain official secretly arranged the house, intending to raise the outer room, but was taken to the old nest by the original wife, not only the outer room was beaten half to death, it is said that the big official was also beaten into a pig's head.

The original lady looked at the house and felt disgusting, and was going to sell the house, the newly renovated house yard, the furniture and everything were complete, except for the location was slightly off, there was no other harm, and the discount was three thousand taels of silver.

One is the house in the hat alley that Gu Zikai said, the small courtyard in the second entry, not big or small, it has been broken for some years. is a Beijing official, and finally managed to be released, and the whole family had to follow, and he was compact in hand, so he wanted to sell the house. He bit it and said that it would cost two thousand eight hundred taels of silver.

There are two other places, one is also a two-entry yard, the house or something is good, but I heard that the former owner of the yard is also a lifter, and the spring is not on the list, and I can't think about it for a while, so I went home and drank myself to death.

What's even more evil is that this courtyard, after some people took a fancy to this courtyard and moved in, everything did not go well, especially when they participated in the Spring Festival, and none of them who lived in this courtyard could pass the exam.

Some people say that this is the one who didn't get the lift and drank to death, and he was unwilling, he couldn't win, and he didn't let others get lifted.

Over the years, this house has become more and more uninhabitable, and gradually it has become empty and cannot be sold.

Seeing that a good yard was about to be smashed in his own hands, now the owner was also anxious, as if he hurriedly got rid of this yard and disposed of it.

Therefore, the price is also low, and it will be sold for two thousand taels.

So big two into the yard, the furniture or everything in it is still a good thing, that is, it is not lived all the year round, the roof is a little leaky, the roof is repaired, the wall is painted, the weeds in the yard are removed, and then cleaned up and can live in.

There is another place, but a small village outside the city, the village is not big, the area is not wide, because next to the mountains and forests, the land is barren, can only plant some fruit trees, the fruit is also sour and bitter.

So this village is cheap, but only a thousand taels, with a low hill and a hundred acres of fruit groves.

Yang Zongbao looked everywhere and came back to make peace with Mrs. Li and An Huahao

Mei Xiaotong said carefully.

For a while, everyone was a little undecided, they didn't worry about the same choice before, but now they have more choices, or they are worried.

On the second day, the four of them hired a carriage and first looked at the three houses in the city, An Huahao felt that the courtyard of the three entrances was good, spacious and had a garden, Xiaotong and his mother-in-law were idle, and they could still walk around the garden.

Mrs. Li first felt that the yard was too expensive, and it cost three thousand taels! Second, the courtyard has a bad reputation, and it is a place for people to keep an outer room.

She thought about it a little more, wasn't An Huahao's mother-in-law also raised by Song Hong as an outer room at the beginning? If this yard is bought, people will talk about it in the future, but they are afraid that it will hinder An Huahao, so they insist on disagreeing. The yard that costs 2,800 taels is not big, the front and back yards are too cramped, and the price is so expensive.

The house of two thousand taels, but the location is good, the two into the yard is also good, but I heard that there are some evil doors, as long as you live in, there is no one who can enter the jinshi, this omen is not good.

Mrs. Li has some taboos in her heart.

It's Mei Xiaotong, but she thinks that the house is a little evil, the price is right, and you can move in with a little repair.

As for the so-called unclean, bad signs, it is not a matter for her.

An Huahao guessed Mrs. Li's concerns from Mrs. Li's insistence on buying the three-entry courtyard, and he couldn't help but feel hot in his heart.

With his understanding of Mei Xiaotong, he naturally knew that she must be optimistic about the courtyard that is said to be an evil sect, and as far as he is concerned, he also thinks that the courtyard is in a good location, quiet, and the price is so suitable, there is really nothing bad about it.

(End of chapter)