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The rooster crows in the sky, and the busy day begins again.

Turn another page over the old yellow calendar hanging on the wall. Zhang Facai squinted for a long time, "It's June, right?" ”

Zhang Xiaodie leaned forward to take a look, "Isn't it?" Dad, you know a few numbers now! ”

Zhang Facai smiled, "Aren't I also close to ink, and my belly is also dark?" ”

Everyone laughed, and Zhao Chengcai asked, "Father-in-law, are you okay when you came back last night?" I'm asleep! ”

"Very good!" Zhang Facai said perfunctorily, "But everyone should be careful when they go out these times, don't wander outside at night, and come back early if you have nothing to do!" ”

When did he get worried? Zhang Qingting was a little puzzled.

Zhang Luo listened to the Juneteenth month, but thought of something, "The sixth day of the new year is the girl's birthday!" Nineteen. ”

Belch? Zhang Qingting was stunned, that Zhang Dragonfly's birthday was also on the sixth day of the sixth month of June? It's a coincidence, isn't it?

But the big guys were all excited when they heard it, and they talked nonsense, "Then let's celebrate the eldest sister's birthday!" That's it, no one in our family has celebrated a birthday for so many years, and I almost forgot when I was born. ”

Zhang Qingting smiled at his younger siblings, "Then if you want to celebrate my birthday, I don't have the money to pay it!" One or two of you have to give me birthday greetings. Do you want to go over it? ”

"Over!" Zhao Chengcai clapped, "Don't worry, I don't want you to pay a penny, and everyone don't break the bank, or make a dish, or embroider a handkerchief, but do your best, I will pay for a table of banquets, how about our family be lively?" ”

The whole family cheered in favor.

Zhang Qingting covered his mouth and smiled, "It turned out that it wasn't for my birthday, it was the big guy who wanted to find a reason to have fun!" Okay, if I want to accept your gifts, I won't add a few taels of silver to gag your mouths, so what's the deal? You only have to order food, and you need two jars of wine! ”

Everyone was even happier, had a heated discussion, and went to work.

Before getting into the car, Zhang Facai hugged the family dog and asked it to follow, "Take it to the ranch and go around, so as not to be naughty and annoying at home!" ”

Zhao Chengcai specially instructed Zhang Qingting, "You must be extra careful in the racecourse, you can't prepare that scum to poison or something, don't let him come and spoil our things again!" Looking at the dog for a while, he remembered, "There are still fewer people there, you go and ask, can you raise a few dogs, the caretaker is more awake than people!" ”

Zhang Qingting nodded yes and took his younger siblings over. Mingzhu above heard that Zhang Qingting was going to celebrate his birthday, and also said that he wanted to join in the fun, and asked Zhang Qingting what he wanted.

Zhang Qingting smiled, "If you can hold up the racecourse for a day, let me take a day off and don't bother me with anything!" ”

Fang Mingzhu didn't dare to agree, and thought for a long time, "No, let grandpa come and sit with me, you can rest for a day!" ”

Zhang Xiaodie said, "Then big sister, you can rest for a day!" There are so many of us in the racecourse, it doesn't matter if you want to come and last a day. ”

Zhang Qingting really moved her mind when she heard this, she was so busy every day these days, and she did feel very tired, if she was given a day of leisure, she didn't have to do anything, and lived a day quietly, then it would be regarded as stealing a day of leisure.

When he arrived at the racecourse, Fang Mingzhu was quick to speak, and told Yan Bo that she was going to celebrate her birthday, and he couldn't help but have a heart in his heart, thinking about what kind of gift he wanted to give Zhang Qingting.

Because he was afraid that people would be panicked, Zhang Qingting had explained the trouble of the Xue family. Not a word is allowed. After finishing her business, she asked about the dog.

Yan Bo said, "This is the same as a horse, it must be planted well, and it must be tamed to top the matter!" There is a kind of mastiff in the Western Regions, with pure black fur and a body as big as a calf, it is loyal and fierce, even wolves are afraid, but unfortunately we don't have it here, only the big families in the capital have it. ”

That Zhang Qingting had also heard that there were breeding in the royal court of Nankangguo.

One of the hired men suddenly remembered, "We have the kind of dog you are talking about!" In the temple at the other end of our village, a traveling lama brought one with him, and not long after the lama came to us, he fell ill and died of smallpox. The dog was really loyal, guarding his master's grave, and he refused to leave half a step after he was old. Only that dog can eat meat has a temper and is lonely, no one dares to raise it, and I don't know where it catches some voles and rabbits to eat, but it is pitiful! ”

Yan Bo's eyes lit up when he heard this, "Then you take me quickly, let's take it, and match it with a pair, and give birth to a litter of puppies, although it is not as pure as a pure one, but it is much stronger than ordinary hunting dogs!" ”

Zhang Qingting let them ride a horse, and then interrogated Zhang Jinbao privately. "You sent Li Xiucai back last night, did you encounter something? Don't hide it from me! ”

Zhang Jinbao saw that there was no one around, so he said in a low voice, "It's my father who is not allowed to say it, for fear of scaring you!" Not long after I went out last night, I felt that someone was following us behind, but fortunately it was our big carriage, so we didn't catch up. When I came back, it was the middle of the night, and there were still figures shaking outside our alley. If you can't prepare it, what the hell do the people of the Xue family want to do! Dad asked me to follow you carefully these days, and there was a wooden stick hidden in the car, and I asked Xiaobai to take it, and it can always scream a few times when it comes, and it's good to scare and scare people. ”

Zhang Qingting nodded, "Then these days, we really have to be careful when we go in and out, you would rather drive slower than run fast, in case someone rushes out of somewhere?" It is not always possible to find us, and it is better to be careful in everything. I just don't know your brother-in-law's side, it's not fair! ”

Her brow furrowed and she was worried. This concern is not unfounded. Zaran Academy is really.

Today, Zhao Chengcai came to the academy, as usual, ushered in his life, and Li Hong was no different when he came, but the strange thing is that several husbands who should be in class in the hall are nowhere to be seen, and the sedan chair drivers who sent people to pick them up came back, without exception, they all returned, "My husband is sick and has to take a few days off." ”

It is understandable that this person is sick, and it is not right that so many people are sick at the same time.

"Hong. What do you think is going on? Zhao Chengcai thought of himself first, "Is it my family's business, which has affected everyone?" ”

Li Hong's face was embarrassed, "I'm afraid that I have encountered the same situation as my family." ”

What's the situation?

Li Hong sighed, "Early this morning, for some reason, I threw a dead cat at the door of my house, and disemboweled, which was very miserable!" ”

Zhao Chengcai was so angry that his fists rattled in his sleeves, and he spoke out after a while, "This hall is the hard work and hope of the whole villager, and it can't be ruined because of my family's personal grudges!" I'll take a lot of effort here, and I'll go to the yamen to ask for my resignation! ”

He turned around and took the seal letter sent by Lord Lou at that time, and went straight to the county office.

When Meng Zhan saw him coming, he smiled and quipped, "Yo! Dean Zhao came just in time, and the official is trying to find you! I want to find a part-time errand with you and take a few classes, do you want to do it? The official didn't dare to brag about himself, but in addition to the embroidery needle and thread, the rest of the classics and classics, piano, chess, calligraphy and painting still knew a little bit about it, and he would never mislead people. ”

Zhao Chengcai's face was surprised, "Your Excellency already knows?" ”

Meng Zhan was very disdainful, "It's just a few dead cats, what is it?" I don't think you paid attention to it, did you? This academy has just been established, and I still need you to work hard, but don't be discouraged for some small blows! I have already asked the official to invite a few husbands, and it just so happens that the official is free today, so he will go to the church to see the children in class, which is also to observe the people's feelings! ”

He confessed again, "But don't make a noise about this matter, there is no evidence, the academy is also a quiet place, and it is not appropriate to disturb people's hearts for no reason, and it is not appropriate for children not to dare to ask." Several husbands and officials will send people to inspect from time to time, so let's have a meeting together in the afternoon to discuss, if there are any concerns, just raise them. The official did his best, and that's it. ”

"Your Excellency is very thoughtful!" Zhao Chengcai bowed and saluted, and his heart was full of confidence again. The surname Xue, let's!

On the same day, the current county official personally sat in the Zhalan Academy to guide the teaching. In the end, he also took the initiative to invite Ying, served as a pianist, and made an appointment to teach the children.

Because it was the beginning of the month, at noon, the latest red list of monthly examinations was posted on the door of the college. The top 50 students were all presented by the county officials in public, and this time the first place was finally taken away by Wei Jinhua, the daughter of the Wei steward, and the little girl was very proud.

The two small of the Zhang family, ingots were squeezed to the first, but Yinbao made a lot of progress, just tenth. After Zhang Facai praised him, he was also a little dissatisfied, "Why can't you two compete for the first place?" Look at that little girl, how angry she is for her parents! ”

Zhang Qingting didn't see the excitement at noon, but she could imagine it, "It's already good, it's right to spur them to improve, but don't put a lot of pressure on them." Oh, isn't the steward of the guard unwillingly dead? ”

"What else do you need to say?" Zhang Facai faced, "I'm so happy that I can't close my mouth!" At that time, I took my daughter to the silk village behind us to make a new dress, and said that I wanted to give a gift to their teacher, but your son-in-law stopped me. Say what, this wind can't be long, teaching is their duty, and they don't want to be rewarded by their parents. I really want to thank you, and when you are calm in the future, you can donate some money to the college. ”

Zhang Qingting nodded, "This is very appropriate, if there are some poor brothers, who are unable to thank the teacher at home, won't it make people feel embarrassed?" That's good! ”

She also talked about the fact that the horse farm got a Western Regions mastiff today, but it happened to be a male, and she wanted to find a good female dog to match, so that everyone could pay attention.

Zhao Chengcai said, "It's easiest to hand over this matter to your mother, and Ming'er will give you one!" It just so happened that when she came home in the morning, I didn't have time to talk, and in the afternoon, I accompanied Master Meng to talk to the husbands. Fang Cai Yulan also said that my mother let me have time to go back, she heard what happened yesterday, she was very angry, and planned to come over to live with Yulian and Wang'er in the evening when her aunt was not here. ”

Zhang Qingting knew what he was worried about, "Then you can go over quickly after eating!" There are enough people in Yulian, she really wants to come, just come during the day! ”

Zhao Chengcai had a meal, and Zhang Jinbao accompanied him to the house.

Zhang Qingting looked at the backs of the two of them, and planned in his heart, when he had more money, he should set up a small house at home. It's like carrying water and chopping wood, going out to follow, at this time, it is more convenient for a boy than a girl. Zhao Chengcai will have to go to the county to beg in the near future, if there is no scholar to take care of him, it is really not like words. In case there is a headache and brain fever, there is no one to serve tea and pour water, and send messages and serve. She had already made up her mind that she still had to ask the last woman to bring a few little girls to come again.

For a while, Xiaoqing, the girl of the Fang family, came to invite her to talk, and it turned out that Fang Dehai also had this intention, "Now that Ali is not at home, we are old and weak soldiers, it is really inconvenient to have something, I plan to buy another small house, and give one to your family, just as your birthday gift!" If your family is inconvenient to live in, you can let the little one live with our family and be each other's companions, what do you think? ”

Zhang Qingting thanked him, and when he saw that Mingzhu was still copying books under the lamp, he praised it very much.

Fang Dehai said with a smile, "That's because you taught well, but now you are much more well-behaved, and you are gradually becoming an adult." On the sixth day, you can rest assured, you will definitely not let you at all, you can rest at home for a day. Mingzhu wanted me to go to the racecourse, but I didn't agree, and I still have to take care of the affairs of this room. But in one day's work, let her write her own master! ”

Zhang Qingting nodded, "Actually, she will deal with the general things on the horse farm, even if she is not so skilled, she can't make a big mistake if she thinks about it more." ”

The two of them talked about the matter of going back to the racecourse alley.

Zhao Chengcai went home, and Zhao Wang was packing his luggage to go to Zhao Yulian, but he hurriedly stopped him and let him enter the house to talk. Zhang Jinbao said hello to the second elder of the Zhao family, and then went to the East Chamber to talk to Zhao Chengdong and ask him about the He family racecourse. Liu put down his daughter and poured tea and water very diligently.

Send it to Zhao Chengcai first, and when she put it down, he only said politely, "There's nothing to say hello, you can go and get busy!" ”

Liu was slightly disappointed, and when he went to Zhao Chengdong's side again, he was very enthusiastic, "Thank you, Sister-in-law Liu!" Jinbao, try it, Sister-in-law Liu's craftsmanship is good, and the tea she cooks is delicious! ”

Liu smiled and twisted his waist and retreated. Zhao Chengdong looked at her and went out, and asked, "Peugeot not?" ”

Yes? Zhang Jinbao lowered his head and only cared about eating, not paying attention at all.

Zhao Chengcai sighed, "I'm the one, playing the piano to the cow!" ”

Zhang Jinbao teased, "Do you know how to play the piano?" If I am a cow, you are a horse, don't talk about the eldest brother, the second brother, the face is almost numb! ”

Liu went back to the house, but a pair of wonderful eyes couldn't stop peeking into the main house, not knowing what to say inside.

Zhao Chengcai and his father and mother talked about yesterday's events again, explained them clearly, and asked the two elders to be careful when they enter and exit, and guard the door, "Always be careful to sail the ship for ten thousand years, don't panic when you encounter something wrong, deal with it carefully, come back and tell us that we know that we would rather suffer a loss than argue with the living!" ”

Zhao Laoshi nodded again and again, "me, did you hear that?" Your temper is really a little restrained. ”

Zhao Wang was very angry, "The Wang Balamb surnamed Xue, the old lady didn't see him, if she saw him, she would bring a knife to fight for him!" Even if I cost him his life, I'd earn decades more! ”

"Look, that's annoying!" Zhao Chengcai shook his head, "How did you earn it?" Like that kind of person's life, if we have to exchange our lives for it, it is not worth it! Don't think so, we don't know how good our family is, why make him sad and ruined? I'll leave this matter to me, and sooner or later there will be an umpire! ”

He changed the topic and talked about Zhang Qingting's horse farm asking for a good, Zhao Wangshi pouted, "Isn't your daughter-in-law the most capable?" Why can't you even handle such a trivial matter? ”

Zhao Chengcai knew that her mother just wanted to get a few words of praise, if he had been disdainful of it in the past, but now others have to be much more modest, and said impartially, "My mother has the ability!" But no matter how capable a person is, he can do everything, so if he can do anything, he won't be a thousand-armed Guanyin? ”

Zhao Wang's family was amused, and Zhao Chengcai persuaded him, "Such a big horse farm, although they are all helping in Chengdong, but there are always some places that she can't take care of, mother, you often taught us when you were a child, the family should be in the same boat, this little thing is not easy for her, is it not easy for you?" Where are you not familiar with these ten miles and eight towns? If you don't make a move, do you want us to ask all over the street? No, you've lost your reputation! People still have to ask, what about your mother? ”

"I didn't say no! That's it, Ming'er will do it for you! Zhao Wang's mouth puffed up, and there was a light on his face, "Okay, let's not talk more, let's go to your sister's place!" ”

Zhao Chengcai didn't move, "Mother, what are you anxious about, I haven't finished my words yet!" Yulian has enough guys there, so it's nice to have Fluttershy with her, so you don't have to toss around. ”

"Why?" Zhao Wang was puzzled, "Isn't that girl also working in the racecourse?" I'll save her some effort when I go! ”

Zhao Chengcai pointed out the door, "That home?" ”

"With your father and brother? Can't the two of them still look down on one family? "Zhao Wang didn't understand.

Zhao Chengcai had no choice but to speak, "But there is one more person!" You don't want to think about what the neighbors should say when you leave, leaving the two of them at home, and still guarding such a young sister-in-law? ”

Zhao Wang really didn't think about this question, "Then isn't she a widow?" Can't you even trust your father and brother? ”

"What's that called?" Zhao Laoshi's old face couldn't help but blush, "Didn't Chengcai say that he was afraid that outsiders would not look good?" In fact, I also think that there are such a person in the family, which is weird and awkward! ”

Zhao Chengcai said, "Isn't that what you say?" Our own family must have nothing to say, but since you have brought such a person back, you must pay attention to the opinions of outsiders. If you're at home, you don't have anything to say, but if you're not at home, what do people think? Besides, now that Chengdong is back and living at home together, I think it's not good. Speaking seriously, she is not someone in our family, whether she is close or not, whether she is a servant or not, how awkward? After a long time, there are always some times when you can't avoid suspicion, if no one sees it, it's okay, if you see a little bit for someone who cares, I don't know how to chew the root of your tongue outside! It's all the face of the family, and according to me, it's better to send her away in a different way! ”

Zhao Laoshi nodded again and again, "What Chengcai said is mile, that little daughter-in-law is at home, if you go out again, it's really bad!" ”

Zhao Wang's heart was a little reluctant to do this free labor, "That sister-in-law Liu can do things, she can still do cooking and laundry, and she can embroider a few insoles in her spare time, but it really helped me a lot!" ”

Zhao Chengcai said, "You really want someone to serve you, that is, in the past two years, it is okay to add a girl to you, why do you have to fight for this time?" Oh, by the way, the Hutong room is almost rented, and the mother said to give you two taels of silver to rebuild these rooms. But it's time for her to use the money, so she's tight! Our house is not broken, and before it reached the point where there were no people to live in, I only took fifty taels first. I also agreed with the steward of the guard, and asked him to send a few craftsmen to repair the house for you in a few days. This tile, fire kang and so on are all mended, and the interior and exterior walls are repainted, and then replaced with new window paper and a new paint. All these broken tables and chairs at home have been thrown away and replaced with brand new! By the way, let's build you a new washroom like ours, and that washing will be convenient! It's clean and tasteless! ”

Zhao Wang's heart was overjoyed when he heard this, but he said, "I look at your Gong Bucket, it's weird!" ”

Zhao Chengcai said with a smile, "It's been a long time, you can get used to it, it's much better than that stinky pit!" The thatched house at the back of the house was sealed early, and as soon as the day got hot, the smell made people uncomfortable to death! ”

Zhao Wang's family didn't follow, "Where does the fertilizer come from for watering the ground and vegetables?" Don't delay your love for some enjoyment! ”

Zhao Chengcai had already thought about it, "This is easy!" A little further away, just build a thatched house next to the ground on the side! Every day, just send it once in the morning, anyway, there are donkeys, and you don't need to take it yourself. ”

Zhao Laoshi was also really happy, "Then you still use donkeys?" I'll pick a trip in the morning, I see that you are all in the house, there is no smell at all, and it is convenient to get up at night, but it is much better than the night pot! ”

Zhao Wangshi was very satisfied, but said, "If that's the case, I would like to build a hut next to the firewood house at the back of our house, and there is no donkey now?" In the future, you can make a big grinding plate at home, grind wheat and grind beans, and then you can make some tofu and burn some bean juice to drink! ”

Zhao Chengcai listened to it funny, "That fried bean dregs with shallots is also delicious!" It's so much that my mouth is watering! It's hard work to just get that, so let's do it empty! ”

Zhao Wang smiled, "You kid, remember!" Don't worry, we don't make a living by doing that, we can't be tired! ”

Zhao Chengcai asked her again what her requirements for the new home, wrote them down one by one, and folded them into her sleeves at the end, "Take it back and let my mother and the health steward help you refer to the details, and also design it, and when the year comes, you will also have a new look here!" ”

Zhao Wang said happily and wanted to leave him to sit for a while, but Zhao Chengcai said, "There are still classes for their adults in the evening hall!" Just let Jinbao and Chengdong come with me, don't delay. By the way, the sixth day is my mother's birthday, let's be lively at home, you have nothing to do in the afternoon, come over early. ”

Zhao Wang's mouth agreed, but he frowned, what is the birthday of that ghost girl? Should you want her to give a gift and toss her to make a fool of herself? "Shall we bring something with us?"

Zhao Chengcai smiled, "No need! You're an elder, but just come and join in the fun. Instead, I asked Chengdong to prepare something, it doesn't cost money, even if it is a word, it is a mind. ”

Zhao Wang thought about it, but decided to express it. Since this daughter-in-law has been so generous to renovate her house, she has to mean anything.

Zhao Chengcai turned around and admonished again, "Don't show your appearance in front of the Liu family, lest she have another pimple and have an accident!" I have to go to the county after my mother's birthday, and when I come back, I'll get some money and send her away! It's okay lately, don't let her go to our side, she went just Yulan chatting, it's better to stay at home and support her to do something! ”

Zhao Wangshi finally agreed, "If you want to repair the house, you just have an excuse to keep her at home." It's up to you then! ”

(P.S. Hongguoguo's hope that this bad cold weather will end soon!) The fingers were so stiff that they couldn't even write. Ladies and gentlemen, take care of yourself! ）