The imperial concubine took the small plate in the hands of the fourth prince with a smile and said, "Little four, the mother concubine will bring it to your eldest sister." ”

The fourth prince put a finger in his mouth, and watched with some greed as the imperial concubine handed the small plate containing pumpkin glutinous rice balls to the palace maid Hongdan.

Seeing this, Hongdan pursed his lips and smiled, took a spoon and took out a pumpkin glutinous rice ball from the small plate, put it in the small bowl of the four princes, and said, "The eldest princess can't eat so much, the four princes can keep one."

The four princes cheered, looked at the imperial concubine, and asked, "Mother, can I eat a pumpkin glutinous rice ball?" ”

These sweet and greasy things are not good for the teeth, spleen and stomach, and the imperial concubine usually does not allow the four princes to eat more, so the four princes secretly hide these sweets they like. - In fact, he himself thought that no one else knew, and the people in the imperial concubine's palace deliberately opened their eyes and closed their eyes.

The imperial concubine gently twisted the chubby little face of the fourth prince, and said lovingly: "You know how to eat ......."

The fourth prince took a small bowl and entered the warm pavilion, and ate it in small bites, looking happy and satisfied.

The imperial concubine saw the appearance of the four princes outside, was stunned for a while, turned her head and asked Hongdan: "Is the imperial doctor here?" ”

Hongdan curtsied and replied, "Wait outside." ”

The imperial concubine took the palace maid out and led the imperial doctor to Rui Yizhai where Princess Hexi lived.

Ruiyizhai is a palace next to Fengxiang Palace, the queen's bedroom, and has always been the princess's bedroom.

When she came to Rui Yi Zhai, the imperial concubine directly took the imperial doctor into the inner palace room of Princess Hexi.

Princess Hehee has removed shoes and socks... I changed into a loose linen bedgown, half leaning on the head of the bed, and my face became more and more red and bright.

Emperor Hongxuan saw that the imperial concubine was coming with the imperial doctor, so he got up and stood aside.

The imperial concubine and the imperial doctor hurriedly saluted Emperor Hongxuan, and greeted Princess Hexi again.

Princess Hexi struggled to get up from the bed and salute the imperial concubine.

The imperial concubine hurriedly walked over in three steps and two steps, held her down, did not let her get up, and said angrily: "I'm sick and poor... Doesn't it worry your father? ”

Princess Hexi peeked at Emperor Hongxuan... Seeing that he nodded slightly, with a smile on the corner of his mouth, he looked over to himself.

Princess Hexi suddenly blushed a little, and muttered to the imperial concubine: "Mother Zhou, I'm sorry ......" Fortunately, she was feverish, and her face was already red enough.

The imperial concubine smiled and got up to ask the imperial doctor to come and check the pulse.

The imperial doctor took out a small cotton pillow for pulse diagnosis and placed it under Princess Hexi's wrist... Put up three fingers and concentrate on the pulse.

The third prince came back from the outer palace city, and when he heard that his sister was sick, he hurriedly ran from his palace to Ruiyizhai.

Emperor Hongxuan saw the third prince running in recklessly, frowned, and asked, "You have to move out for another year, and you don't know the severity of this, you should really let your eldest brother discipline you well." ”

The third prince lowered his head and muttered his mistake, looking depressed.

The imperial concubine smiled and stood aside to watch the imperial doctor's pulse... It seems that I didn't see the meeting between Emperor Hongxuan and the father and son of the three princes here.

After the imperial doctor finished diagnosing the pulse, he put the small cotton pillow back into the medicine box, got up and saluted Emperor Hongxuan: "Princess Hexi just occasionally felt cold, took two pieces of medicine, and covered her hair and sweated." "Speaking... The imperial doctor took out a few more pills from the medicine box and handed them to Princess Hexi's maid... Said: "Don't decoction medicine, eat this pill... Drink more hot water and get some sleep... Ming'er will come again to ask for a pulse. ”

Emperor Hongxuan waved his hand and asked the imperial doctor to retreat.

Princess Hexi had a bitter face, pinched her nose and took a pill.

The imperial concubine hurriedly asked the palace maid to bring the pumpkin glutinous rice balls over, and said to Princess Hexi: "This is what your little fourth brother asked the palace to bring to you." said that after eating the bitter medicine, eat some pumpkin glutinous rice balls, and your mouth will feel better. ”

Princess Hexi and the third prince were stunned when they heard the words of the imperial concubine. Everyone in the palace knows that the four princes' favorite sweets are pumpkin glutinous rice balls, but the imperial concubine is strict and does not let him eat more, so as long as there is a chance, the fat four princes will be like a little hamster, hiding the pumpkin glutinous rice balls that he finally obtained. Like a baby, don't take it out to see people when you're free.

But for the sake of Princess Hexi, he actually took the initiative to take out the baby sweets that he had "hidden".

"Don't be Mother Zhou forcing the fourth brother to take it out." The third prince remembered that the fourth prince was both aggrieved and stubborn in front of the imperial concubine, and he already laughed evilly.

The imperial concubine smiled and said, "Don't dare to talk nonsense in front of Your Majesty." It was indeed taken out by your little fourth brother himself. If you don't believe him, you can ask him for yourself. ”

Princess Hexi and the third prince just believed it, and the two looked at each other, both of them looked a little ashamed.

Emperor Hongxuan saw the faces of these two children, was silent, and said to the third prince: "Don't quarrel with your sister, just go back if you talk." He also said to the imperial concubine: "I will go to the Heart Cultivation Palace to approve the folds, and if there is something to do, I will send someone to the Heart Cultivation Palace to spread the word." ”

The imperial concubine responded with a smile, and explained a few words to the palace maids who served Princess Hexi, and then said to Princess Hexi: "Princess, rest, don't be too tired." It's almost the New Year, there are many people, if there is any neglect, please be considerate of Princess Hexi and the third prince. ”

Princess Hexi and the third prince breathed a sigh of relief, and said in unison: "Congratulations to Concubine Zhou." ”

The imperial concubine nodded, and took her palace maid to leave Princess Hexi's Rui Yizhai and went back to her Fengxu Palace.

When the imperial concubine left, the third prince quietly asked Princess Hexi, "Why is you sick?" Restless sleeping at night? "I thought that Princess Hexi kicked the quilt when she was sleeping at night" Your palace maid is also too careless, how do you stay at night? "I'm going to call Princess Hexi's palace maid to come over and question.

Princess Hexi hurriedly stopped the three princes, and also whispered: "Don't blame them." It's my own fault that I thought about my mother last night, and I was sleepy and slept late, so I caught the cold.

The third prince didn't care, thought about it, and said to Princess Hexi: "Originally, the second brother was worried that we would have something to do in the inner palace, so let's be careful of Mother Zhou."

But now it seems that Mother Zhou is a little respectful of us... Thinking about it, she is also to avoid suspicion, worried that something will happen to us, and she will not be able to explain it to her father. "I was worried that the imperial concubine would take the opportunity to rectify them.

Princess Hexi lowered her eyes and thought for a while, and said, "I think that Concubine Zhou and her eldest aunt are not the same person......"

The third prince nodded knowingly, remembered Chu Qianyi and Chu Qianqian, and said to Princess Hexi: "When you get better, you can often announce Qianqian to come in as your companion." These two siblings have been very domineering in the Marquis of Ningyuan's mansion recently, and they often call her 'Aunt Fen',... I don't even care about face. I'm worried that they've fallen for someone else's trick... In the end, you will suffer from it. ”

Princess Hexi didn't understand, so she asked the third prince: "What's the plan?" ”

"In the book told by Taifu Pei, there is a story called 'Zheng Boke Duan Yuyan" The third prince told this story to Princess Hexi, which said that Uncle Zheng deliberately tolerated him in order to clean up his younger brother Uncle Duan, and in the end, Uncle Duan made a big mistake, and Uncle Zheng justifiably raised troops to kill him.

He Xigong pondered for a while before he figured it out... Asked the third prince: "Are you saying that someone deliberately tolerated and indulged Yi'er and Humility, let them make more and more mistakes, and finally clean them up?" ”

The third prince smiled with satisfaction, patted Princess Hexi's head, and said, "The son can be taught." ”

Princess Hexi frowned, but felt sleepy, thinking that the medicine had taken effect, her mouth became more and more entangled, while listening to the third prince's words... One side has fallen asleep.

The third prince stopped talking, Zhongshou went out to help Princess Hexi cover the quilt, and called someone to come over and wait in front of the bed, before he lightly left Princess Hexi's Rui Yizhai and went back to his palace.

The palace is busy with the New Year... The mansions in the capital are just as busy.

In the mansion of the Marquis of Ningyuan, the Marquis of Ningyuan, Chuhua, looked at the New Year's goods and account books sent from various shops and Zhuangzi in the study of the outer courtyard... was a little worried, and asked Qin Lisheng, the chief steward of the outer courtyard, in the account book: "What did you do as a chief steward?" - So many shops and Zhuangzi... Only handed over so much silver and New Year's goods, really don't let the New Year. ”

Qin Lisheng laughed with him... said: "Master Hou, these shops and Zhuangzi were all ordered by Master Hou a while ago to let Mrs. take over the cooking. The little ones have been busy with Hou Ye's private property recently.................."

Chu Hua turned his anger into joy, retreated left and right, and asked Qin Lisheng to take out the account books of private property, Qin Lisheng smiled and handed over two more books.

Chu Hua saw the numbers above, nodded with satisfaction, and said to Qin Lisheng: "Now that the Hou Mansion has been separated, why don't you merge these industries into the Hou Mansion's industry?" ”

Of course, Qin Lisheng disagreed, and reasoned with Chu Hua: ".................. Now that Madame's affairs are complicated, the business in her hand has been sluggish. Hou Ye should take it easy, don't put all your eggs in one basket. He also reminded Chu Huajin that there were still two children of the old marquis's outer room outside, and sooner or later they would also enter the mansion.

Chu Hua remembered that he had sent someone back to his ancestral home to ask questions before, and the old patriarch's indisputable attitude had a headache, and he complained about the old marquis: "We are working hard in the capital, he is good, raising a small one outside, and bringing two small wild cubs outside......"

Qin Lisheng didn't dare to talk, and stood aside with his waist bowed and laughed.

Chu Hua complained for a long time before closing the account book, throwing it into Qin Lisheng's arms, and then pointing to the account book of the Hou Mansion property on the table, and said, "You put them all away, you take them first." After I tell my wife, I will leave it to Mr. Shan to take care of. ”

Qin Lisheng responded, holding a stack of account books and retreating.

At this time, Pei Shufen was also on the board of directors of the inner court, and said to Tong Yue: "Go and call the Great Steward of Qin over, and I will personally be your matchmaker." When you celebrate the New Year, you will become the lady of the Qin family. ”

Tong Yue's face turned red, and she said, "Madam, our house still guards the queen's filial piety...... "It will be eight months before you get married."

Pei Shufen knew that she was speechless, and hurriedly covered up: "I mean engagement, get engaged first." ”

Tong Yue smiled, went out to find a mother-in-law, and went to the outer courtyard to pass on the chief steward Qin Lisheng to come in.

Qin Lisheng had been waiting for this day for a long time, and when he saw that the woman was coming, he followed in with a smile.

Coming to the upper room of Zhonglan Courtyard, Qin Lisheng saluted his wife Pei Shufen, stood aside with his hands down, and asked, "Mrs. Chuanxiao came in, but there is something?" ”

Pei Shufen smiled with a spring breeze on her face: "Of course there is something, or is it a good thing." As he spoke, he called Kiritsu over.

Kiritsu is shy and hides in the ear room and does not come out.

Pei Shufen said to Qin Lisheng: "Tongyue has followed me since I was a child, and she became a dowry maid and married me to the Marquis of Ningyuan's mansion with me, and her relationship with me is really unusual. In order to pick a family affair for her... It took a lot of effort for me to choose a good marriage for her. ”

Qin Lisheng hurriedly arched his hand and said, "Then I want to congratulate Miss Tongyue, congratulations to Miss Tongyue." ”

Pei Shufen covered her sleeves and smiled: "She likes it too, you like it too, everyone likes it!" ”

Qin Lisheng made a look of surprise and asked Pei Shufen: "How can Madame know that I am married?!" ”

“………… I'm the big media who have made it. Look at you and her, aren't you a match made in heaven? "What did you just say?" Pei Shufen continued to talk to herself, and suddenly felt that something was wrong, and hurriedly asked Qin Lisheng.

Qin Lisheng made another move... smiled and said, "Madam Mingjian." The little one just looked for a family business outside... I have changed the Geng sticker, and I have passed the big gift. Just wait for the filial piety period to pass, and get married. ”

Tong Yue, who was hiding in the ear room next to him and had been listening to the movement in the room with his ears pricked up, immediately turned white: Qin Lisheng clearly said last time that he was not married yet! - Dare him to play with her!

Pei Shufen also looked angry and asked Qin Lisheng: "You are a slave of the Marquis of Ningyuan's mansion, how can you marry on your own?!" ”

Qin Lisheng took out a note from his sleeve pocket and presented it to Pei Shufen: "Madam... When Mrs. Xian was alive, the little one begged Mrs. Xian to help the little one choose a wife's room. As a result, the sisters and sisters in the house all had families, and it was difficult for a few of us to find a marriage match in the house, so Mrs. Xian allowed us to go outside to choose a wife by ourselves. ——This is the note left by the first lady back then, as well as the silver taels. ”

In large households, when the maids are old, they will be helped by the master to match. But sometimes there are more men and fewer women, or more men and girls, and there will always be times when there are not enough people. At this time, it is all with the permission of the master mother... Give them some money and let them go outside and choose a mate on their own.

Pei Shufen didn't expect that Sister Yan had been dead for so many years, and she could still block herself, so she was angry, and said with a sinking face: "You are a slave in my house... If I say no, I don't want to! ”

Qin Lisheng also put away the smile on his face, lowered his head and said, "This is what Mrs. Xian meant... Not a small self-inflicted claim. Soft but not hard against Pei Shufen.

Pei Shufen remembered that she was filling the house, and she would always be one level lower than the original match... I hated it so much that I finally held back my anger... said to Qin Lisheng: "You go down."

I'll talk to Master Hou and see how this matter should be handled. ”

Qin Lisheng responded, and bowed to Pei Shufen and retreated. When he walked to the gate of Zhonglan Courtyard, Tong Yue chased him out of the ear room, and asked Qin Lisheng breathlessly, "Why are you lying to me?" ”

Qin Lisheng's eyes widened, and he asked Tongyue: "Miss Tongyue, where did you start?" ”

Kiritsu said sadly: "Last time I asked you if you had a match, you clearly said that you didn't have a ..............." as if he was greatly hurt.

Qin Lisheng was silent for a long time, and said, "I really didn't have a marriage match last time. But it's been three or four months, and I'm a pro. ”

Tongyue was choked up, and wanted to question him, but Qin Lisheng had already arched his hand and said: "Tongyue girl Lan Xinhui is also the big girl next to Madame, and those who want to marry Tongyue girl can probably go from the inner courtyard to the outer courtyard." Lisheng wished Miss Tongyue to find a good husband as soon as possible, and Lisheng would be able to ask for a cup of wine to drink at that time. - Farewell. "Turn around and go.

Tong Yue couldn't speak anymore, and watched Qin Lisheng go farther and farther.

Pei Shufen went back to the inner room, sat in front of the dresser and put on makeup, saw Tongyue walking in sullenly, and turned around and asked her, "Have you asked clearly?" - Didn't you say he wasn't married last time? ”

Tong Yue looked lonely, and said to Pei Shufen: "Back to Mrs. Hui's words, the chief steward of Qin said that he was a relative just set. ”

Pei Shufen remembered that it had been three or four months since this incident, and it had indeed dragged on for a long time. They have been very busy in the past few months, and they are worried about the next things, so they postponed Tongyue's affairs, and they didn't show the slightest tone to Qin Lisheng, so they ended up with this ending.

But Pei Shufen was really unwilling. If Tongyue marries Qin Lisheng, she can be regarded as truly controlling the top and bottom of the Marquis of Ningyuan's mansion. Otherwise, it can only be like now, only in charge of the inner courtyard, and it is a lame duck.

"Don't be discouraged. As long as he doesn't get married for a day, the matter is not over. Pei Shufen comforted Tongyue, and snorted coldly in her heart: Even if you become a parent, this matter is not over!

Tong Yue was so frightened that she hurriedly waved her hand and said, "Madam, madam, since the Great Steward of Qin is unwilling, forget it." He is married, if he withdraws, how can that girl be? ”

Pei Shufen laughed strangely and said, "Yo, what are you afraid of?" This is married and divorced, there is one in our house, isn't it also a good life? I also have both children and daughters! "That's exactly what Aunt Qi said.

How dare Tongyue answer the conversation, and stand aside thinking about it.

Pei Shufen turned around and asked Tong Yue to come and comb her hair in the mirror of the dresser.

Tong Yue was skillful, and soon helped Pei Shufen to wrap a spirit snake bun, fixed the bottom with a silver-gilded silk dotted emerald inlaid sapphire guava huā, and helped Pei Shufen pick a silver fox skin as the bottom, and put the eyebrows on his forehead with plain silver rice beads.

Pei Shufen looked in the mirror with satisfaction, and praised Tongyue and said, "Your vision is getting better and better." ”

Kiritsu smiled reluctantly, took the scope and stood behind Pei Shufen, letting her look at the situation behind her.

After Chu Hua finished talking to Mr. Shan from the outer courtyard, he returned to the inner courtyard to see Pei Shufen and wanted to tell her about the shop. Seeing Tong Yue helping to look in the mirror in the house, Chu Hua Jin instructed Tong Yue: "Go down and make a cup of silver needle Baihao, and then make a cup of Da Hong Robe for Mrs." ”

Tongyue went down in response and went to get busy.

Chu Huajin sat down beside Pei Shufen, looked at the luodian inlaid silver mahogany jewelry box in front of her, and said with a smile: "You seem to have a few more pieces of jewelry?" ”

Pei Shufen snapped the lid of the jewelry box shut, turned around and said, "It's all my dowry, and I was reluctant to use it before." ”

Chu Hua smiled, didn't expose her, told her about the shop and the grange, and said euphemistically: "............ You are too busy to take care of it now, so it is better to take over the grange and shop in your hand and hand it over to Mr. Shan to take care of. ”