The two men came out of the woods and met Whelan head-on. She changed her polite attitude towards Gu Xiyan in her past and greeted them very warmly and familiarly. Gu Xiyan didn't know Cui Baoyi's arrangement, and she was suspicious, but she still greeted her politely. Huilan sent Gu Xiyan and the others to the corner gate that connected with the inner courtyard all the way, and she didn't turn back until Gu Xiyan and the others disappeared.

In the evening, Liu Er came to the door, Gu Xiyan and the others learned about Cui Baoyi's arrangement, Duan Niang smiled: "No wonder Huilan is so enthusiastic about us today, dare to love is without a backer!" ”

Gu Xiyan remembered that Hui Lan always had a little spiking and thoughtful gaze today, and also felt that her changes might be related to Cui Baoyi's arrangement. However, if she really just wants to find a backer to live a more nourishing life, this is also human nature, and it is not a big deal to help her if she can help her.

Gu Xiyan thought in his heart.

After Liu Er left, the four of them discussed how to tidy up the affairs of Xiuheyuan. Who knew that as soon as he said two sentences, someone called the door: "Is Duan Niang at home?" ”

Mo Ju went to answer the door, and it was Mama Zhao who came in.

Because of the past few days and Duanniang running in Xiuhe Garden, Gu Xiyan has not moved the needlework for a few days, and when she saw Mama Zhao, she was busy asking Xinghong to pour tea, and said with a smile: "Mama can come for the needlework?" I'm a bit busy these days and don't do much. ”

Mama Zhao smiled heartily and said, "This needlework is not done overnight, and it is not in a hurry. I've heard it say. Mrs. gave Xiuhe Garden to the girl, and the girl wanted to use the garden to raise the garden! ”

Gu Xiyan was stunned, he didn't expect the news to spread so quickly.

Mama Zhao didn't hide it, and said straight to the point: "Don't hide it from the girl, I'm a little selfish." I want to ask the girl to do it. ”

Gu Xiyan hated people who were different from the outside, and when she saw Mama Zhao so straightforward, she first had a good impression, and she asked softly: "Mama has anything to say." As long as I can help, there's no reason why it can't be fulfilled. ”

Mama Zhao smiled: "I knew that the girl was a cheerful person, so I won't hide it." It turned out that when Mrs. Tai was alive, she liked the chrysanthemum the most, and the old lady asked someone to move more than 20 plants from Jiannan County to plant them next to the red bridge. Later, Mrs. Tai and Mrs. Tai went to cut it one after another, and no one knew the preciousness of this chrysanthemum..."

Saying that, the apricot red ground tea has arrived.

Mama Zhao took the teacup and thanked her, and continued: "The ground fragrant chrysanthemum is a thing that grows with roots, and it usually grows on the ground. Like weeds, it blooms a few seven-petaled flowers the size of thumbs in winter, which looks unremarkable. Last year, when I went to Xiuhe Garden to collect rent, I saw that Mama Wu pulled out several plants, which made me feel distressed at that time..."

Gu Xiyan also heard an eyebrow, although she didn't know what this earth fragrant chrysanthemum was for, but it was a businessman, her head turned quickly, and she said tentatively: "It turns out that you know the value of this earth fragrant chrysanthemum!" ”

Mama Zhao was stunned when she heard this. Then he suddenly realized: "No wonder the girl wants to take over the errand of this Xiuheyuan." That being the case, I don't speak secret words. I want to ask the girl to pack up the errand bag of this Xiangju for me, and I will pay five hundred taels of silver every year, what do you think? ”

A few plants of grass will reap five hundred taels of silver.

Gu Xiyan's heart jumped, but she showed a hesitant look on her face: "This, this..."

Seeing this, Mama Zhao gritted her teeth and said, "Six hundred taels." I pay 600 taels a year. ”

Gu Xiyan seemed to be still hesitating.

Mama Zhao smiled: "I'll also settle an account for the girl here." This ground chrysanthemum is divided into upper, middle and lower three kinds, the upper ground chrysanthemum on the market to collect two hundred and twenty taels of silver a catty, this medium can only receive fifty taels of silver a catty, if it is inferior, then it is only worth seventy wen a catty. Like a girl, who grows wild with her temperament, it is not even inferior. It's just a waste of everything. If the bag is raised by me. I promise that I will take care of the harvest and pick it in moderation. It will never hurt its original energy..."

Gu Xiyan immediately clapped his hands and said, "Just wrap it up for Mama." But..."

When Mama Zhao heard that she could get it, she couldn't hide a big smile on her face, Gu Xiyan's "but" made the smile solidify to her mouth, and she asked cautiously: "What else does the girl command?" Gu Xiyan smiled: "I won't tell you anything, it turns out that I was going to let Xinghong take care of this Xiangju." But Mama is no one else, it's hard to get an opening in front of me, so I have to give some face. But I've already promised Apricot Red..."

Mama Zhao thought for a moment and said, "I won't embarrass the girl, or let Xinghong help me, and I will give her five silver pocket money every year." ”

Gu Xiyan was secretly happy in her heart, but she smiled lightly on her face: "No, no, this pocket money is not needed, just let her give you a hand, and fulfill my reputation." ”

Mama Zhao can save money, and she doesn't have to refute Gu Xiyan's face, so she naturally agrees.

This is the matter that was settled.

Gu Xiyan called Xinghong after Mama Zhao left: "You have to pay attention to Mama Zhao to take care of Dixiangju, and one day you have to stand alone." ”

Xinghong nodded knowingly.

Gu Xiyan turned around and asked Duan Niang again: "What is this Xiangju?" I don't think I've ever seen it before? ”

Duan Niang was stunned and said: "I saw that the girl and Su Xin had a very happy conversation, and I thought that the girl knew everything, but it turned out to be a fraud to Su Xin!" ”

Gu Xiyan smiled wryly.

Duan Niang explained: "It's not a rare thing, it's a grass-like flower vine, the stem is brown, and after peeling off, it is a crystal clear jade color, dried and ground into powder, which is the best way to heal bruises." It is said that the fresher it is, the better the curative effect, but it is native to Jiannan County, and it is almost impossible to buy fresh ones in Jiangzhong County, so it is particularly expensive. ”

It turned out that this was the case, Gu Xiyan had a whimsical idea: "It's better to gather all the old people in the house." Just give them all these forests, flowers and plants, maybe there will be something like Mama Zhao with dramatic effect! ”

Duan Niang nodded Gu Xiyan's forehead: "You, if that's the case, what kind of garden does the lady want you to take care of, she doesn't know how to take care of it herself!" ”

Also. Gu Xiyan smiled wryly again.

It may be that Gu Xiyan is relatively safe and self-conscious during this time. It may also be because she takes over the affairs of the garden and needs to go in and out frequently, the two door gods who have been guarding the gate of Beyuan suddenly disappeared one day, Gu Xiyan smiled indifferently, and it was Duanniang. When I went to Xiuhe Garden, I recited "Buddha Amitayus." ”

As soon as they entered the corner gate of Xiuhe Garden, Huilan ran over to receive them with a smile, and told them where the Taihu stone was transported from and how much it was worth; After a while, he said how old this laurel tree is, and how much wine can be made from the flowers that bear fruit every year; He also pointed to the hundred-year-old kumquat tree and told Gu Xiyan what kind of kumquat tasted best... Although it is a bit deaf, it can also be seen that Huilan is indeed Huixinlan and knowledgeable.

Gu Xiyan looked at Huilan's beautiful face with apricot eyes and peach cheeks, and remembered a line he had seen before: "If the enemy doesn't move, I won't move!" The corners of her mouth curled slightly.

Huilan blinked her big bright eyes, looking sincere and innocent, and chatted with Gu Xiyan: "I heard that the girl wanted to redeem Mo Ju and Xinghong, and I knew that the girl was originally a righteous person who squandered money and fought for righteousness. I used to be blind and neglected the girl, and the girl was lenient and approachable when I met, and I was really ashamed, and I was always uneasy in my heart, and I wanted to do something for the girl..."

Listen to what is said.

Gu Xiyan only felt sad. People are self-exalted, but how many people can have such a realm and such an environment!

The three of them walked around the garden for most of the day, and finally decided on a plan to reform the garden with the help of Whelan.

Had lunch. Gu Xiyan went to Shouyuan to tell Mrs. Gu the specific situation, and took this opportunity to communicate with her well, she was not ready to tell Mrs. Gu about the chrysanthemum for the time being. But how can there be an impermeable wall in the world, Mrs. Gu will know about this sooner or later, but it is better to be a day later than a day earlier, and she has carried this reputation back to the garden, and the windfall profits of the first year have to be in your hands. As soon as the matter comes to light, who knows what will happen!

After talking about Xiuheyuan, Mrs. Gu chatted with Gu Xiyan about Gu Panxi again: "It's already June. If you don't go back to Jiangnan to do your schoolwork, you'll really be delayed..."

Gu Xiyan was also a little worried, and she encouraged Mrs. Gu: "Why don't you go first and let Deacon Ding send you back to Jiangnan." ”

As soon as her words fell, Liu Er said, "Deacon Ding asks to see!" Both of them were surprised, and looked at each other, which made Mrs. Gu laugh.

Deacon Ding came in at the time. Gu Xiyan had already avoided behind the screen in the house according to the rules. The smile on Mrs. Gu's face had not faded, and Deacon Ding was a little inexplicable. But he kept his duty, lowered his eyebrows and said smoothly: "Madame asked me to inquire about the land and have an answer." ”

Mrs. Gu coughed lightly at this time, and said with a straight face: "What's wrong?" ”

Deacon Ding said: "The seventh master said that we have a small house in Da'anfang, which is more suitable, let me bring the key and give it to Madame." ”

Mrs. Gu took the key and asked, "How much money did you say?" ”

Deacon Ding said: "The seventh master said, that place is close to Anhuamen, it is a bit noisy, and it can't be sold for a few taels of silver, so it is still a personal favor to give it to Aunt Cui generously." ”

Mrs. Gu hesitated when she heard this: "I heard from Grandma Sun that the Seventh Master has pushed out several prosperous shops in the West Market, I'm afraid it's a little inconvenient at hand." Although this house is small, the size is also an income, so it is better to estimate the price! ”

Deacon Ding hesitated for a moment and said, "Madam, I've not been under you for a day or two, and you're not someone else, so I'll tell you the truth, this bit of silver, even if it's not enough to stuff my teeth, it's better to be generous, maybe one day I will ask to be in front of Aunt Cui..."

There was no need to say more about the rest of the words, and Mrs. Gu nodded clearly.

After Deacon Ding left, Mrs. Gu carried the yellow and clear copper key and sighed to Gu Xiyan: "See." How else to say that thousands of miles of being an official is wealth! ”

Gu Xiyan was stunned.

This is not the case for any dynasty or generation.

Back in Beyuan, Gu Xiyan quietly discussed Duanniang: "You go to socialize with Grandma Sun and see what happened to the Liu family?" Their family is about to fall, and our family has no good life? ”

Duan Niang was very surprised, but still took the order.

In the evening, Duanniang invited Grandma Sun and Grandma Tian to accompany the room to drink, using the excuse of "I will help the girl take care of the garden in the future, so please take care of the grandmother".

Duan Niang didn't come back until after the middle of the moon, and she pulled Gu Xiyan up from the bed with a solemn face: "I really let the girl say it." I heard that the Liu family was inappropriate, Master Liu sold all the century-old weaving factories to the Wu family in Jiangnan, and only one of the seven shops in Shengjing remained, and the others were all out..."

Gu Xiyan's mind suddenly remembered the eagerness of Liu Zuocheng when he came to see Mrs. Gu that day, and her sleepiness was gone, and she asked eagerly, "Have you inquired clearly about what went wrong?" ”

Duan Niang shook her head: "How do a few grandmothers who accompany the room know, they only vaguely guessed." ”

Gu Xiyan sat for a long time, and cautiously instructed Duan Niang: "Be sure to find out." The city wall was on fire, and the seedlings and pond fish were burned. Let's not let this fire burn us to death! ”(！