Chapter 31: Leisure
The west wing of the Yongwang Mansion is elegant and chic when the first courtyard enters. Spring has arrived, and the flower beds in the courtyard are gradually blooming green. This small courtyard is usually used by the young master to entertain guests.
In the courtyard flower hall, Gu Yongyuan was dressed in full costume and was talking casually with Wang Yuanqing. Today is the day when Gu Yongyuan accompanies the newlywed bride back to her parents' home, and Wang Yuanqing has just been promoted to garrison commander and is responsible for managing the Heilonghe training camp. He was about to set off for the frontier, and there were some things that needed Gu Yongyuan's advice.
With the lifting of the border ban, the Han Chinese in the Yannu region were allowed to migrate to the desolate lands north and east of Heilongjiang to cultivate. The decree has been transmitted to all provinces and states, and the response has been enthusiastic. After all, who wouldn't want to own a few acres of their own land? This has always been the most realistic and desirable way of life for farmers in history.
However, Wang Yuanqing is a little uncertain about the current situation. He was a fierce general, but not a reckless general. Organizing a training camp is already a complex task, let alone in an area full of uncertainty due to mass migration. But on second thought, he knew that if it were in other provinces, only the local gentry would have the ability and influence to organize a militia. Outsiders don't have a chance at all.
Gu Yongyuan drank tea and said in a deep voice: "When you go, you must understand the local situation clearly, whether it is the Han immigrants who have moved or the local aborigines, you must get along with them well, and don't be in a hurry." ", do not rush to form an army, it will not succeed in a hurry."
Wang Yuanqing nodded silently.
Gu Yongyuan continued: "As for organizing the training camp, when the old man comes back, he can help you with advice, and he is undoubtedly more experienced than you in terms of logistics and funds. ”
After thinking about it, Gu Yongyuan continued in a calm tone: "As far as the situation in the frontier is concerned, there are not many local gentry, but there are many bandits engaged in black gold mining, and I have heard of one. "Manyushan, already has some notoriety. Initially, you and the old master's initial funds can be considered to be withdrawn from their resources. Of course, the first thing should be to pacify and maintain harmony, after all, they are the local powerhouses. ”
Taking a sip of tea, Gu Yongyuan added: "In the imperial court, I will try my best to find a way, after all, I don't want you to be short of money for military affairs." ”
The biggest challenge in organizing training camps and military affairs is funding. If there is a constant flow of money, any armed force can raise it. Wang Yuanqing was struggling with how to start his titular position as the commander of the frontier garrison, but he didn't expect that the young master had already thought about everything for him.
"I will definitely live up to the high expectations of the young master!" Wang Yuanqing knelt down gratefully and burst into tears. From a small assistant, to being promoted to garrison commander, to being responsible for organizing border training, Wang Yuanqing knew that he was just helping the young master. The young master wanted to set up a training camp in the frontier, but the environment did not allow him to do it himself. Giving this important task to Wang Yuanqing allows him to realize his ambitions and has a place to display his abilities. Moreover, the young master gave very good guidance, if Wang Yuanqing failed this mission, he would be the first to be punished than the young master.
Gu Yongyuan took out a folded banner from his sleeve and unfolded it. On the banner, ten large characters are neatly arranged. Although the handwriting is not exquisite, it exudes strength and momentum: "Protect China until death." ”
Gu Yongyuan said with a smile: "This is what I wrote, and I gave it to Brother Wang." ”
Wang Yuanqing took the banner and looked at the words on it, feeling a little puzzled in his heart. He vaguely felt that this sentence was a little unusual, but he couldn't say it.
Gu Yongyuan continued to laugh and said: "Just think of it as my faith, what Brother Wang wants to bring." ”
Wang Yuanqing muttered "even if he dies", and his chest became excited. He got down on one knee and shouted, "Yes!" I will remember this and convey the young master's words to every brother in the regiment! I will do my duty for the young master, without complaint or regret, until death! ”
Gu Yongyuan smiled and gently patted him on the shoulder.
...
Hurriedly returning to Chu Fenglou, Gu Yongyuan saw that the little guy was dressed neatly, wearing a crimson brocade robe, and delicate embroidered shoes on his feet, which looked even more cute and charming. She obediently sat on the couch and waited for him.
"I just met a friend, let's go, the carriage is already waiting outside." Gu Yongyuan knew that although she was young, she was very smart. Although he didn't snub her in the past few days, playing chess and drinking with her, he still didn't know how she felt, because there was no intimate relationship between them. So, he wanted to find a chance to talk to her.
Gu Yongyuan and the little guy each side, elegantly picked up a red brocade gift plate from the table outside. According to the usual practice, there were no expensive gifts for the return visit, but in addition to the silk cloth on the carriage, Gu Yongyuan also chose a pair of jade earrings for the old lady, and also selected a snuff box and finger guards for himself. Two uncles, and other trinkets. These things were now elegantly placed on the tray in her hand by the little one.
"Husband, don't spoil my brother too much." The little guy was obviously dissatisfied with his brother for giving such an expensive gift. As for the younger brother, he is still in infancy, too young to understand anything.
Gu Yongyuan smiled: "It can be seen that I care about you!" Gu Yongyuan thought about it yesterday and was surprised to find that by the standards of this era, he was a little negligent in intimate matters. The astonishing realization puzzled him for a moment. But at her age, any kind of intimacy is ridiculous. He wanted her to grow up happy and carefree.
At this moment, he could only appease her and not let her think nonsense.
However, the little one is already starting to think cranky. Sitting in the carriage on the way to Firewood Lane, she secretly whispered in Gu Yongyuan's ear: "Husband, Miaoqing won't say things that others can't understand, you don't have to worry, there will be." "When things get better."
Gu Yongyuan didn't quite understand at first, and nodded absentmindedly. But when he thought about it again, he understood what she meant. Is she talking about their intimate life? Did she think he had some disease? Can't he have intimate touches?
The more he thought about it, the more he understood what she meant. But this is simply ridiculous. He didn't look like he was sick or something. Moreover, there are many gossiping maids in the house, who often spread rumors that he has unusual tendencies. The retinue he brought with him was graceful and looked very intelligent. She must have been aware of the rumors. Did she deliberately reveal this to her master?
Whatever the little guy was thinking, it was clear that she thought he had some kind of physical or psychological problem.
Gu Yongyuan was speechless. On second thought, though, it's not all bad. This saved him the trouble of explaining. He couldn't tell her very well that she was too young and that it could be hurtful.
Gu Yongyuan frowned and said, "Don't call me 'husband' anymore." Well, do whatever you like. But anyway, stop calling me 'husband'. Every time she said that, he didn't feel like a person.
"Okay." The little guy nodded obediently, then took out a handkerchief and gently wiped the sweat on Gu Yongyuan's forehead intimately.
Gu Yongyuan looked dazed. Looking at her innocent face and elegant demeanor, he thought, what a rare and charming "wife" this is, full of unique personality.
……
On the day Gu Yongyuan went home, the old lady looked at him with a smile. In her eyes, Gu Yongyuan and Miaoqing are a match made in heaven, a perfect pair.
Jiarong held the jade snuff box, ecstatic; His eyes sparkled with excitement. He treated Gu Yongyuan like a living ancestor.
When Gu Yongyuan talked about the design of the four pastries he brought and the assistance of the pastry chef in the palace, the old lady's smile became even stronger. She couldn't help but praise Gu Yongyuan for his filial piety and thoughtfulness.
Speaking of which, although she has the status of a concubine, it is largely only a nominal position. Whether she can go home or not, she has no power. It was up to the emperor to decide whether or not to let her go out of the palace to visit relatives. However, he rarely thought of this, and it must have been for the sake of the favored concubine. The other concubines didn't have to think about it at all.
Now it seems that this kind of thing at home can only rely on Jing Shao.
Despite the little one's poised demeanor, she could not hide the joy and pride that glittered in her big beautiful eyes. Gu Yongyuan felt funny, and felt that this little guy was quite easy to appease.
During the banquet, after Jiarong drank a few glasses, he became a little uninhibited. He raised his glass to Gu Yongyuan and said, "Young master, I'm not young anymore, but I don't have any serious work yet, even if it's our monthly pocket money, I can't even cook a bowl of rice." "Yellow rice porridge for the old lady! Tell me, why am I so useless? ”
The old lady squinted her eyes and scolded, "Nonsense again! If you drink too much, go to the backyard to rest. Her tone was clear, and everyone understood what Jiarong meant.
Jiarong did not dare to argue with his mother. He smiled and said, "How can there be so much nonsense? I just want to improve myself. Besides, I'm leaving, who will accompany Gu Yongyuan? ”
"It's ridiculous! Sounds like gibberish! Don't forget that we still have a family name to protect! The old lady was really angry. Jiarong lowered his head, not daring to say anything more.
Gu Yongyuan hurriedly smiled: "Big brother is right, in fact, I have been thinking about this matter, I have already arranged for someone to discuss with the relevant parties, maybe I can get one and I will arrange a place for you in a few days, so please be patient, there should be good news soon." ”
The old lady sighed, "Why do you talk like that?" Yuan'er, you can't embarrass your grandmother like this in the future. ”
Gu Yongyuan said with a smile: "Mother still treats Yongyuan as an outsider, Yongyuan must be uncomfortable in his heart." ”
"Where would that happen? No, no! The old lady finally turned from anger to joy and giggled.
Jiarong secretly gave Gu Yongyuan a thumbs up, obviously proud of his "brother-in-law" and his skills.
The little one gave his brother a serious look. It seems that her patience is running out.
...
Before getting into the carriage, there was still some time before the sun rose, and Gu Yongyuan whispered a few words in Mo Ba's ear.
The carriage headed west, and the little one seemed to sense that this was not the way home. She opened the curtains and glanced out. Confused, she asked, "Where are we going?" ”
Gu Yongyuan chuckled and said, "Let's go fishing in the western suburbs, it's fun." ”
The little guy was silent for a while, and then said, "But there are fish in the lake at home, right?" ”
Gu Yongyuan shrugged, "What's the fun then?" ”
The little one knew that her husband was addicted to leisure and entertainment, and no amount of persuasion could change that. She could only worry silently.
However, when they came to the western suburbs of a clear and turquoise lake, surrounded by willow trees sprouting, green grass flourishing, dotted with small flowers from time to time, butterflies fluttering, the little one could not help but magnify his own beauty. Eye. She had to admit that her husband had an extraordinary talent for finding pleasant places.
In the distance, several carriages stopped, the guards stood upright, and Mo Ba and his subordinates brought canopies, soft chairs, and fishing rods. These things are prepared in advance in a carriage.
At first, the little guy was a little curious. She had been curious about the carriage that followed behind. There was no one getting on and off the bus, and there was no gift money for the mother's family. But now it seems that this carriage is Gu Yongyuan's recreational carriage, which is filled with all kinds of game equipment for his entertainment.
Gu Yongyuan was a little helpless. In his time, going fishing in a carriage with friends seemed to be a common pastime. But a century ahead, how does he feel like a wasteful playboy?
Seeing the little guy sighing and worrying about his future, as if he was worried about himself, Gu Yongyuan couldn't help but feel funny and angry.
But at Gu Yongyuan's insistence, the little guy had no choice but to take a fishing rod, sit beside him, and pretend to be a fisherwoman. Soon, she began to experience the joy of fishing. Although she maintained a calm demeanor and did not show excitement and shouting when she caught a fish, who could know the excitement and nervousness deep down in her?
"Well, it's kind of fun." Gu Yongyuan handed the telescope to the little guy.
"What is this?" The little guy held the binoculars and observed curiously.
Gu Yongyuan formed a circle with his hands and made a gesture. "You see it this way, yes, that's it."
"Wow?" When the originally distant scenery suddenly became clear in front of him, the little guy couldn't help but let out a surprised exclamation. Gu Yongyuan said with a smile: "In the future, I will make more exciting things, and at night I will be able to look at the stars and the moon through a telescope, and even Chang'e can see it clearly." ”
But the little one didn't hear clearly, she was busy using the binoculars to observe the situation.
Gu Yongyuan leaned back on the soft chair and closed his eyes slightly to rest. Speaking of the western suburbs, there are royal gardens everywhere. Finding such a quiet fishing spot is not an easy task. He likes to come here to think about challenging questions.
For example, his current predicament: how to leave the capital? Even if he can't go to the frontier, he can't always wander around the capital with the gossip of a petty official. With his lazy personality, he may slowly get used to the leisurely life of a playboy.