Xing 'er came back from outside and got out of the carriage. He lifted his robe and looked at the horizontal board on the door. He saw the three big words "Rong Mansion". It was like the sun, and it made him dizzy. He stood there and looked at it for a while before moving.
When the gatekeeper saw Xing 'er, he quickly came up to him and greeted him warmly. He smiled mischievously and said,"Yo, where are you coming from? It had been a long time since they last met, but what was Second Grandmother doing? It was so lively.”
Xing 'er waved his robe and said,"I arranged for you to guard the door. Just watch the door properly. What are you asking about?" What do you mean by calling it lively? If your words reach Second Grandmother's ears, hmph." Xing 'er pointed at the gatekeeper's head. The gatekeeper followed the force and tilted his head with an " Aiyo " sound. He quickly said," Yes, yes, I won't ask anymore. You should go in quickly. Second Grandmother's matter can't be delayed."”
Just as Xing 'er was about to leave, he suddenly retreated and asked,"Who are those people at the foot of the wall? Why are they causing trouble here? Why don't you care? If the masters come in and out and see them, wouldn't it be bad luck?”
The gatekeeper said," You actually don't know? It was Wang 'er who had brought him here. He seemed to be stopping someone. I think it's about Second Grandmother. We don't dare to ask about it, so we can only watch for nothing.”
Xing 'er asked again," What did the people who were beaten up look like? Did they all cry out for injustice and wear tattered clothes?”
"Nothing can hide from your eyes," said the gatekeeper. Starting from noon today, seven or eight people came one after another. All of them were like that. There was even a scholar who said that he wanted to knock his head against our door. However, he was pulled back and covered his mouth as he was dragged to the corner over there.”
When Xing 'er heard this, he naturally guessed what it was and could not help but sigh again. The gatekeeper said with a cheeky smile,"Master Xing, if there is such a job that can show my face in front of Second Grandmother in the future, don't ask Master Wang to send it all. Let me treat you to a drink."
Xing 'er flicked his sleeves and laughed."Isn't the job of guarding the door good? Sitting in the shade with good tea and good food, if you don't like this job and want to leave, then go. That's easy. I'll help you go back to Second Grandmother in a while.”
The gatekeeper quickly pulled Xing 'er back." No, no, no! My Lord Haoxing, I won't change this job, alright? How could I dare to delay Second Grandmother with such a trivial matter? Aiyo, you scared me to death.”
Xing 'er smiled and said that the prime ministers were all seventh-grade officials. They had to be careful wherever they went. Although they looked good, they might not be more comfortable than the job of guarding the door. He told the gatekeeper to pay attention to the door and not lose this good job. The gatekeeper naturally smiled and sent Xing 'er to the hall.
Xing 'er had just arrived at the entrance of Sister Feng's courtyard when he saw Ping' er holding an exquisite box made of porcelain. He quickly went to see her and asked Grandma if she was free.
"Wang 'er has already come back." Grandma read it several times. It's not that I want to criticize you, but why did you come back so late? Wait here." Ping 'er had just entered when she heard Xi Feng's voice asking,""Ping Er? Who is it?"
Ping 'er quickly went in and said," It's Xing' er. Grandma, please eat the soup first. It's fine to let him wait."”
Xi Feng put down the scalding cup and wiped her mouth with a handkerchief."I'm not eating. Call him in." Ping 'er went out to call him again. Xing 'er hurried in and first greeted Xifeng, then reported the matter of collecting money in detail. How much was the total amount, how much was the capital, how much was the interest, and handed over the silver notes and account book.
Xi Feng told Ping Er to count the silver and put it away. The account book looked at it and said,"The account book is still very detailed and neat. Let me ask you, how many of those who owe money wanted to sue me or come to the residence to be killed?”
Xing 'er's heart skipped a beat. He kowtowed to the ground and reported," I dare not lie to you, Grandma. There are a few who refused to give in and went to the government. A sixty-five-year-old Scholar Zhang, Butcher Li who loves to gamble, and..."
"Forget it, I don't care about Scholar Zhang or Butcher Li. Why would I be afraid of him?”Xifeng looked at the account book and didn't see a few taels or dozens of broken accounts. She said,"Forget it, I need the silver urgently. There are a few who can't afford it and want to make a fuss. It's not a big deal. You've done a good job on this matter.”
By the time it was 10:00 pm, Xi Feng and Ping 'er had gathered more than 50,000. Xifeng put the silver into a box and locked it, but said,"Today was a chaotic day, and I didn't even have a peaceful meal. It's already the middle of the night.”
Ping 'er said," That's right. I've been there a few times today, but there's still no movement from the old lady. The old master is only in the study reading and drinking tea with a few guests. Could it be that we've worked hard for nothing this time?"”
Xi Feng heaved a sigh of relief." It's time to fight the lovebirds. My heart is always beating wildly. How about this? Let's wait a little longer. Let's sleep later today."”
As she spoke, she heard footsteps outside. Xi Feng stood up abruptly. Ping Er was also shocked and said,"Could it be that he's really here?"
The two of them were worried, but they heard that it was not Yuanyang who came outside. It was indeed another servant girl serving the old lady, called Fei Cui.
"Where's Second Grandmother? Has Second Master Lian come back yet? Old Lady is looking for him." Fei Cui said happily.”
"Sister Fei Cui, is there anything urgent?" The servant girl at the door asked hurriedly.”
"It's a great thing!" Fei Cui smiled. Just now, there was news from the palace that our family's Eldest Young Miss has been conferred the title of Fengzao Palace's Minister and Consort Xiande!”
"Really?" the servant girl on the door asked in surprise. That was really a great thing. When did it happen?”
Fei Cui smiled." That's enough. The old lady asked me to tell the masters about this joyous occasion. I'm still going to go. You should also quickly send someone to tell Second Master and Second Grandmother."”With that, she jogged off.
When Ping 'er heard this, she patted her chest and said with a smile,""It's really scary. I was afraid that the money we collected wasn't enough. I didn't expect it to be such a good thing. Grandma, this is such a happy event in the residence. Let's quickly pack up and go to Old Lady's place.”As he spoke, he went to open the box and wanted to change into festive clothes with Xi Feng.
Xi Feng clapped her hands and suddenly said,"Oh no!" Quick, go to the door and ask if Second Master has returned from the Wang family. The old lady is not busy. Let's go to Madam's place quickly. I was thinking, how many families in the capital have borrowed money from the imperial court? Why did they ask for it from our family first? Why did they ask for it without taking the open road? Why did they send a little eunuch in plain clothes to say that they actually wanted to chase us away like ducks and even set an example!”
Without changing their clothes, Xi Feng and the others went straight to Lady Wang's place. Halfway there, they suddenly stopped. Ping Er asked what was wrong, and Xi Feng said,"This surprise and joy made me confused. Come, let's go back and change our clothes. We're still going to the old lady's place.”
When they arrived at Grandmother Jia's courtyard, they could hear laughter from afar. A small cannon had been lit at the entrance of the courtyard, and red paper exploded everywhere. Xi Feng supported Bu Yao, who had a golden phoenix on his head, and laughed."Happy news, happy news, great happy news! Old ancestor, I'm the first one to report the good news and come to ask for a reward!”
Grandmother Jia heard the voice and smiled.""Everyone, listen, listen. Little Feng, this mischievous brat, she came the last and still has the cheek to ask for a reward. In my opinion, everyone should quickly think about what to punish her.”At that moment, Xifeng came in. Grandmother Jia saw that she was dressed beautifully and was happy, especially when she saw the jewelry on her head. It really meant good luck. She shouted,"Little Feng, come, sit next to me.”
Because there was a happy occasion in the manor, the red lanterns outside Grandmother Jia's courtyard had long been changed. The servant girls happily served fruits and food in an endless stream. The servant girls also gave out rewards. It was extremely festive.
Lady Xing, Lady Wang, Li Wan, Baoyu, Aunt Xue, and the others had all arrived. When Xifeng arrived, they were all present. When they talked about the topic of consort titles in the Spring Festival, everyone first congratulated Lady Wang. Lady Wang had always been a vegetarian and Buddhist. Now that she had become the Emperor's mother-in-law, she was also smiling so widely that her eyebrows could not be seen.
After congratulating Lady Wang, everyone also congratulated Grandmother Jia. Grandmother Jia also accepted it with a smile, saying that it was all thanks to the blessings of the ancestors. Everyone was happy and asked everyone to sit down. She also said that today was the Empress's big day, but it was the Palace after all, so she couldn't celebrate with everyone. She, as an old grandmother, could only treat everyone to a cup of wine and two wedding cakes and sweets. As she spoke, her eyes turned red and she wiped her tears. Even Lady Wang wiped her tears.
Aunt Xue smiled and said," That's what I said. The Empress has been conferred the title of Consort. This is a great blessing. Others have been waiting for it for many lifetimes, but we are only here to celebrate. It's a joyous occasion. Although the Empress is in the Palace, if she knew about it, she would definitely be happy. Little Feng, don't you think so?"”
Xi Feng wiped the corners of her eyes with a handkerchief and said happily,"Aunt is right. "I'm so sad that I'm crying because I won't be able to see you." Xi Feng's eyes swept across the room."Hahaha, why isn't Baoyu here? He loves to join in the fun the most, and it's his own sister who's become the Imperial Consort. Why isn't he here for a drink?”
Grandmother Jia wiped her tears and smiled." You mischievous brat. He's only a few years old, yet he dares to call himself uncle. Isn't he afraid that he can't suppress his good fortune?" It's too late now, so I won't ask anyone to tell him. If I tell him, he won't be able to sleep in peace tonight. I'll tell him tomorrow."
Xifeng laughed." Who cares how old he is, he's still a proper country's brother-in-law. I was still thinking of asking for a reward from the country's brother-in-law, but the old lady protected him and didn't let him come. Aiya, I don't want the reward either. Tomorrow, we'll hold a celebratory wedding banquet. Tell me to hold it and drink two big cups of wedding wine first!"”
This time, Grandmother Jia was in good spirits, and it was already past midnight when she left. Grandmother Jia told everyone to go back, leaving Madam Wang to talk. She said that it was very late today, and her aunt had drunk a few more glasses, so she asked Xifeng to send them off.
Aunt Xue hurriedly declined, saying," I'm fine. There's no need to trouble her. Besides, there are maids and mothers to serve me. It won't be a problem." Little Feng, you can go on your own. Don't worry about me.”
When Xifeng saw that Grandmother Jia had left Madam Wang behind and then looked at Yuanyang, who didn't know about the mole? She pretended not to know and held Aunt Xue's arm affectionately. She smiled and said,"The old lady asked me to send her off, so how could I dare not? Besides, could it be that I'm not as good as those mothers and girls? Hahaha, let's go, Auntie. It's more fun to talk and laugh along the way.”
In the house, Lady Wang helped Grandmother Jia to her room. Grandmother Jia sipped her tea and said,"What do you think about what I told you yesterday?”
Madam Wang thought for a moment and said," Yesterday, Old Lady told me about it. I've also thought about it carefully. If it's a loan, it's reasonable to return it sooner or later. However, if it's less and the balance is slowly shifted out, I can still afford to return it in time. I'm afraid it'll be more difficult for me to return it in a short period of time. Also, there are many large families in the capital who have accounts like this. I noticed that no one said that they wanted to pay it back. If we only want to pay it back, I'm afraid it won't be good. Even though a eunuch came to tell me about it, there was no imperial edict. Today, Yuan 'er has been conferred the title of Imperial Consort, so we…"
Grandmother Jia paused in her teacup." You want to say that since Yuanchun has been conferred the title of concubine, our family is related to the royal family, so we don't have to listen to the words of that little eunuch, right? Why didn't you think about the current situation? Why did Yuan 'er become the Imperial Concubine at this time? Why did that little eunuch just happen to come a day before she became the Imperial Concubine? After all, she was from a wealthy family. Didn't you think about this matter more?”
Grandmother Jia's tone was very heavy. After hearing two sentences, Lady Wang lowered her head and did not dare to look at her mother-in-law. After listening to a few more sentences, she actually started to cry. When Grandmother Jia saw this, she became even angrier and said,"You've been a family for so many years, yet you don't even know this much. How dare you cry! It has only been a day since Yuan Chun was conferred the title of consort. I see that you don't plan for her position in the palace and are instead excited. If you waste your time, I'll be the first to not spare you! The first thing we need to do now is to gather the silver and ask your master to return it to you in the next morning. If you continue to hold on to this..."
"I gave birth to Yuan 'er, so how could I not do it for her own good? Forget a hundred thousand, even if it was two hundred thousand or three hundred thousand, I would take it as long as I had it.”Madam Wang sobbed and wiped her tears." I'm young, and I often pray to Buddha. I'm not as knowledgeable as the Old Lady, and I'm not as thoughtful as the Old Lady. Since the Old Lady has said that she wants it, I'll naturally do my best to prepare it. I won't dare to not do my best.”
This book comes from：m.funovel.com。