novelraw Chapter 81 The Red Mansion
Chapter 81 The Red Mansion
Before the exam, Lin Huaiyu went back to the state of staying at home, except for reading, not listening to anything outside the window.
When Xiao Daiyu saw her brother locked up in the study every day, she felt distressed, worried and admired.I feel sorry for her brother during this period of time, day and night, studying from morning to night, doing nothing except reading and studying every day.Worried that her brother would be exhausted by studying so hard.I admire her brother for being able to study so intently.
Mrs. Ye also felt sorry for Lin Huaiyu. In addition to cooking him food in different ways every day, she also used different ways to nourish his body and brain.
Ye Wenfu was very pleased with Lin Huaiyu's attitude of concentrating on studying and studying.Back then, he also studied so hard before the exam.
Jia Lian learned that Lin Huaiyu was studying hard, so he didn't bother him during this time.Occasionally come to visit him and tell him to pay attention to his body and take a good rest.As for other things, he did not tell Lin Huaiyu.
Lin Huaiyu was not interested in the bad things in the Rongguo Mansion, and didn't bother to ask.For him, nothing is as important as trying.
While Lin Huaiyu was studying in retreat, Xiao Daiyu went to Rongguo Mansion several times to visit Jia Mu.However, Nanny Zhang and Aunt Zhao accompanied each time.Coupled with Wang Xifeng's protection, she went there a few times but nothing happened.
Jia's mother's illness has not improved, but it is not serious.The imperial doctor said that it was because of the cold winter that Jiamu's illness was delayed.When it gets warmer next spring, Mother Jia's illness will get better.
Taking advantage of Jia's mother's illness, Mrs. Wang completely "recaptured" the right to educate and manage Jia Baoyu.In order for Jia Baoyu to obtain fame like Lin Huaiyu, Mrs. Wang directly asked him to move out of the Grand View Garden and live in Jia Zheng's front yard.Not only that, she also specially invited her husband to teach Jia Baoyu.
Jia Baoyu was confined to study in the front yard every day.No matter how much trouble he made, Mrs. Wang still locked him up and forced him to study hard.
In addition to taking care of Jia Baoyu, Mrs. Wang also vigorously rectified the Grand View Garden, sending away many maids, women, and former actors in the Grand View Garden.
In order to allow Jiamu to recuperate well, Mrs. Wang also ordered not to disturb Jiamu.If you have anything to tell her directly, don't bother Jiamu.By doing this, she took complete control of the Rongguo Mansion, and she had the final say on all matters.
Although no one told Jia's mother, she was very shrewd, and she couldn't see that the second daughter-in-law was "seeking to usurp the throne".She was very dissatisfied and angry with the second daughter-in-law for doing this, but now she is sick and can't do anything, so she can only temporarily pretend that she doesn't know anything.
Jia Lian and Wang Xifeng also saw that Mrs. Wang was ignoring Jia's mother, but they both pretended not to know anything.
Today some women and maidservants came to Wang Xifeng, begging Wang Xifeng to help them intercede in front of Mrs. Wang.These mothers-in-law and maidservants are all serving in the Grand View Garden. If they don't keep vigil at night, they gamble in the Grand View Garden.Quite a few maidservants even privately communicated with the servants, and they did things in the Grand View Garden. Madam Wang found out, and she was so angry that she wanted to sell them all.
These people came to see Wang Xifeng for business, so naturally they gave a lot of gifts.Wang Xifeng did not accept their gifts, nor did she directly reject them, but said that she would intercede for them, but it was not certain whether it would be successful or not.
The maids and women were very grateful to see Wang Xifeng being so eloquent.
These years, Wang Xifeng did not manage the affairs of Rongguo Mansion anymore, her temper has improved a lot, and her attitude towards the servants is very gentle, which made the servants of Rongguo Mansion change their attitude towards her.
In the past, Wang Xifeng was a dominatrix in the eyes of servants of Ningrong and Rongfu.But now, in their eyes, Wang Xifeng is a kind and generous Second Mistress Lian.
The reason why Wang Xifeng's attitude towards servants has changed so much is not because she wants to gain a good reputation, but because she thinks it is unnecessary.She used to be a housekeeper, so she naturally had to discipline these servants severely.Now that she doesn't care about the house, there is no need to discipline these people as severely as before.Furthermore, since knowing that something will happen to Jia's family, Jia Lian and her have always maintained a friendly attitude.
She made up her mind to plead with Mrs. Wang for these people, and never wanted to be severely reprimanded by Mrs. Wang.From then on, she had a reason to openly refuse women and maids to come to her for help.
The mothers-in-law and servant girls saw that Wang Xifeng's intercession was useless, and they did not look for her again.
"Grandma, the madam is so unfeeling all of a sudden, people in the house are full of complaints." Ping'er said while rubbing Wang Xifeng's shoulders, "Everyone is complaining about the madam."
"Let them go." Wang Xifeng opened his eyes, lowered his eyelids to look at Ping'er, and warned, "Don't meddle in your own business."
"Grandma, even if this slave wants to meddle in other things, I can't do it. My wife doesn't even listen to you. How can I listen to my slave?" No one came to Ping'er for help, but many people came to Ping'er to complain, "Grandma, madam What do you want to manage the mansion so harshly all of a sudden?"
For a long time, Mrs. Wang has given the impression of gentleness and kindness to everyone in the Jia family. After all, she believes in Buddhism and often pays homage to Buddha and copies Buddhist scriptures.Even though he managed the Rongguo Mansion in the past few years, he was still gentle and kind.However, I didn't expect her to become so stern and ruthless all of a sudden, which made the servants of Rongguo Mansion somewhat unacceptable.
"It's very simple, the mansion can't support so many people anymore." Although Wang Xifeng didn't manage the mansion these years, she still has some understanding of Rongguo Mansion's financial situation. "Besides, these mothers-in-law and maidservants really don't look like each other. If they were in other people's homes, they would have been sent out long ago."
"Then why did you plead for them before?"
"Pretending to be." Wang Xifeng closed her eyes and enjoyed Ping'er's massage, "Don't underestimate these women and maids, when it's critical, they will come down and kill you."
Hearing Wang Xifeng's words, Ping'er couldn't help but pause, "Grandma, what do you mean..."
"My wife has done so many things. The maids in the mansion know more or less. When something happens next year, what do you think these maids will do?"
"Take the opportunity to retaliate."
"Yes, sometimes you really can't underestimate these maidservants." This is why Wang Xifeng is willing to intercede for them.
Ping'er understood what Wang Xifeng meant, and her tone was full of admiration: "Grandma is still wise."
"I did this to save us from suffering in the future." Wang Xifeng suddenly reached out and pulled Ping'er in front of her, "Ping'er, I will send you out after the new year."
"Grandma, don't you want slaves?" Ping'er was startled by Wang Xifeng's words.
"How can I not want you? If I send you out in advance, you can escape." Ping'er has been serving Wang Xifeng since she was a child. Over the years, she has not only been loyal to her, but also helped her with many things. She can't Let Ping'er suffer with them.
"Grandma, the slaves are not leaving, the slaves are with you..."
Ping'er was interrupted by Wang Xifeng before he finished speaking, "Aren't you stupid? What's the use of you suffering with us. I'll send you out, and you can help me take care of Sister Qiao and Brother Xiang."
"Aren't Miss and Young Master going to Ye Mansion?"
"I'm going to Ye Mansion, but with you as an acquaintance serving by my side, Sister Qiao and Brother Xiang will feel more at ease." Wang Xifeng exhorted with a serious expression, "Besides, with you taking care of me, Second Master Lian and I will also feel at ease." rest assured."
"Grandma..." Ping'er was reluctant to leave Wang Xifeng.
"Take it for me." Wang Xifeng held Ping'er's hand tightly, "Liu Jinu in front of Cousin Lin is good, how about I marry you to him?"
"what?"
"You are about the same age. If you marry him, you will not suffer hardships in this life." Wang Xifeng had this idea long ago, but she never said, "You also know that cousin Lin will be very promising in the future. Liu Jinu grew up in Lin Cousin serves you, he is Cousin Lin's confidant, not only will you not suffer hardships if you marry him, you may even enjoy blessings."
Ping'er never thought that she would get married, and Wang Xifeng's words made her dumbfounded.
"If I let you marry someone else, I am afraid that you will be wronged, but if I marry Liu Jinu, I am not afraid of you being wronged." Wang Xifeng said to Ping'er sincerely, "To be honest, if I let you marry Liu Jinu, We still climbed high."
"Grandma..." Ping'er's eyes were slightly red.
"I'm not short-sighted, and I won't let you and Second Master Lian, but you and Second Master Lian will be implicated." Wang Xifeng sighed softly, "If you and Second Master Lian can only have a roommate, but you If you marry Liu Jinu, you will be a regular wife. If you can be a regular wife, be a regular wife, don't be an aunt, and don't be a housekeeper."
Ping'er's eyes were wet by Wang Xifeng's words, and his voice was a little choked up: "Grandma, I can't bear you..."
"It's not that you can't see me." Wang Xifeng was a little sad as she spoke, with tears in her eyes, "You have been with me for so many years, I have to let you marry well, so that you will have no worries for the rest of your life."
"Grandma..." Ping'er lay on Wang Xifeng's lap and began to cry.
"Ping'er, listen to me."
"Okay, I'll follow grandma's arrangement, it's just... Mr. Lin..."
"I'll let Second Master Lian talk to Cousin Lin." Wang Xifeng wiped the tears from the corners of his eyes, and said with a smile, "Based on the beauty of our family, Ping'er, that boy Liu Jinu will definitely take a fancy to him."
Ping'er was a little embarrassed by Wang Xifeng's words, "Grandma, the girls around Mr. Lin are not bad." Ping'er was talking about Pei Lan and Guizhi.
"You are no worse than them." Wang Xifeng thought for a while and said, "If Liu Jinu doesn't like you, I'll arrange for you again."
"Everything is arranged by grandma." For grandma, she is willing to marry.
"Don't worry, I will let you marry well."
When Jia Lian came back from outside, Wang Xifeng told him about Ping'er and Liu Jinu.
After hearing this, Jia Lian felt that Wang Xifeng's arrangement was quite good, but it would depend on Lin Huaiyu's side whether it would work or not.
"I will talk to Brother Huai about this when I visit him tomorrow, but it may not be possible."
"I know. If it works, it's naturally the best. If it doesn't work, I'll find it for Ping'er."
"It's still thoughtful of you to send Ping'er ahead of time, and let her go to Ye Mansion to take care of Sister Qiao and Brother Xiang."
"I thought that with Ping'er taking care of her, Cousin Lin and the others would have less to worry about, and we could feel at ease."
"The end of next year's palace examination is not far away..." Jia Lian looked at Wang Xifeng and asked, "Are you afraid?"
"It would be a lie to say that I am not afraid, but with you here, I am not so afraid."
"Me too."
The next day, Jia Lian went to Ye Mansion to visit Lin Huaiyu and told him about Ping'er and Liu Jinu.
After hearing this, Lin Huaiyu was surprised: "Cousin, do you want Ping'er to marry Liu Jinu?"
As soon as Jia Lian saw Lin Huaiyu's expression, he knew that he had misunderstood something, so he quickly clarified: "Ping'er is not my roommate, and I didn't accept it." Wang Xifeng disagreed, so he didn't dare to mess around.Later, he was warned by Lin Huaiyu to pay attention to his private life, and he was so frightened that he got rid of his lewdness long ago. "Your cousin doesn't want to bring Ping'er into trouble, and wants Ping'er to marry someone before the accident. After much deliberation, only Liu Jinu by your side is suitable. Your cousin also knows that Ping'er is the one to marry Liu Jinu. .”
"I understand the meaning of my cousin." Lin Huaiyu understood Wang Xifeng's purpose of marrying Ping'er to Liu Jinu, "However, I have the final say on this matter. I have to ask Liu Jinu if he is willing. If he is willing, I will not I will object. If he doesn't want to, I won't force him." After all, getting married is a major event in life, and it's a matter of life, so Lin Huaiyu will not force Liu Jinu to marry Ping'er.
"Okay, then you can ask him." Jia Lian said, "If he is willing, let Ping'er marry him next year. If he is not willing, forget it."
"I'll ask him later."
"Brother Huai, then I won't disturb you for now."
"Whether Liu Jinu is willing or not, let him go to Rongguo Mansion to find you."
"Okay." Jia Lian knew that Lin Huaiyu would be busy studying, so he said goodbye and left.
As soon as he left, Lin Huaiyu called Liu Jinu in and asked him if he would marry Ping'er.
Before, when Lin Huaiyu and the others lived in Rongguo Mansion, Liu Jinu had met Ping'er, had contact with Ping'er, and heard a lot about Ping'er from others.
"Master, can people take a fancy to the little one?"
"So, would you like to?"
"Miss Ping'er is beautiful and capable, of course the young one would like to marry her."
"If you want, they will marry you."
"really?"
"Really." Lin Huaiyu looked at the happy Liu Jinu with a funny face, "Since you are willing, then go to Rongguo Mansion to find your cousin in person later."
"Yes, sir."
Lin Huaiyu took a deep look at Liu Jinu, "I thought you liked Pei Lan or Gui Zhi."
"Ah?" Liu Jinu was startled by Lin Huaiyu's words, "Young master, how dare you like Pei Lan and Gui Zhi."
Lin Huaiyu was puzzled: "Why not?"
"Master, aren't Peilan and the others going to be with you in the future..."
Lin Huaiyu glared at Liu Jinu, "What nonsense, they are just my maids, they will not have other identities." He has no habit of accepting house maids.Moreover, as a modern person, he has always accepted monogamy.When they get married in the future, they will only marry one wife.
Liu Jinu was too frightened to say anything more, "I know I was wrong."
"Go to Rongguo Mansion."
"Let's go now, little one, and leave, little one."
Seeing Liu Jinu's face full of joy, Lin Huaiyu shook his head with a grin. He didn't expect Ping'er to marry Liu Jinu, which is really unexpected.
Knowing that Liu Jinu is willing to marry Ping'er, Wang Xifeng is busy preparing a dowry for Ping'er.However, no one in the Rongguo Mansion knew that Ping'er was going to marry Liu Jinu next year.
Lin Huaiyu doesn't need to worry about Liu Jinu and Heping'er's marriage, he continues to study in closed doors.Even during the Chinese New Year, he reads from dawn to dusk every day.
On the 22nd day of the first lunar month, Liu Jinu married Ping'er.Although the wedding is relatively simple, it is not shabby, on the contrary, it is quite lively.
Not long after Liu Jinu and Heping'er got married, the exam will start.
At the beginning of February, the county examination and the general examination were held at the same time.However, the specifications of the county test are naturally not as good as the general test.
The process of the general examination is the same as that of the township examination, and the place of the examination is also the Gongyuan.The tribute courtyards in the capital are naturally incomparable to the tribute courtyards in other prefectures.
On the morning of the exam, Lin Huaiyu got up at Yinshi on time, and when he finished his workout and washed up, he went to the dining hall, and Ye Wenfu and the others arrived.
Lin Huaiyu took the imperial examination, and Ye Wenfu and the others accompanied him to have breakfast, and then they would personally send him to the examination room.
During breakfast, Ye Wenfu rarely became nagging, repeatedly telling Lin Huaiyu something.
Mrs. Ye repeatedly checked the luggage that Lin Huaiyu brought into the examination room to see if he had missed or missed anything.
The general examination is the same as the rural examination for nine days, and candidates are not allowed to leave the examination room during these nine days, so Lin Huaiyu has to bring a large bag and a small bag to the examination room.
"Did you bring the silver charcoal? Did you bring the hand stove and Mrs. Tang?" Mrs. Ye asked while checking, "Did you bring the ginger soup?"
In early February, the weather in Beijing was very cold.Lin Huaiyu would suffer from frostbite during the exam if he didn't prepare something to keep him warm or warm.
"Madam has brought everything." Zhang Nanny also checked several times, repeatedly confirming that everything was brought before she was relieved.
"It's better to take that tiger skin cloak with you." Madam Ye said, "The tiger skin cloak is warm."
"Mother-in-law, let's forget about the tiger skin cloak, it's too high-profile." Lin Huaiyu felt that if he went to the exam wearing a tiger skin cloak, everyone, including the chief examiner, would be shocked.
"What's so high-profile about the tiger-skin cloak, besides, this tiger-skin cloak was awarded to your adoptive father by the emperor."
"Mother-in-law, I think a wolf fur cloak is quite warm, but a tiger skin cloak is fine." He didn't dare to wear the tiger skin cloak that the emperor bestowed on his adoptive father to take the exam.
"Wolf skin is not as warm as tiger skin." Seeing that Lin Huaiyu was unwilling to approve the tiger skin cloak, Madam Ye had to give it up, "Then bring another bear skin cloak."
"Okay, then bring another bearskin cloak." The bearskin cloak was also a gift from Emperor Qinglong to Ye Wenfu.
"By the way, fox fur boots are not warm, so bring two pairs of deerskin and bearskin boots." Madam Ye said again, "Bring a few pairs of socks made of rabbit fur, so that you can dress warmly."
"Old slave, go get it now."
"That's right, there's Nuanyu." Mrs. Ye raised her hand and patted her forehead, "Why did I forget Nuanyu from my memory, I'll go get it now."
Lin Huaiyu: "..." Mother-in-law, I'm going to take the exam, not a long journey, so I don't need to bring so many things.
Soon, Mrs. Ye brought a blood-red jade pendant and put it on Lin Huaiyu herself.
"You wear it warm against your chest."
Lin Huaiyu found that the warm jade became slightly feverish not long after wearing it.Although not as warm as modern baby warmers, the warm and mild temperature is quite good.
"If the chest is warm, it won't freeze." Mrs. Ye patted Lin Huaiyu's chest lightly, and said, "You must wear it properly."
"Mother-in-law, don't worry, I will wear it well."
Mrs. Ye checked again, and after making sure that all the things were brought, she was relieved.
On the way to the Gongyuan, Ye Wenfu told Lin Huaiyu about the regulations and rules of the examination.
"do not worry."
"Father, I'm not nervous." In the past few months, he has experienced countless mock exams, and he has long been numb to the exam.He was still nervous during the first mock exam, but now...he just wants to get rid of it early.
"It's good not to be nervous." Ye Wenfu nodded and said, "Father believes that you can pass the exam."
Mrs. Ye echoed Ye Wenfu's words and said, "Brother Huai, the foster mother also believes that you can pass the exam."
"Brother, I also believe that you can pass the exam." Xiao Daiyu said again, "Brother, you are the best!"
Hearing the encouragement from her family, Lin Huaiyu smiled slightly: "I also think I can do well in the exam."
Seeing Lin Huaiyu's confident expression, Ye Wenfu and the others were relieved.
"Brother, wait for your triumphant return!"
"it is good!"
The Gong Yuan is a bit far from Ye Mansion, and it took half an hour to arrive.
Lin Huaiyu didn't let Ye Wenfu and the others get off the carriage and take him to the gate of the Gongyuan, "Father, mother, sister, I'm going to take the exam, you go back."
"Don't be nervous, take the exam easily."
"I see." Lin Huaiyu just jumped out of the carriage when he saw Jia Lian walking towards him, "Cousin, why are you here?"
"I'm here to see you off for the exam." Jia Lian said with a smile, "You take the exam today, and I, as a cousin, must come to see you off. I wanted to go to Ye Mansion first, but there was a traffic jam on the road, so I came directly Gongyuan is waiting for you."
"Cousin, I've troubled you." Lin Huaiyu was moved by Jia Lian's special visit to the Gong Yuan to see him off.
"What's the matter?" Jia Lian patted Lin Huaiyu on the shoulder and encouraged, "Brother Huai, I believe you will pass the exam."
"Thank you cousin."
"I won't bother you anymore, hurry up and line up." The gate of the Gongyuan was crowded with people, and Jia Lian urged before leaving, "Brother Huai, pay attention to your health during the exam."
"I know." Lin Huaiyu clasped his fist at Jia Lian, "Cousin, I'm going to line up."
"Go."
Lin Huaiyu went to queue with a big bag and a small bag.To be honest, at the gate of the Gongyuan, the examinees lined up carrying a large bag and a small bag, which is really similar to the situation in the modern world where migrant workers line up at the train station when they return home during the Chinese New Year.
He thought he had brought a lot of luggage, but he found that a dear friend had brought four or five packages. Is this because he is moving his family here?
The gate of the Tribute Academy has not been opened yet, the candidates can only line up in the square at the gate, everyone chatting with each other, the scene is very lively.
There is a difference between the National Examination and the National Examination.When taking the provincial exam, every candidate is very nervous, fearing that he will fail the exam.However, the exam is different. Most of the candidates are not too nervous, and they are not worried about failing the exam.
Many people come to participate in the test, with the attitude of giving it a try.Failure to pass the Gongshi examination will not have a great impact on the candidates, because they have already passed the Juren examination and can be officials.Of course, it is best to pass the Gongshi examination, so that they can continue to participate in the palace examination.
Compared with the provincial examination, the atmosphere of the general examination is very relaxed.
At the beginning of Maoshi, the gate of the Gongyuan opened on time, and candidates entered the Gongyuan in order.
After entering the Gongyuan, they began to line up and be searched.
The search of the general examination is stricter than that of the rural examination, and every candidate must take off all his clothes.The yamen servants will carefully check every piece of clothing of the candidates, even their underwear.This is to prevent candidates from hiding cheat sheets in interlayers in their clothes.I heard that someone once sewed a sandwich in the underwear to hide the cheat sheet, so the underwear was also checked during the exam.
When it was Lin Huaiyu's turn, he didn't take off his clothes awkwardly like the others, but he took off his clothes very generously and let the government officials check.
On the contrary, the yamen servants were embarrassed, blushing slightly, checked his clothes as quickly as possible, and respectfully asked him to get dressed quickly.
After the inspection, Lin Huaiyu went down to the first examination room where he was led by the yamen servant.That's right, he was in the first examination room and the first seat again.
Lin Huaiyu was shocked when she found herself in the first seat again.Sitting in the first seat means that he got the first place in the country in the provincial examination.