Daiyu's wife in the Red Chamber

Chapter 105

Whenever a big family hosts a banquet, most of them set up a stage to present music. Singers and dancers rarely appear. Or press the silver zither, or dance gracefully, the singing and dancing are extremely corrupt, and seeing the frivolity of the officials present, Wei Ruolan's eyes flashed a trace of coldness.

He wanted to see what Zhang Kuang's intentions were. He had a look at Zhang Kuang, who was sitting high and vigorous, and then listened to the officials sitting on the table below.

Wei Ruolan sat down with her eyes down, secretly remembering it in her heart.

Zhang Kuang is over fifty years old, with gray beard and hair, but with an air of youthfulness, holding up the wine glass in front of him, he smiled at Wei Ruolan and said, "General Wei, when you come to our Ping'an Prefecture, just feel free and carefree. If you encounter any difficulties, just come to me."

Wei Ruolan is the host and guest, although he is a general of the third rank, but because of Daiyu, he is ranked the second rank, the highest rank among all officials except Zhang Kuang. Hearing Zhang Kuang's words, he raised his wine glass with a smile and said: " The lower officials are new here, they don’t know anything about this place, and they haven’t been handed over to the camp yet, but at this moment, after listening to the words of the elder, they let go of their hearts, and have the elder to take care of them, so why worry about it?”

Zhang Kuang laughed loudly, and said, "Who doesn't know that you and your subordinates, General Wei, are all highly skilled in martial arts, and when they were intercepted and killed by bandits, they took part of their army and annihilated them all."

Wei Ruolan said humbly: "It's all thanks to the guards of my own soldiers, so I can avoid this catastrophe."

After hearing these words, a drunken-eyed official said: "General Wei is really capable. With General Wei leading troops to guard the city of Ping'an Prefecture, we don't have to be afraid of those thieves who are elusive."

Wei Ruolan asked and looked, it was none other than Ma Guangqing, the magistrate of Ping'an Prefecture, who was about fifty years old.Before entering the table, Zhang Kuang treated Wei Ruolan very warmly, personally introduced him to all the civil and military officials present, and praised him very much in speech and demeanor, which made several officials feel a little dissatisfied, and one of them was Ma Guangqing .

"Prefect Ma is over-reputed. I am young and my skills are not very good. I have only been a bodyguard for a few years, but I have relied on Zu Yin and Shengen to get to where I am today. How can I live up to the words of Prefect Ma? Defending Ping'an Prefecture and besieging bandit leaders We should wait for the officials to do it hand in hand, I can't and I can't defend the city and defend the enemy alone." Wei Ruolan replied lightly, compared with Ma Guangqing's slightly mocking words, he seemed even more Gentle and kind.

Zhang Kuang sat on the top and said with a smile: "I said that General Wei is too modest. Who doesn't know that General Wei was good at shooting arrows and shooting tigers and fighting black bears with his bare hands when he was young? Why didn't others get it with the grace of ancestors? An errand for the imperial guards? When General Wei arrives in our Ping'an Prefecture, our Ping'an Prefecture will be even more powerful!"

Everyone said yes, and said that Wei Ruolan was too humble, and many words of praise came at his fingertips. They praised Wei Ruolan endlessly, and the sound of drums could not conceal their voices.

Wei Ruolan blushed, seemed very shy, and bowed her head in silence.

In less than a quarter of an hour from entering Zhang's house to taking the seat, Wei Ruolan noticed that eight or nine out of ten of the officials present had sloppy footsteps, their faces were tired, and they looked like they were in a state of drunkenness. statement.Although the rest of the adults were not so good, they all tried their best to behave like the former. Most of these people were the confidantes of Emperor Changtai.

Not only is the situation in Ping'an Prefecture precarious, it may have already become half of the imperial court, and Zhang Kuang has the final say on all matters, and what happens to the soldiers in the camp is still unknown.After Wei Ruolan had this realization in her heart, she became more cautious in her speech and behavior.

When the banquet was about to end, the dancing and music stopped for a while, and everyone wanted to get up to change their clothes. Zhang Kuang waved his hand and said to the crowd with a smile: "These concubines, singing and dancing girls in my house are nothing else. Ask them to serve you, and if you like it, you can take it back to the residence." He said, pointing to a most outstanding person to serve Wei Ruolan.

Ordering concubines and maidservants to serve guests is common in rich families, and the others laughed jokingly, and all looked at Wei Ruolan.

To their surprise, Wei Ruolan refused directly, and said: "Your official is newly married, and you have never liked this way. My lord knows that my official flies arrows and shoots tigers. Don't you know that my official has already sworn to be the same for life?" He originally wanted to say disdain, but many officials and singing and dancing girls made fun of him, so he changed his disdain to dislike, so as not to offend everyone.

Zhang Kuang said with a smile: "General Wei has both civil and military skills, and is highly valued by the current saint. Why is this? Could it be that he is afraid of the majesty of the county lord?"

Wei Ruolan said sternly: "My lord is just joking. The oath was made by the lower official for several years. Why bother to involve the county lord and ruin the reputation of the county lord? Please don't bring it up again, my lord."

Zhang Kuang smiled when he heard the words, and didn't force himself.

On the contrary, Ma Guangqing and other officials all laughed and said, "General Wei really doesn't know the joys of life." Each of them helped Ji Ren leave the table and change clothes.

Of course, Wei Ruolan was not the only one who called the servants to come in to take care of changing clothes and other things, instead of maids and concubines, there were also several officials present who did not see dissatisfaction on Zhang Kuang's face.

After this incident, until entering the banquet again, Wei Ruolan was somewhat uncertain about Zhang Kuang's thoughts.

Wei Ruolan couldn't see through Zhang Kuang.

He is worthy of being an old man who has been in business in Ping'an Prefecture for more than ten years, and he is worthy of being the trusted confidant of the Supreme Emperor, and he is also worthy of being so feared by Emperor Changtai. He neither demonstrated nor threatened. Feng Hua Xue Yue seems to have no ambitions, and is ashamed that he has no ability to suppress bandits and calm the people, only saying that he is mediocre.

Even so, Wei Ruolan still did not dare to take it lightly.

Hearing Zhang Kuang ask herself when to suppress bandits and when to provide disaster relief, Wei Ruolan said respectfully: "I haven't taken office yet and handed over to the former general, so I dare not rashly set a date for suppressing bandits. Besides, there must be a charter for suppressing bandits, and there is none at this time." As for the disaster relief, this matter is not under the control of the lower officials, it is expected that His Majesty should make arrangements, please don't worry, my lord."

Zhang Kuang sighed: "Don't be in a hurry, the general Wei has seen it all along the way. There are many robbers, the people are in dire straits, merchants dare not pass by, and the people dare not farm. As a result, the economy is depressed and the fields are barren. They are waiting for the court to save their lives. .”

Wei Ruolan smiled wryly and said: "The next official has just arrived, and there is nothing he can do."

Zhang Kuang was silent.

An official who had been placed by Emperor Changtai in Ping'an Prefecture spoke up and distracted from this matter.

At this moment, Daiyu heard from Mrs. Zhang that Emperor Changtai had kept two or three secrets from the outside world, and she was also paying attention to everything like Wei Ruolan.

She is intelligent by nature and clever, and when she pays attention, she will lead Mrs. Zhang to reveal more information unconsciously. In the ears of others, these are just trivial things, or they have nothing to do with the officialdom at all, but they often discuss with Wei Ruolan Daiyu, who was dealing with various affairs in the court, was rough in her heart, and she realized that something was wrong.

Mrs. Zhang is over fifty years old, with a strong figure and an ordinary appearance. She is very unbearable wrapped in brocade silk, not to mention Daiyu herself, even the most ordinary-looking little maid present is more beautiful than Mrs. Zhang.

However, Mrs. Zhang didn't care about this, and chatted happily with Daiyu and everyone.

Mrs. Zhang was unaware of Daiyu's secret caution, and asked Daiyu with a smile: "They are listening to music and watching songs and dances in the front, and we will watch the show in the back. The county master said how is the show today? It is better than the one in the capital." How's the troupe?"

Daiyu replied: "One south and one north, each has its own merits."

Mrs. Zhang smiled unconsciously, and said: "After hearing what the county lord said, I knew that our family did not raise this group of little actors for nothing. They were all bought from Jiangnan. Is the county lord who played the clown just now?" Does it look familiar?"

Daiyu shook her head and said, "I never paid attention to it."

Mrs. Zhang beckoned her servant girl to bring the clown up, but at the age of twelve or thirteen, Daiyu took a closer look and found that she looked kind. After thinking about it, she suddenly looked at the clown in surprise and said, "Are you Is it the British official who sang operas in the Rongguo Mansion? On Miss Xue’s birthday that year, both you and Lingguan went to my grandmother to answer the question.”

The clown knelt down and kowtowed: "If you go back to Miss Lin, I was the one who played the clown back then. I didn't expect to meet Miss Lin here. Don't you come and get well?"

Daiyu asked suspiciously: "Didn't you go back to your hometown with your parents and family? How can you still sing opera?"

Yingguan's eyes turned red, and he didn't dare to show grievance in front of many imperial wives, sobbing: "Back then, Fangguan and Ouguan were afraid that they would be sold by their parents and family members after returning home, so they all stayed behind. House. I don’t believe their words. I’m waiting for my parents and second elder brother to pick me up. Who would have thought that they would sell me before I got home after leaving the mansion. I lived in Rongguo Mansion and sang operas for noble concubines. Come up, they really sold me for a good price, a full 50 taels of silver, so happy that my brother said that he could marry a good wife, and moved to Ping'an Prefecture, where he joined the theater troupe in the master's wife's house."

Daiyu originally thought that those opera singers who had left would be able to reunite with their parents and family members and share the joy of the family, but she did not expect to agree with the opera singers who would not go back, and sighed: "How did you end up in this situation?"

Yingguan said: "Anyway, it's just my life."

When Daiyu heard this, she became more and more sad. When someone asked what was going on, Mrs. Zhang laughed and told the story of the future. Everyone was surprised and said, "There is such a coincidence? The opera singer who sang in the Rongguo Mansion was exiled. When we arrived at the residence of Lord Jiedushi, we met our old master again on this day, just like in the opera."

Daiyu nodded and said, "No, I didn't expect to meet this girl." After finishing speaking, she ordered Zihao to take some gold and silver scorpions, purse rulers and other things to reward the British officials, so that she could take care of herself.

Happily, the British official kowtowed to thank him again, and stepped back after being ordered by Mrs. Zhang.

Mrs. Zhang said with a smile: "It's just a small opera singer. If the county lord wants her to go because of old feelings, I have no reason not to give her."

Daiyu shook her head slowly, and said: "The humble house doesn't support opera singers, and the maids and servants can do their best, so don't take madam's favor." She only had that one-sided relationship with the British officials, and she usually saw them on the stage. I can't recognize her, and besides, it has been more than two years since Yingguan left the mansion, who knows if she belongs to someone else?Even if she was full of sympathy, she didn't want to ask for trouble.

Mrs. Zhang was not annoyed either, and said, "Since the county magistrate doesn't want it, then that's all."

Daiyu smiled and said, "Even so, I still have to thank Madam for her kindness."

She felt that going to the banquet today was really hard work, and it took far more effort than socializing in the capital. She finally looked forward to the end of the song, but when she heard that the banquet in front of her was over, she got up and said goodbye, saying: "I just arrived in Ping An yesterday. Zhou, I am very tired, madam, don't blame me for leaving at this time, I will return tomorrow, please madam and all the ladies, please do your best."

Daiyu felt that the information obtained secretly today was far from enough, not enough for her to understand the affairs of Ping'an Prefecture and Zhang's family, so she simply held a banquet to invite them back in two days, and it is unknown if some information came out after inquiring.

Mrs. Zhang agreed with a smile, took her to the second gate, and informed Wei Ruolan before leaving in a car.

Needless to say all the way, after returning home, changing clothes and freshening up, Wei Ruolan and Daiyu sat opposite each other in the bedroom, their faces solemn, talking about what they saw and heard today, Daiyu quietly listened to what Wei Ruolan said The words, secretly remembering Zhang Kuang, said: "Mrs. Zhang actually knew about our donation of 10 taels of silver that year. I remember you said that outsiders don't know about this."

Wei Ruolan was shocked, and said: "Really? They knew about the money you donated later?"

Daiyu said in a deep voice: "Not only does she know, but she also knows the amount. She even knows the few taels I donated later. If I tell you ladies, I feel bad."

Wei Ruolan was silent for a long time, and said in a low voice, "I'm afraid that the news from His Majesty's side has leaked out."

Daiyu sighed, and then told Wei Ruolan what Yingguan and herself had noticed from Mrs. Zhang's words, and finally said: "In my opinion, Ping'an Prefecture is really not simple, especially Zhang's family. He seems to know all about the affairs of the capital, but I don't believe it's a coincidence, and he dare not take in British officials. Bandits and bandits are rampant outside Ping'an Prefecture, and drunk people are dying inside, but the land is barren and the people are miserable. I don't know what the envoy is thinking What. It's a pity that the manuscripts you gave didn't mention what happened in Ping'an Prefecture, and I don't know what secrets and major events were mentioned in the letters between the uncle and the Jiedu Envoy of Ping'an Prefecture in the manuscripts."

If Jia She and Zhang Kuang were in contact in this life, maybe they could find out some clues, but Jia She was persuaded by Jia Lian to honestly drink with his little wife at home and stop these collusion.

Wei Ruolan said: "There must have been a major event in Ping'an Prefecture, either a civil uprising or a rebellion, or it involved the Rongguo Mansion just like that. However, although the crime of rebellion does not implicate the nine clans every time, it is like the Rongguo Mansion. It is impossible to escape the crime lightly. After all, brother Bao Jialan and others did not lose their lives. Therefore, I originally guessed that the people of Pingan Prefecture were in dire straits. What you said about Mrs. Zhang, I am not sure about my previous guess. Only here did I know that we don’t know much about Ping’an Prefecture, so let’s see.” Cao Gong left behind an eternal mystery that he cannot solve.

Daiyu nodded and said, "Are you going to the barracks tomorrow?"

Wei Ruolan said: "If it wasn't for Master Jiedu Envoy Zhang's post, he would have gone to the camp today, and he would not officially take up the post until after the handover. The matter of suppressing bandits is imminent. Only by controlling the military power in the camp can we not take up the post." Restricted by Zhang Dushi. I don't know what Zhang Dushi is thinking, but he has no intention of blocking me from entering the barracks."

Daiyu thought carefully about what Wei Ruolan had said before, and said with her head tilted: "So confident, it just means that he has already controlled all the power in Ping'an Prefecture, so he is not afraid of you, a new official."

Wei Ruolan let out a long sigh, feeling the same way.

Even so, Wei Ruolan packed up and went to the barracks in the early morning of the second day. Except for a few personal soldiers who followed, everyone stayed in the house to protect Daiyu.Don't look at the thieves and bandits outside the city of Ping'an Prefecture, but there is no peace in the city. Otherwise, would there be robbers coming and looting the rich family?If it wasn't for the fact that the military camp, including the surrounding area, could not accommodate Daiyu, Wei Ruolan would never let Daiyu live in the city.

Daiyu ordered people to tidy up all the things that they hadn't had time to put away the day before yesterday, and ordered the steward to go to the city of Ping'an Prefecture to inquire about the big and small news of this place, and to check the market so that they could prepare banquets. Soup.

When I didn't come to Ping'an Prefecture, I only thought that this trip was clear at a glance. Only when I got here did I know that the world is troubled, and everyone should not underestimate it.

Zijuan took a few women and servants to deliver things to Chen Rui and Yinglian, and came back in a hurry: "Miss, something is wrong, let's send someone to inform the uncle."

Daiyu was startled and asked, "What's going on?"

Zijuan panted and said: "I don't know who said that the girl has a compassionate heart. She once donated all the money left to the girl by the master to the court for disaster relief. Now the girl comes out of the cabinet with a large dowry, and the money is transported to Ping'an Prefecture. Relief to the suffering people in Ping'an Prefecture. But after a night and a half, everyone in the city has known it, and more and more poor people feel that this statement is justified, saying that the girl's failure to help them is false mercy, and she has come to our house. I abandoned it. Car, I squeezed back from the crowd with great difficulty and told the girl."

The more Zicuckoo talked, the more worried she became, she was so anxious that tears fell, who are these people?They have just arrived and haven't settled down yet, yet they force Daiyu to give away the money they brought, this move is really hateful!

As soon as the words came out, everyone in the room changed color.

Mother Liu hurriedly asked: "How many people did you meet on the way back? How many people are there?" As she spoke, she couldn't wait for Zijuan's answer, so she hurriedly ordered Zihao to go out and order all the guards and servants to wait.

Both Niu Fang and Zhou Kui stayed at home and got the news. Zhou Kui led the people to guard the front and back doors and the fence. Thousands, mighty, all came for grandma's dowry silver, I have already asked the best brother of Qinggong to tell the general."

Daiyu sighed: "I didn't expect Mrs. Zhang to talk about donating money that year in front of people, but it would cause such a riot. If there is a mismanagement, no one in our family will be left alone."

Madam Liu said with a heavy face, "What should we do?"

Daiyu frowned slightly, and suddenly she made up her mind, beckoned Nanny Liu to come over, and gave some instructions in a low voice.