The bear child of the Red Chamber, Jia Cong

Chapter 979

A rich man came to Chang'an HSBC Bank, bringing more than a dozen carts of foreign treasures in exchange for gold.Fortunately, due to the closure of the main branch in Chengdu, the branch in Chang'an has actually taken over the business of the Shu Kingdom, and the manpower has been greatly expanded.

In less than two months, prices in the market in Shu suddenly soared.The imperial court had prepared rice, flour, cloth and other items early on, and various states and counties set up official sales offices, which forced down the prices of several daily items, so that rare items could not be controlled.Many factories wanted to close because their owners moved away from Shu, so the government sent people to buy them, and hired talented people from the people to run them.The shortage of workers sent troops to replenish the population of the colony.

As the guerrillas died down, the turmoil quickly subsided everywhere.By the end of the year, the country was generally stable.The lowly slave status among the Chinese people has been abolished, and even the maids in the palace have signed service contracts, and the monthly money has been changed to salary.A few years ago, the Kingdom of Shu no longer added new eunuchs, but there were still many eunuchs.They have nowhere to go, and they still stay in the palace to work.The workers brought in from the colonies were in fact slaves, and since the imperial court was mixed up, no one pointed it out.

It was not until the middle of February of the following year that the king of Shu returned to the country and sent someone to the palace to report to his son.The prince rushed over to pay his respects.The king of Shu has seen what his son did from the newspapers in the south, and he also knows that the guerrillas were forced to do nothing.Sui not only didn't blame the prince for messing around, but praised her a few words.

The son said: "My son is incompetent, I can only think of this stupid way."

The king of Shu said: "It's great that you can prepare for the crisis early. The lonely king may not have thought of it."

The father and son had just talked for a while, and the queen mother sent someone to tell her son that there was something urgent, and the king of Shu hurried over.The Queen Mother happily called her son to her and said, "I have taken care of Yan'er's daughter-in-law, and I will ensure that she is satisfied."

The King of Shu was startled: "Does Yan'er like it?"

The Queen Mother said with a stern face: "Since ancient times, the parents of the marriage have ordered the words of the matchmaker, so she can't decide whether she likes it or not." Then she laughed, "Don't worry, this girl is the one in a thousand, she is smart and smart. Sensible." The King of Shu thought about it for a long time and was about to speak when the Queen Mother said first, "That's it. I have already chosen a date, and the ninth day of the next lunar month is an auspicious day, and it is the most suitable day for marriage."

The King of Shu hurriedly said, "Queen Mother, I'm in a hurry."

"No hurry." The Queen Mother smiled like a spring breeze, "I have been preparing for half a year, and the girl's dowry has also been packed, and I am just waiting for the big wedding."

The king of Shu frowned: "Has the queen mother told others?"

"Naturally." The Queen Mother said, "I even sent two people to their house to take care of her." Nai waved his hand and said, "You men don't have to worry about these backyard matters. Hurry up and make a decree for An's family, and that's it .”

Newspapers in other countries will not report such small gossips as the son of the Kingdom of Shu accepting two side concubines. "Chengdu Weekly" never said anything, so the King of Shu didn't know anything.Seeing the appearance of the Queen Mother, I knew something must have happened.Sui Xu made a fuss about it, and refused to make an order on the spot.The queen mother was so angry that the king of Shu said helplessly: "My mother, my son has only entered the mansion for less than an hour. After going out for half a year, there are more things in the country than in the previous ten years. As the king of Shu, the son You have to figure it out first, don’t you? I just paid my respects to my father, and he also said that Yan’er and A Cen have been tormented enough.”

The Queen Mother snorted heavily: "Anyway, I have already decided on this one. If he agrees, he has to agree, or if he doesn't agree, he has to agree. It's up to him."It just so happened that Situ Cen came to ask for an audience outside, so he took the opportunity to run away.

When the King of Shu returned to the outer study, he coughed twice when he saw his son, younger brother and several staff members laying maps and charts on the long case.Situ Cen didn't turn his head back and said, "Second brother came just in time. We're thinking about building the railway. There are several plans, take a look?"

The King of Shu glanced at them and coughed twice: "A Cen, spread the bed slowly first. Yan'er comes with me." Then he led the prince to the next ear room.

When the son thought about it, her father had just come out from his grandmother's place, so he made a rough guess and suddenly had a headache.The King of Shu asked in a low voice, "What happened? Why is your grandmother determined to marry you?"

The prince shook his head: "Sure enough, if you can run on the first day of the lunar new year, you won't be able to run to the fifteenth day. Father, this matter is a long story." Then he talked about Qiu Xingzheng recommending Ding Mei, and he personally went out to pry her over. The side concubine Xu used the female officer and Ding Mei to trick the three ladies into saying that she fell in love with Tong Buye's ins and outs. "I originally thought that if Tong Buye stayed in the Jiaofang Division, my grandparents would definitely not allow me to marry her, so I could stay in a stalemate for a few more years."

The King of Shu frowned and said, "It's not your fault, but Ah Cen should understand. When he got married, he almost didn't marry your third aunt. Your grandmother didn't want your children and grandchildren to be the masters of the marriage. It would be easier if you were vague. Knowing it is like offending her. It's hard to handle now."

The prince also frowned and said, "I don't want to burden other girls."

The King of Shu thought for a while: "That's all, I'll think about it later."

The two of them returned to the outer study, and first discussed state affairs with Situ Cen and others, until dinner time.The King of Shu took the opportunity to tell Situ Cen that the Empress Dowager had appointed a concubine for his son.Situ Cen clicked his tongue: "I actually forgot about my mother's temper! What should I do?" He thought for a while, "You still need someone to tie the bell to untie the bell. The matter was caused by Ding Mei, so let her handle it."

The King of Shu thought about it and said, "Alright, let's see what the leader of the Qin State can come up with." Then he called his son over.

The prince was stunned for a long time after hearing this. "Then... Whose girl did my grandmother choose for me?"

The King of Shu said "Ouch" and said, "I forgot to ask my mother." Situ Cen gave him a big roll of his eyes.

So he quickly sent a confidant eunuch to the Queen Mother's yard to inquire.Not long after, the eunuch came back and said: "The queen mother said that she is the eldest granddaughter of Lord Anzi Xiao'an."

Situ Cen gave a thumbs up with a smile: "Sir Xiao'an is the number one handsome man in my court, and his daughter must look like a fairy. The eldest nephew is so beautiful."

The son couldn't laugh or cry, and called a follower over. "Go to my house and ask Mr. Zhan Shiding to come over."

Not long after, Ding Mei came.The crown prince was busy reporting to the King of Shu about replenishing labor from the colony a while ago, and he was not free, but Situ Cen walked out and led Ding Mei to the ear room and said so and so on.Ding Mei couldn't help laughing: "Does the Queen Mother think that the son is so lustful?" Nai shook her head. "Weichen understands. I'm going to deal with it now." Situ Cen smiled and cupped his hands.

At this time, the sky was getting dark early, but fortunately, the clear oil street lamps beside the main road were bright and bright.Since he was about to enter the Shu Palace, Ding Mei naturally changed into a third-rank official robe.She didn't go back either, and went straight to An Zixiao's mansion.

When I reached the door, I knocked on the knocker, and after a long time an old doorman came out, shouting, "Who is disturbing you in the middle of the night?"

Ding Mei's entourage is acquainted, and he opened his mouth and said: "A senior member of the third rank."

The old man shuddered, and said: "Our master is from the second rank."

The entourage said: "There are three or four men in your family, only Mr. An is from the second grade. The rest of the men are more than twenty years older than our adults, and their official titles are not as high as ours."

Only then did the old man see clearly that there was a master in a crimson official robe and a black gauze hat with flat wings standing behind his back at the door. He looked young and handsome, and he was so frightened that he hurriedly beat Qian'er: "I have seen the master. If you dare to ask the master's name, I will let you in easily." Return to the master."

Ding Mei let out a "hmm" and frowned slightly.Abolishing slaves can only let go if they want to go, but this old slave is used to being a slave, and he would rather follow his master if he was given freedom.The entourage said loudly: "Our master is Mr. Zhan Shi Dingmei from Shizi's Mansion. He wants to see your eldest lady."

The old man's eyes lit up immediately.These days, the news that the eldest lady is going to be the concubine has long been known to everyone in the whole family.The nanny sent by the queen mother said that she would decree the marriage as soon as the prince came back.The prince arrived this afternoon, and the Shizi Mansion will come tonight?He smiled and kowtowed: "Slave will go back now!" He respectfully let them into the hall and called for tea.When they got to the brightly lit place, they realized that Mrs. Ding was a young girl, and their hearts turned a few times.

Menzi went in to answer.Ding Mei had already participated in the court meeting, so An Zixiao recognized her, and almost stood up when he heard the news. "Master Ding is here?"

"Exactly." Menzi winked and said, "That lord is a girl! But she is not handsome."

An Zixiao said in displeasure: "How can the court officials let you gossip?" Menzi hurriedly confessed.An Zixiao stroked his beard, "Master Ding is the most impartial and upright. Since I came to see the big girl, I will disappear first. Let..." He thought for a while, "Let the young man pick you up in the hall, and lead him away. Big girl's yard." The door agreed, and she couldn't help baring her teeth when she exited the room: the female official has a lot of background.

For a while, Uncle An led the way personally, accompanied Ding Mei to the gate of the eldest girl's yard, and waited outside by himself.A big servant girl welcomes Ding Mei into the room, and Miss An stands on the steps in front of the hall.Ding Mei was slightly startled.

Ding Mei has been in brothels for several years and has seen many beauties.After Qin entered the federation, Jia Xu transferred her away from Chang'an.First, he took a three-month vacation to accompany Liu Feng in the country of Lu, and then he was sent to Beijing to study with Dajiala.During this time, Ding Mei saw many beauties.From Lin Daiyu and Liu Mingyue to the Empress Dowager Shen of the State of Wu, they can be regarded as the best in the world.After seeing this woman, she is still amazed.I thought to myself: The Kingdom of Shu really produces beauties.Naturally, he didn't show it on the bright side, and made a bow to Miss An with a smile.

Ms. An naturally knew the weight of the words "Shizifu Zhan Shi", and seeing that Ding Mei was really plain, she hurriedly invited her to sit down in the inner hall.

After taking two sips of tea, Ding Mei motioned Miss An to withdraw from the servants in the house.Miss An complied.Just when Ding Mei was about to speak, he saw the big book case in front of the window.Just now, a servant girl happened to block her view; as soon as the servant girl left, she could clearly see an object on the desk.She actually forgot to talk to Concubine Zhun Shizi, look at that.Miss An waited for a long time, then said softly: "My brother made it for fun. If Master Ding likes it, I will give it to you."

Ding Mei was overjoyed: "Your brother made it? How old is your brother?"

Ms. An was stunned for a moment: "He is 19 years old."

"What school did you go to?"

"The Department of Chinese Studies of Shu University."

Ding Mei looked at the thing and said: "The doll is driven by a small magnet alternator. If you can make this thing by learning Chinese, it shows that you have a lot of interest in physics. And you can make the generator so small, it's a talent." It's amazing." Nai tutted, "Where is the Shu country short of scientific and technological talents! Miss An, if the son wants to ask Ling to run the physics laboratory, is it difficult?"

Ms. An thought she had fallen in love with her elder brother, and the co-authoring was to find another talent of his elder brother for the son, so she smiled and said: "If it can be used for the son, our family will naturally be willing."

Ding Mei smiled brightly: "I never expected to have such an unexpected joy, this trip is really worthwhile." Nai said a few gossips, and said seriously, "Today I was ordered by the Third Highness to meet Miss An."

Miss An quickly stood up and saluted: "Please enlighten me, my lord."

Ding Mei sighed: "Since your brother hides from the door and doesn't enter your courtyard, I know that you are the kind of girl that the queen mother likes. The prince definitely doesn't like it."

Miss An's color changed suddenly: "My son...don't you like it?"

Ding Mei earnestly said: "You are indeed a beauty. But not all men in the world like beauties. And there are many kinds of beauties, and there is no shortage of beauties around you. He went to Dajiala when he was young, and the folk customs there are similar to those of the Shu Kingdom. It's totally different. She's used to life there."

Miss An has already started to cry: "Then I will follow him and correct."

Ding Mei smiled and said, "Do you really want to change it according to his preferences?"

Ms. An choked up and said, "Otherwise, what else can I do?"

Ding Mei said sternly: "My son doesn't like girls who put their minds on men. She likes girls who put their minds on themselves." Miss An was stunned, obviously not understanding.Ding Mei took a sip of the tea ceremony, "For example, a little girl learns piano, chess, calligraphy, painting, and knotting embroidery, not to please her husband and mother-in-law, but for her own liking. I don't like these. I like to strategize and rule the court. Yan Lin Daiyu, the prime minister of the country, first liked building houses, and then fell in love with fighting in the battlefield. Now she is the prime minister of a country. A good friend of mine likes beauty the most. She always dresses herself up beautifully, so she became a professional model. The most beautiful girl I've ever seen in Beijing is a chemical engineer. Princess Yan's sister loves to make dim sum, so she opened a dim sum shop. The prince likes such a girl. And the prince doesn't like the rules of the backyard, such as brothers and sisters Girls are not allowed to enter the gate of the courtyard. There are both men and women who work in the same place, so there are so many people who are too easy to avoid. She also doesn’t like women who don’t leave the gate. The two side concubines were sent out on the same day they entered the mansion. I went shopping, and now one is studying medicine, and the other is studying planting flowers and trees. Miss An, the girl that the Queen Mother likes, the prince will definitely not like."

Miss An was stunned.After a long time, she murmured: "Didn't all the men in the world like...?"

"You talk nonsense." Ding Mei said, "If you are humble and submissive according to the Queen Mother's order, you will be alone for the rest of your life. Unless..."

"Unless what?"

"Unless you change yourself." Ding Mei said, "If you don't change, Shizi will definitely not like you; if you change, she may like you."

"But the Queen Mother..."

"It's not like there are no virgin queens. The empress dowager can't force the emperor to favor his own niece, so how can the empress dowager force the prince to marry someone?" Ding Mei looked at her firmly, "No matter how much the prince regards your brother, They won't transfer this importance to you. Miss An must not be a fool, she knows who is in charge in the Shizi's residence. "

After a long time, Miss An said softly: "I...understand." Ding Mei nodded.