The twenty-sixth day of the twelfth lunar month was Li's birthday. In the early morning, the candlelight in the kitchen gave off a faint light. Zhan Feiyu took the cooked longevity noodles out of the pot and put in the two fried poached eggs.
Go in.
Zhan Feiyu walked into the main room holding a bowl and asked, "Mother?"
After regaining consciousness, Ms. Li put away the wooden hairpin in her hand in a panic, and quickly took the bowl, "Don't burn it."
It was obvious who gave the wooden hairpin, and Zhan Feiyu thought of what Doctor Ji had said before.
Li's health was fine, but the elder Zhan was given sterilization medicine, which was the fundamental reason why the couple had no children for seven or eight years. Fortunately, this medicine was not a secret medicine, but ordinary doctors could not detect it.
"Don't frown, mother knows it well." Mrs. Li raised her hand and touched Zhan Feiyu's head with a gentle and loving smile, "If he still turns to us in the future, we will tell you."
Li took a poached egg and put it in the bowl of Zhan Feiyu. Her expression became softer. If she hadn't moved it out, how could she have such a comfortable life?
In addition to selling eggs at Zhan's house, they occasionally make egg custard. Even if it's a birthday, Mrs. Li can't eat eggs as several children watch.
If all the children eat it, that would be five eggs. And there are more than ten people in the Zhan family. If you are born this month and he is born next month, the eggs saved will not be enough.
Looking at Mr. Li, who was satisfied with a bowl of longevity noodles and a poached egg, Zhan Feiyu hid the guilt in his eyes and said, "I listen to my mother."
After mother and daughter had breakfast, Zhan Feiyu began his daily morning reading.
After Mrs. Li finished her work, she looked at the sun and took out thirty taels of silver from the cabinet.
"Xiaoyu, mother went to Muramasa's house." Mrs. Li said to Zhan Feiyu who was studying in the room and went out.
These three houses were provided by the village. Originally, Boss Zhan had a subsidy of two taels of silver for taking care of the family land, which was used as the rent of the house. However, after Yin Wuyan gave Zhan Feiyu 500 taels of silver, she discussed it with Li and decided
Buy the house.
As for the two taels of silver that Boss Zhan had, he was exterminated, and he probably only had two or three hundred coins in his hand. He couldn't even eat meat dishes during the New Year, so he could live a good New Year with just two taels of silver.
Mrs. Li called out from outside the courtyard, and came in when she saw the courtyard door was open, "Fifth Aunt, is Cun at home?"
"Fengyu is here, come in quickly." The fifth aunt came out of the kitchen and wiped her hands on her apron, "I know you are coming over and waiting in the room, old man, Fengyu is here."
Muramasa, who was called the old man, was actually in his early fifties. Seeing Mrs. Li take out three silver ingots worth ten taels, he smiled and said, "It's good to buy it. You and Xiaoyu will live in peace of mind."
Farmers care most about their fields and houses. As long as they have these two things, they will be settled.
"Yes, Xiaoyu will be able to copy books next year. She said that she can practice calligraphy and review the content taught by Master Lin. Master Lin also agreed." Even if Li took out thirty taels, there were still four left at home.
She has more than a hundred taels of silver, but she understands the principle of keeping wealth secret. On the surface, Xiaoyu is copying books, but she also wants to make shoes herself.
"Xiaoyu knows better about studying than we do, just don't delay." Compared with those who study rotely, Zhan Feiyu, who knows how to make a living, is more convinced by Muramasa. Moreover, Master Lin has agreed, so there will be no mistakes.
"As the Chinese New Year is approaching, we can only go to the Yamen to apply for the house deed after the Chinese New Year." Muramasa added.
"There's no rush." Mrs. Li nodded. The reason why she took the money now was to prevent people from the village or her relatives from borrowing the money. There had to be a reason not to borrow the money.
The house deed could not be applied for, but Muramasa still went back to his room to write a receipt to Mr. Li.
The fifth aunt glanced outside the door and whispered: "Fengyu, I have something to tell you here..."
"What? Get engaged to Xiaoyu?" After hearing this, Mrs. Li was stunned in shock.
Although the landlord Zhu's family had previously wanted to marry Zhan Feiyu to Zhu Peng, Mrs. Li did not intend to consider Zhan Feiyu's marriage so early, not until she was twelve or thirteen years old.
The fifth aunt patted Ms. Li's arm and advised her earnestly: "Master Lin is Xiaoyu's teacher. He has only one son in the family. There will be no conflicts between brothers and sisters-in-law in the future."
"Besides, Mrs. Lin mentioned this to me personally. The mother-in-law has fallen in love with Xiaoyu, and the mother-in-law and daughter-in-law will get along well in the future." In the eyes of the fifth aunt, this is indeed a good marriage.
The Lin family is a well-informed family. Master Lin's private school has admitted more than 20 students, and he has more than 200 taels for a year's training. After excluding expenses, even if he has forty or fifty taels left, it is better than many other families.
Seeing that Mrs. Li was a little moved, the fifth aunt smiled and continued: "When Xiaoyu gives birth to a child in the future, he will be a great contributor to the Lin family. It is right to live a comfortable life today."
No matter how talented Zhan Feiyu was in reading, Mrs. Li never thought of letting her marry into a wealthy family. If she was not from the right family, it would be the woman who would suffer in the end.
"I'll go back and talk to Xiaoyu." Li didn't agree immediately.
Although the marriage of their children was ordered by the parents and arranged by a matchmaker, the fifth aunt also knew that Zhan Feiyu was not an ordinary child, so it was normal for the marriage to require her nod.
"Don't worry, I won't reply to Mrs. Lin until next year." The fifth aunt will accompany the village leader to visit Mrs. Lin every year on behalf of Jinlin Village and the Zhan clan. The gifts given are not many and expensive, but she respects the teacher. The sincere intention is here.
After returning from Muramasa's house, the New Year dishes that were to be cooked in advance in the kitchen were not yet cooked, but Mrs. Li's thoughts were all on Zhan Feiyu's marriage.
After reading for half an hour, Zhan Feiyu, who came out to rest, was holding a cup, warming his hands and drinking water. Looking at Ms. Li who was sitting in the chair again and lost her mind, she couldn't help but say, "Mother?"
"Xiaoyu." Ms. Li was startled, looking at the little girl who was as white and tender as dough, and suddenly said: "Your wife has asked the fifth grandmother of the Muramasa family to arrange a marriage for you, and wants to book you to Xiuyuan."
"What...ahem..." A mouthful of water spurted out.
Zhan Feiyu stared at Mr. Li dumbfounded, truly frightened by the news. His dark eyes were round and round, like cat eyes, filled with disbelief.
"How old you are, you can still choke when drinking water." Mrs. Li looked helplessly at Zhan Feiyu, who had a mouth full of water. She took out a handkerchief and wiped it for her. She said with a smile: "There are many girls in the family. It’s normal for your master’s wife to like you.”
In fact, there are many people in the village who are talking about it, whether it is their own sons, nephews, or boys from relatives. Zhan Feiyu is good at studying and beautiful. Who would not want to marry such a little girl home.
"Mom, how embarrassing it will be for me to see my senior brother tomorrow!" Zhan Feiyusheng's face dropped with despair. For the first time, he discovered that there is something more terrifying than Zhiyiwen, that is, kissing! He celebrated the New Year Only eight years old...
Mrs. Li was also amused by her childish look, "You are smart and sensible, and my mother won't hide it from you. Mrs. Lin's family is indeed good..."
Mrs. Li and her fifth aunt had the same idea. They married into someone else's family. In the future, Xiaoyu would be bullied by her husband's family, and no one in her own family could support her.
But Mrs. Lin's personality was completely believed by Mrs. Li. Although she had met Lin Xiuyuan once, she knew Lin Xiuyuan by heart. He was a child with a gentle personality and would never bully Xiaoyu.
Even if Mrs. Li mentioned a flower, Zhan Feiyu would still shake his head like a rattle, "No, absolutely not!"
She has lived for two lifetimes, and her senior brother is just a twelve-year-old boy in her eyes. When they get along with each other on weekdays, Zhan Feiyu regards Lin Xiuyuan as her elder brother, but getting married is absolutely impossible. She is not a monster who tortures minors.
Aunt!
Seeing the pity on Mrs. Li's face, Zhan Feiyu quickly said: "Mom, actually, my wife doesn't like me very much."
Although Zhan Feiyu had the most contact with Mr. Lin in the private school, then Lin Xiuyuan, and finally his mistress Wang, she was not a real child, and her mistress's attitude had always been very cold, even a bit displeased.
Zhan Feiyu knew in his heart that his wife was dissatisfied with her taking up too much of Master Lin's time. Moreover, although the private school provided pens, inks, paper and inkstones, the amount was determined later, but what Master Lin gave Zhan Feiyu was definitely several times that of others.
Not to mention that Mrs. Lin also gave Zhan Feiyu more than 20 books. Although she copied the books with neat handwriting and returned them to Mrs. Lin, in Wang's view, Zhan Feiyu still occupied the Lin family's property.
Cheap.
"What?" Mrs. Li was startled. If Mrs. Lin didn't like Xiaoyu, how could she ask someone to marry her?
Zhan Feiyu just beat his chest to assure himself, and continued to lobby Li from another angle, "Senior brother is weak, and my wife loves him the most. And I am not good at taking care of others. There will definitely be conflicts in the future."
And it is still an irreconcilable contradiction, unless Zhan Feiyu becomes a gentle little woman who takes care of her husband and raises her children, and regards her husband as her heaven.
She didn't say a word. When she passed the examination for meritorious service, if women were strong and men were weak, her senior brother would feel unbalanced, but she would definitely not be happy that she was taking advantage of him.
Mrs. Li only thought about the good family tradition and prosperity of the Lin family, but she did not expect this.
Xiaoyu's temperament looks gentle, but Mrs. Li knows that she is stubborn and cold in her bones, so she is definitely not going to get along well with Mrs. Lin, her mother-in-law.
Seeing Zhan Feiyu looking at her with wide eyes, Li laughed and said, "Okay, mother knows, I will go to Muramasa's house to reject you in two days. You are still young, so it doesn't matter if you wait a few more years.
"
He let out a breath of turbid air. He was so frightened that he needed to write an art article to calm down. Zhan Feiyu took the cup and went back to the house, "Mom, I'm going back to read!"
…
Twenty-eight, make the dough; twenty-nine, steam the steamed buns.
In order to avoid embarrassment, Zhan Feiyu cruelly came back with ten art essay topics, saying that he would not disturb Mrs. Lin during the New Year.
After all, there are many things to do before the new year, and there will be many students paying New Year greetings after the new year. Mrs. Lin has no time to teach Zhan Feiyu, so she might as well study and write articles at home.
There was a lot of food to be steamed during the Chinese New Year, and it was inconvenient to wash the steamer at home, so Mrs. Li took the bamboo steamer to the river.
The riverside was very lively, and the women washing things talked to each other, and they were all happy that the Chinese New Year was coming.
"This Chinese New Year, it is better to have more people and a lively family, otherwise no one will eat even if the chickens, ducks and fish are burned." A strange voice sounded, and little Yao looked at Li with side eyes and saw
She is not used to being held up by the villagers, so she always makes a few comments.
A woman who had trouble with Mrs. Li screamed in agreement: "It's a New Year when the four square tables can't be filled. There's not even a single person at the gate before and after New Year's Eve."
"Sister-in-law Osmanthus, your house is lively every year. Your three sisters-in-law come back to pay New Year greetings. After the New Year, you have to go back to your parents' house to visit relatives. This is a prosperous family." Little Yao's laughter was particularly harsh.
Without even looking at the two of them, Mrs. Li knelt down to wash the steamer.
"She is just jealous. She had a quarrel with the third family in the morning and almost got into a fight." Shanwazi's mother whispered to Mrs. Li. Little Yao and Mrs. Ma quarreled every day. They had a lot to do during the New Year, so they were noisy.
Even more powerful.
"It has nothing to do with me anymore." Li said calmly.
Now she is living a clean life, and Xiaoyu can study well. As for Boss Zhan, if he stopped being foolish and filial, the couple could still be together, and they would not be divorced after all.
Seeing Mrs. Li's calm appearance, little Mr. Yao felt like he was punching the cotton with his fist, and his face was twisted with anger.
"Aunt Li, there are carriages, several carriages!" Suddenly, several children shouted from the river bank. You and I couldn't explain clearly what was going on.
Ms. Li quickly stood up and shook off the water drops on her hands, "I'll go back and take a look."
Little Yao rolled his eyes and looked at each other with Sister-in-law Osmanthus. They put the things in the wooden basin and followed her.
At the gate of the yard, Zhan Feiyu said to the boy driving the carriage: "Brother, please thank the shopkeeper for me. I will visit again after the new year."
"Zhan Xiaomeng is so polite. My shopkeeper said that the snow has not melted and the road is slippery, so there is no need to pay attention to these false etiquette." The boy's attitude was respectful. He came here to give New Year's gifts to the fat shopkeeper of Wenxing Study.
"Xiaoyu, I'll take it in for you." Boss Zhan said cautiously. Seeing that Zhan Feiyu didn't object, his eyes lit up with joy and he quickly accepted the gift handed over by the boy.
In addition to a set of pens, inks, paper and inkstones, there are also four-color snacks and a piece of light yellow and one light blue cloth, all of which are colors suitable for Zhan Feiyu.
When Mrs. Li came over, the carriage from Wenxing Study Hall had just left, and the boy from the carriage behind drove the carriage forward.
"Mom, you're back." Zhan Feiyu looked back at Mrs. Li and introduced her: "This is Brother He from Leshan Residence."
"Sorry for bothering you, little brother." Mrs. Li thanked her warmly.
Xiao He waved his hand and said, "Madam, you are so polite. This is a New Year's gift from our boss."
Compared with the New Year's gift from Wenxing Study Room, the things Doctor Ji sent were much more valuable, including a set of four treasures of the study, eight kinds of cakes, two jars of wine, two bags of tea, six pieces of cloth, and two dark-colored ones.
It's obviously for Mr. Li.
In addition, there are two large packages of medicinal materials. Xiao He said: "These are the medicinal materials prepared by the owner to nourish the body. This package is for Madam to drink. This is for Zhan Xiaomengtong. Just add water and stew it. Every ten
Drink one pack a day until nine."
The medicine that Li drank was to recuperate her body. After Doctor Ji prepared the antidote to cure the medicine on Boss Zhan, the couple could have a baby in the future.
Seeing Mr. Zhan and Xiao He delivering gifts to the yard, the villagers watching the excitement also whispered, "Did you see that material? I asked at the cloth store before, and it cost five taels of silver per piece."
One piece of cloth can be cut into about ten pieces of clothing. Excluding labor and silk thread, this piece of clothing costs 500 renminbi, while new clothes for ordinary farmers cost less than 100 renminbi.
The fat aunt nodded, "That piece of fabric can make at least two sets of clothes."
"Are those six pieces of cloth worth ten taels of silver?" A greedy woman's eyes widened in shock, looking straight at the wine jars, tea leaves, and cakes that had not been moved away from the carriage, "What about these plus
Isn’t it worth forty or fifty taels of silver?”
Uncle Wang is the barefoot doctor in the village, and Aunt Wang also knows some medicinal herbs. He took over the words, "The most expensive ones are the medicinal herbs that nourish the body, and they are usually added with ginseng tablets."
A medium-quality ginseng costs at least fifty taels.
The others clicked their tongues when they heard this, but little Yao clenched his hands angrily, his nails digging into the palms of his hands. The head of the family managed to save more than a hundred taels of silver in the bank, but in the end he was killed by the old woman.
It was taken away!
Ms. Li didn't have to do anything at home, and someone would bring expensive gifts to her door.
Muramasa stood outside the crowd, just giving a New Year gift, and there was no need for him to come forward to support Zhan Feiyu. He smiled and chatted with the clan elders around him, "Xiaoyu is really capable now."
The clan elder was a shrewd man and said in a low voice: "Look, in addition to what Xiaoyu can use, the New Year's gift also includes wine and tea."
Zhan Feiyu is still a child and has no use for either of these things.
The clan elder looked at the puzzled Muramasa, "That's for Xiaoyu as a New Year gift. The owner of Leshanju is so considerate, he thinks Xiaoyu is his junior."
Both Leshan Ju and Wenxing Study were given New Year's gifts by the boys in the shops. Finally, a middle-aged man got out of the first carriage.
Wearing a dark blue gown, the man cupped his hands in front of Zhan Feiyu and said, "Hello, little Meng Zhan. My surname is Hong. I am the housekeeper of the Chen family. I have been ordered by my wife to give Little Meng Zhan a New Year's gift."
"Hello, Butler Hong." Zhan Feiyu was slightly startled. He had never had any contact with anyone named Chen.
Seeing Butler Hong, who looked more like a scholar than a housekeeper, Zhan Feiyu's eyes widened a bit, and then he returned the greeting with a serious face: "Thank you for your great love, the student deserves it."
Both Li and Boss Zhan felt that Zhan Feiyu's attitude was much more serious.
"Mom, this is the housekeeper of Mr. Chen's house." Zhan Feiyu introduced Mrs. Li, and the villagers who were watching the excitement collectively lost their voices.
And little Yao, who had been mumbling sarcastic words all the time, seemed to have been strangled by the neck, and his face suddenly turned red. He didn't know whether he was angry or scared.
Mrs. Zou, the wife of County Magistrate Chen, prepared six New Year gifts. In addition to the Four Treasures of the Study, pastries and fabrics, she also added a set of jewelry suitable for little girls.
Butler Hong personally handed a book to Zhan Feiyu, "This is a collection of poems that my lords collected when they were studying in the Imperial College in the early years. It has your lord's approval."
Zhan Feiyu, who had no poetic talent, felt as if he had found a treasure. He took it with both hands and solemnly thanked him: "Can I thank Mr. Chen for me, Mr. Hong? The student will study hard and live up to your expectations."
After the carriage left, the villagers who were holding their breath let out a long breath.
"Xiaoyu, you must study hard..." Muramasa was so excited that he couldn't finish his words.
Looking at the entire Shangsi County, there are several people who can receive New Year's gifts from Mr. Chen, and the housekeeper personally delivers them. What an honor it is!
"I remember." Zhan Feiyu nodded in agreement.
"Oh my god, County Magistrate Chen actually gave Xiaoyu a New Year gift. No wonder Ma Qiankui was so polite to Xiaoyu last time!" The villagers suddenly understood the key and looked at Zhan Feiyu with even more awe.
In the past, I only heard that County Magistrate Chen valued Zhan Feiyu, but now everyone has real feelings.
A few women planned to go into the house to see what gifts there were, but no one dared to do so at the moment. If they accidentally broke something given by Mr. Chen, they wouldn't be able to afford the compensation after selling it.
"Okay, I've seen everything, and everyone is going home to do things and prepare for the New Year." Muramasa saw that everyone was still gathered around the entrance of the courtyard and refused to leave, so he had to urge him loudly.
Zhan Feiyu looked at Mrs. Li who was a little uneasy, held her hand and comforted her: "Don't worry, Mom, I will visit you one by one after the new year, and I won't lose my etiquette."
"Mom doesn't understand these things. If you don't understand something, just ask Mrs. Lin." Li reminded in a low voice that it would be easy if it was just between relatives, as long as they reciprocate politely and don't let the other party suffer.
But these were all wealthy families, and the things they sent were so valuable that Li didn't know how to return the gift.
Although everyone didn't want to leave, Muramasa started to chase people away, so they could only leave in groups of three or three. But what they said was that they had lived in the village for so many years, and this was the first time they had seen people giving gifts like this, dozens or hundreds of taels.
Two taels of silver, why is it so difficult for them to earn one tael of silver?
"Have you seen little Yao's face?" Shanwaziniang said with a smile. The people of the old Zhan family would probably regret it. If Xiaoyu hadn't been adopted, the gifts all these years would have belonged to the Zhan family.
.
"Damn, these years we didn't know that the old couple was partial to each other." The woman who spoke also chuckled. They were on good terms with Mr. Li, and now that Zhan Feiyu has made a career, he will be able to pull them over in the future for Li's sake.
Home one or two.
Zhan Feiyu and Mrs. Li also turned around and went back to the house, but before they could step through the courtyard gate, the sound of horse hooves began to sound.
The people in the village who left suddenly stopped in their tracks, and those who walked away couldn't wait to turn around and run back. Now someone came to give New Year's gifts again!
The speeding carriage was stopped, and a young man wearing a sixth-grade military attaché uniform and a wild goose feather sword on his waist jumped out of the carriage, his sharp eyes scanned around, and finally landed on Zhan Feiyu.
"How are you, little Zhan Meng? My master has something for his subordinates to deliver." The young man turned around and unloaded a large wooden box from the carriage.
The wooden box was so heavy that it stirred up a burst of dust when it was placed on the ground. This made the villagers crane their necks to see what was in such a big box.
The young man took another box from the carriage, but this box was much smaller. The box was only the size of a book. "My lord is busy with official duties, so this is the new year's money given by my lord."
Uh... Zhan Feiyu took the heavy small box. It was definitely not a banknote. Could it be a silver ingot?
"Farewell." The things were delivered, and the young man didn't stay any longer. He jumped into the carriage with his hands and flicked his whip, and the carriage sped away.