The night breeze was cool, Jia Heng looked at Daiyu opposite, the petite and exquisite girl gave people an air of a weak willow supporting the wind.
Daiyu, who is close to the age of cardamom, already has the charm of the saying "unparalleled appearance and rare beauty".
"Don't worry, sister. Once the salt affairs are rectified, my uncle will be able to return to Beijing with a great reputation. Then there will always be a place for the six departments in Beijing." Jia Heng said with relief.
Daiyu nodded, and hid her jade feet in the basin a little nervously, stirring the water gently, and her toe nails slid across the instep. For some reason, her heart skipped a beat, and she said softly: "
It's not easy to be an official outside, so Brother Heng has to worry about it."
However, as I talked, I seemed to gradually become familiar with the state of washing my feet while talking to the young man around the candle. That kind of intimacy was comfortable, like the summer evening breeze blowing against my face, and my mind seemed to be much wider.
.
Jia Heng looked at Daiyu, and the girl lowered her eyebrows slightly and said, "My sister's complexion has really improved recently."
Zicuckoo took over the conversation with a smile and said, "I said before that the girl hasn't coughed since spring."
Daiyu pursed her glossy pink lips, lowered her eyes, and looked at her toes. On the copper basin, the water on her nails was glistening.
I don’t know if he saw it just now...
"I'm a little busy after the New Year, and I haven't looked at Sister Lin much. My sister's diet and daily life are okay these days." Jia Heng thought for a while, and it was an explanation.
In fact, I can still come if I can, but I was immersed in "unlocking" not long ago and couldn't help myself, and I didn't really want to come to Xifu.
"Brother Heng is busy with things in the house, I know it all." Daiyu said softly with her starry eyes.
Jia Heng said: "After all, I have neglected my sister."
Daiyu's delicate body trembled, her hand pinched the handkerchief, what did you mean by neglecting her?
Jia Heng thought for a while and said softly: "My sister will give birth to a baby on the 12th next month. After the baby is born, I will be free. Let's travel around Qujiang and visit places of interest. What does my sister think?"
Daiyu's starry eyes blinked, and after listening to the young man's words, a joy surged in her heart that she had not even noticed, and said: "Brother Heng is so busy, so there is no need to do it specifically for..."
This person is always good and bad at times.
Jia Heng said: "I originally planned to take your sister-in-law around, but I thought Sister Lin had nothing to do at home, so why not go out for a walk together."
Daiyu: "???"
For a moment, I felt ashamed and annoyed. Could it be that she had made a mistake?
Jia Heng looked at the slightly arrogant girl with a bit of interest in his heart and said: "The house is really messy during this period. I think my sister is not happy at home. I wonder what she is busy with?"
Daiyu said: "I'm not busy with anything. I just read the music scores when I have nothing to do. The third sister and sister Yun went to Brother Heng's place. I originally wanted to play with my treasure-hunting sister, but I didn't want her to go to Brother Heng's place too.
"
Perhaps because of someone's teasing intentionally or unintentionally, Daiyu also started to "test" her openly and covertly.
"Girl, the water is cold, why don't you wipe it first?" Zijuan said while Dai Yu was listening to Jia Heng's words.
Daiyu: "..."
Jia Heng smiled, changed the subject and said, "Where's the music score that my sister just mentioned? I'll take a look too."
With that said, she prepared to go to the bookshelf. This gave Daiyu time to put on her shoes and socks.
Although the culture of the Han Dynasty was more open than that of the previous Ming Dynasty, women's feet were not just for others to see, although Daiyu may not have taught her to remind her.
Daiyu was feeling embarrassed, but for a moment she didn't understand the meaning of Jia Heng's words. She picked up the blue book and said: "I have the music score here, Xueyan, take it."
Jia Heng paused, took the music score, and looked down at it without squinting.
Zijuan quickly took the opportunity to pick up the towel, wiped Daiyu's feet, and put on new socks and shoes.
The sound of flipping through paper suddenly sounded in the room, and Jia Heng began to read it carefully.
Daiyu looked at the young man who was sitting sideways and reading the music score with an attentive expression. The candlelight reflected on the side of his face, and he saw the tranquility. Her eyes were dazed for a moment, she looked back, stood up, and took the initiative to say: "Heng
Brother, yesterday, Sister Yun asked Brother Heng when he would teach her how to ride a horse. Brother Heng has been very busy recently."
"I taught them two years ago. After I took on the errand, I couldn't find the time. If my sister finds it interesting, I will teach you how to ride a horse one day." Jia Heng put down the music sheet and cast a pair of gentle and jade-like eyes on Daiyu.
.
Daiyu held a handkerchief, sat down on the embroidered pier not far away, and said: "Sister Yun kept telling me the day before yesterday that she wanted me to ride a horse too, saying it would be better for my health. It turned out that she only wanted to be weak.
, maybe I can’t ride a horse.”
Jia Heng smiled and said: "I think my sister is fine. Her complexion has become more and more rosy recently, and she seems to have grown a bit taller."
Daiyu looked a little shy at the look that said, "I have a young girl in my family." She said softly: "Brother Heng, if you have time... teach me too."
"Yeah." Jia Heng nodded and said with a smile: "But the mansion is still building a garden, so it's very inconvenient."
After saying that, she picked up the tea cup and took a sip, and thought to herself, Daiyu is riding alone to Maicheng?
"It's not a hurry." Daiyu whispered and picked up the tea cup, but she didn't see the tea soup. She was about to pick up the teapot and pour herself a cup.
But Jia Heng had already picked up the teapot, took the cup, poured a cup for Daiyu, pushed it over, and said, "Sister, use tea."
Daiyu's eyebrows were lowered, and she reached out to take the tea cup. Her fingertips touched each other, and ripples formed in her heart.
Jia Heng said: "The rabbit I gave to my sister last time is still there, right?"
Daiyu said in a delicate voice: "I have been fed by Zicuckoo and the nuns."
Jia Heng nodded and said, "It's been cold these days and there's been a lot of rain. Be careful not to get sick."
Daiyu looked at the young man and then said softly: "I embroidered some sachets. Brother Heng can wear them with you later."
After saying that, he turned to look at Zicuckoo and whispered: "Bring the sachet."
Jia Heng said: "My sister's embroidery is so ingenious."
He was thinking, if he said that, would all the sachets be there, or was it just for me? I wonder what Daiyu’s expression was?
Speaking of Daiyu, Daiyu was speechless.
He took the sachet, looked at it under the light, and put it in his armband.
Daiyu said softly: "Brother Heng, I don't know much about the affairs of the court, but it sounds very sinister."
"It's the same. Uncle Lin is pretty much the same over there, but sister, don't worry too much." Jia Heng put down the tea cup and said with emotion: "Although I only exchanged a few letters with my uncle, I still feel deeply worried about the country and the people.
The heart is filled between the lines, but it’s just a side effect.”
Daiyu's gleaming eyes looked at the young man opposite and said, "There is always a chance to see him."
Zijuan answered the conversation and said with a smile: "The master often mentions Uncle Heng in his letters, so my girls should listen to Brother Heng's words and say that he is like a real brother."
Jia Heng smiled and said: "I would like to have a well-behaved and smart sister like Sister Lin."
Zijuan gently touched Daiyu's arm, but saw no movement, and was secretly worried.
If her girl takes the opportunity to recognize her brother now, she will have someone to rely on in the future.
But Daiyu was motionless at this moment, and she didn't know what she had in mind.
Jia Heng sat for a while and chuckled: "It's getting late, I have to go back."
"Brother Heng?" Daiyu looked at the young man with starry eyes as if she had just realized what was happening.
Jia Heng said: "I have something to do tomorrow. My sister should rest early. There is no need to send her off. It's quite cold outside right now."
Daiyu said "Hmm" and said, "Brother Heng, walk slowly."
Jia Heng nodded, said nothing else, and turned to leave.
After Jia Heng left, Zijuan looked at Daiyu, who had a blank face, and asked: "Girl, did you just take advantage of the situation and recognize Uncle Heng as your brother?"
"It doesn't matter whether you admit it or not." Daiyu pursed her lips, shook her head and said, "Brother Heng doesn't care about this."
Zicuckoo thought for a while and said, "Then don't admit it. Uncle Heng originally treated the girl differently, and he even invited the imperial doctor to consult the girl."
Daiyu sighed softly and held her cheek in one hand. It turned out that she was treated differently from others, but now... she had clearly gone to Sister Bao's place just now and stopped by.
But Jia Heng, on his side, returned to Ningguo Mansion in the dark of night. It was already Haishi, and he saw the lights in the inner hall were still on, and shadowy figures entered it.
Seeing that Keqing was talking with Second Sister You and Third Sister You, Sister Feng was sitting on the side, and several women were talking together.
As soon as he saw Jia Heng coming in, Qin Keqing stood up and came over to greet him. Sister Feng also stood up and looked at Jia Heng.
Jia Heng looked at Sister Feng and saw that although her expression was still sad, it was better than the pale and haggard look at noon, and said: "Sister-in-law Feng."
Sister Feng sighed, her red phoenix eyes under her willow eyebrows stared at the young man closely, and said, "Brother Heng, are you free tomorrow? I want to see the second master."
Jia Heng pondered for a moment and said: "I have something to do tomorrow. If Sister-in-law Feng is in a hurry, how about I send someone to accompany Sister-in-law Feng?"
Now that the Jia She and Jia Lian matter has come to an end, all that is left is to allow time for the parties concerned to digest it.
"What about the day after tomorrow?" Sister Feng opened her mouth and asked without giving up. If there is no one in front of her to accompany her, how can those wolves and tigers sell her face?
Ping'er whispered: "Uncle, grandma hasn't had much sleep in the past two days."
Jia Heng nodded and said: "The day after tomorrow, since the palace has given the punishment, the deportation will be within these two days."
Sister Feng's complexion changed slightly, her lips moved, and she could only say: "Then there is Brother Laoheng."
Qin Keqing took Sister Feng's hand and quickly expressed her comfort.
Sister Feng immediately said: "Brother Heng, Ping'er has been helping his brothers and sisters discuss the garden for the past two days, so you might as well stay here first."
"Ping'er isn't waiting for you?" Jia Heng frowned and asked in surprise.
"I'm very depressed, but I just want to be alone." Sister Feng said softly.
Jia Heng looked at Qin Keqing and said, "It's up to you to decide this matter."
Qin Keqing said: "I have asked Baozhu to clean up a small yard next to Xifu, and let Ping'er live there first."
"That's good." Jia Heng nodded, not feeling anything wrong.
If Sister Feng comes to live here, it will definitely not work. There will be rumors. After all, her husband has just been exiled.
Nothing more to say all night.
…
…
The next day, when the sky was bright and clear, and the rain stopped for a while, Jia Heng first went to the military aircraft check-in room in Wuying Palace in the palace city to sit in the office, and continued to handle official duties. In the evening, he came under the command of the captain of the Jinyi Mansion.
Return to the house.
He ordered his servants to prepare two carriages and park them at the gate of Lixiangyuan. He picked up Xue Pan and his luggage in one, and shared the carriage with Baochai in the other. Aunt Xue watched her eagerly and headed for the Five Cities Soldiers and Horses.
A prison under the jurisdiction of the Secretary.
In the carriage, after exiting the street, Aunt Xue couldn't see anywhere, so Ying'er opened the curtain and sat in front of the carriage, leaving Jia Heng and Baochai alone in the carriage.
Jia Heng was originally holding Baochai's little hand, but he took advantage of the situation and hugged the girl's shoulders. He smelled the tendency of the hair between his nose and said: "Sister Xue, come back later, let's go around."
"Yes." A blush appeared on Baochai's plump and white face. She responded softly and rested her head on Jia Heng's shoulder.
After traveling for about a short while, the carriage finally stopped at the jail.
After all, she is a girl and it is not easy for her to show off.
"What if mom asks about it when we get back?" Baochai asked hesitantly.
Jia Heng smiled and said: "It's okay, I'll talk to you later."
With that said, after getting off the carriage, Jia Heng also led Xue Pan to the prison.
This is a prison under the jurisdiction of the Wucheng Soldiers and Horses Judiciary Cao, and it often receives prisoners who have been sentenced by Jingzhao Prefecture and are serving their sentences nearby.
The prison warden named Liu had received news of Jia Heng's future a long time ago and quickly led a group of jailers and scribes to introduce Jia Heng into the official hall.
Liu Dianyou looked at Xue Pan, who was looking around, and said with a smile: "Sir, this is Brother Xue, he is indeed a talented man with a dignified appearance."
Although Xue Pan used to be generous, he suddenly felt dumbfounded when he heard these words. What a really talented and beautiful woman, and how could he come here to eat in prison?
Jia Heng said calmly: "Okay, don't talk nonsense, I'll leave it to you, take good care of it."
"Don't worry, sir, I will treat you well." Liu Dianjiu said with a smile.
Such important people would never be able to meet each other in normal times, but now there is an opportunity to curry favor with them.
Jia Heng frowned, pressed this section temporarily, turned to look at Xue Pan, who was already beaming with joy, looked a little more serious, and said: "Wen Long, you stay here in peace and don't cause any more trouble. I heard you."
No."
Xue Pan nodded his head, his eyes rolling around, not knowing what he was thinking about.
Jia Heng didn't say much, waved his hand and said, "Let someone lead him over."
Liu Dianjiao quickly winked at the cronies on the side, and then the man went out to greet him.
As soon as Xue Pan left, Jia Heng's face turned cold and he said: "Liu Dianyu, don't be so smart."
Liu Dian's face changed slightly, and cold sweat oozed from his back. He bowed and cupped his hands and said, "Sir... what do you mean by this?"
"In the prison, except for food and daily life, you can be clean, but you can't let him have his temper. In a prison, you are in a prison, so you can temper his temper." Jia Heng said solemnly.
He didn't want to wait for a while. This Xue Pan was not in prison, but was being flattered and had fun by a group of jailers in a brothel.
"I understand your humble position." Liu Dianjiu responded with a straight face and cupped his hands, but he was secretly complaining in his heart.
What do these big shots mean by polishing their temperament?
Jia Heng said: "Give me the official notice of imprisonment and take it back."
After receiving the official document from Liu Dian's hands, he immediately left the prison and turned towards the carriage parked outside.
Baochai called out: "Brother Heng."
Jia Heng nodded, handed over the official document, and said: "Give this to Auntie later, and let's go for a walk by Qujiang Pond."
It was already evening at this time, and the carriage drove raggedly through the streets paved with bluestones to the West Market. It was February, and the green willows planted on the streets had new buds appearing on their branches.
