In the winter, when everything withered and trees fell, Jia Heng walked along the stone path paved with blue bricks, feeling the constant rustle of the branches blown by the cold wind in the courtyard.
The two of them climbed up to a high pavilion, stood on the second floor of the attic, and looked at the distance of the Grand View Garden.
Jia Heng took Bao Qin's hand, found a wooden bench in front of the window, and sat side by side.
Bao Qin said: "When I was a child, I accompanied my father to do business and traveled around. I saw some, but I never saw such a unique and elegant courtyard."
Jia Heng took Bao Qin's hand and asked, "Where has my sister been?"
"I have been to the Sichuan and Guizhou provinces in the southwest, to the Western Regions in the northwest, to the south of the Yangtze River, to Huaiyin and Luling, and even further to Jiaozhi." Baoqin's watery apricot eyes were filled with information.
Jia Heng said: "My sister has been to so many places, and her knowledge is much better than that of ordinary boudoir girls. She also learned a lot about the pipa."
I have seen Baoqin play the pipa before.
"I stayed in the northwest for a month and learned the pipa from a Hu girl." Baoqin said in a soft voice.
Jia Heng took Baoqin and sat in his arms. Next to the girl's glowing face, he whispered softly: "My sister goes to so many places."
"Brother Heng, eh~" The girl turned her plump and white face and looked at the young man blankly. Just as she was about to speak, she was blocked again.
After a while, Baoqin's pink lips were like peonies after rain, with rolling dewdrops. She was panting slightly, and her jade face was as red as the morning and sunset, gorgeous and unprovoked, and whispered: "Brother Heng... do you really like me?"
Jia Heng whispered in Bao Qin's ear: "My sister is like a doll in the snow, I hold her so tight."
Baoqin: "..."
Do you just like the body?
Jia Heng said softly: "My sister has an innocent and innocent temperament and a delicate and clear mind, which I quite like."
Xue Xiaomei has the frankness and romance of Xiangyun, but also some cleverness and cuteness. You can get a glimpse of it from the story of coaxing Baoyu to tell Zhenzhenguo in the original work.
He was definitely not a fool. Even that day he began to doubt that the carriage was shaking so hard that Bao Qin wouldn't jump into his arms, right?
If you continue to cooperate with Father Xue in urging the marriage...
Well, this is horrifying if you think about it... Perhaps the best hunters always appear in the form of prey?
Baoqin snorted with a greasy nose, and felt that her delicate body was soft and soft, and she could hardly hold it. It was clearly that there were waves of dampness and heat coming from her ears, her face was as plump as a lotus, her light red face was covered with red clouds, and her voice was trembling with shame and anger.
Said: "No wonder my brother-in-law likes my sister."
Jia Heng said: "Your sister, I do like her."
This Baoqin is sometimes a eldest brother, sometimes a brother-in-law. He just said that she is smart and shrewd, how can she be stupid and sweet?
If Yin Susu is used, the more beautiful the girl is, the better she is at deceiving others. Maybe silly and sweet is just a protective color?
The two of them were intimate for a while, and gradually felt that the temperature had dropped and it was a bit cold.
Jia Heng raised his eyes and saw that the sky was already dark. He held Baoqin's bare hand and said, "Sister Baoqin, let's go to Hengwuyuan."
"Alas." Baoqin responded softly and followed Jia Heng to Hengwu Garden.
Hengwuyuan
This is a building with blue bricks and black tiles, with polished brick walls. There are no beautiful trees and trees around it, but wisteria and Xue Li. However, it is winter, so there is no lush greenery, and there is no original work.
As the saying goes, "The flowers are like golden osmanthus, and their fragrance is fragrant and fragrant, which cannot be compared with the fragrance of flowers."
At this moment, in the inner room, Daiyu looked at the simple and monotonous furnishings around her and the snow-cave-like walls. She frowned and said softly, "Sister Bao, why don't you put more things in this room?"
Baochai smiled and said, "I don't usually display many things. It's so splendid, rich and luxurious, but it's a bit too extravagant."
Daiyu looked at the beautiful girl and said, "Sister Bao's temperament is too indifferent and easy to change."
I didn't realize it when I first met, but as time went by, I came to admire Baochai's indifferent temperament of giving in to everything and hiding his stupidity.
The current situation is almost different from the two women fighting openly and secretly in the original work. Now Chai and Dai cannot monopolize that position, but there is less smoke.
Of course, it doesn't mean that after all the tribulations, the waves are still there, and when we meet, we can forget our grudges and smile.
No fight today does not mean no fight tomorrow, but it does mean that a dynamic balance is initially formed at this moment.
Baochai said: "Sister, it's a bit too cold over there. We need to pay more attention to keeping warm in winter."
Daiyu said softly: "Sister-in-law Feng asked someone to prepare some good charcoal, saying it is for heating. It's not too cold inside the house."
While Chai and Dai were talking, the maid outside said: "Girl, the uncle is here."
The two people who were talking were surprised. They looked up and exchanged glances quickly.
Daiyu suddenly had a faint look on her face, smiled softly, and said, "It seems that I'm here to see my sister."
Baochai:"……"
What about the indifference we promised?
At this time, Jia Heng and Bao Qin entered the wing. Seeing the two of them, they looked at Dai Yu with a smile and said, "I just heard from Bao Qin that Sister Lin is here."
Hearing this, Daiyu blinked her starry eyes and stared at the young man and Xue Baoqin.
Does this mean that I came here to look for her? That’s why I came to Sister Bao’s place.
Baochai asked casually: "Brother Heng, how did you meet Baoqin?"
"When I came in, I saw Baoqin wandering in the garden." Jia Heng said softly, sat down and calmed down.
Daiyu asked: "Brother Heng, are you done with your work?"
"Well, I haven't been so busy these days." Jia Heng said softly, looking at Daiyu with a warm look and a smile, and said, "What has my sister been busy with lately?"
"I'm not busy with anything. I'm reading books, playing chess and so on." Daiyu said.
Baoqin sat close and said with a chuckle: "Sister, I'm a little hungry now. When will I have dinner?"
Baochai took Baoqin's little hand and said with a fond smile: "You are already fat, and you still eat."
As he spoke, he pinched Baoqin's plump cheeks.
Jia Heng looked at Baochai, then looked at Daiyu, took the tea cup from Ying'er, and said warmly: "There were a lot more things before the year. I have been living in the capital camp these days. This year and next are very critical."
Well, in short, both Chai and Dai should know what he is talking about.
Ripples appeared in Daiyu's star eyes, and there was some inexplicable meaning in them.
Isn't it just a gift of marriage? She is young and can wait, but some people may not be able to wait.
Baochai's eyes were full of beauty, and she looked at the young man intently. A little sweetness welled up deep in her heart, and she said softly: "Brother Heng, please don't work too hard."
It can be said that Jia Heng is indeed Baochai's dream husband. Even if she is a concubine, she is happy with it.
Daiyu looked at the young man with full eyes and asked: "Brother Heng, did you just tell Sister Bao that Brother Heng resigned from the Wucheng Army and Horses Division?"
Jia Heng sat close to him, took Daiyu's slender hand, and whispered into the latter's crimson face: "I have to tell my sister. My sister will also be granted a royal title in the future. In the court
You should also know something about it.”
The people present did not hide anything, and anyone who was not blind in Jinling and on the ship could see the relationship between Daiyu and him.
Daiyu's starry eyes were lowered, and her petite and beautiful jade cheeks were as red as rouge as a magnolia flower. She gently squeezed someone's hand, feeling a mixture of shame and anger in her heart.
In front of Sister Bao, Brother Heng understands her too well.
Jia Heng said: "In the past two years, when the king of Wei and the king of Chu and the vassal vassals came to watch the government, the king of Wei was in the army and horse department in the five cities. In addition, there were impeachments in the past in Beijing. They said that I was in a key position, just like
Tai'er, although I consider myself magnanimous, I still need to avoid criticism."
A flash of surprise flashed through Baochai's almond-shaped eyes, and she asked, "Brother Heng, is he practicing self-destruction and self-preservation?"
The girl has obviously read a lot of historical stories.
"I haven't reached the level of Wang Jian and Xiao He yet. I'm just following the trend. In addition, I should go all out to prepare prisoners. For various reasons, I just resigned from the five-city army and horse division." Jia Heng said.
What's left is to sit back and watch Qi, Chu, Wei, and, yes, there is also the King of Liang who will go out of the palace next year to observe politics. They each show their magical powers.
When Daiyu heard this, her bright starry eyes flickered, she concentrated, and a strange thought flashed through her mind.
Wang Jian has many beautiful wives and concubines. Is this why Brother Heng asked them to move into the garden?
Baochai stared at the young man with apricot eyes, and said something in her heart: "The court situation has changed a lot recently."
In fact, the girl has always wanted to discuss career economics with Jia Heng, but Jia Heng did not talk about this in the past, and the relationship between the two had not yet reached this stage at that time.
Jia Heng said: "In order to adjust for the future war, I changed the chief assistant. It is normal and my ears can be cleaner, but the people from Zhejiang are not easy to deal with."
As long as we talk about official career and economics, Baochai is not that jealous. So far, he has never seen Baochai be jealous. In this regard, Keqing is slightly inferior.
So this is what he said to Bao Qin, Baochai wouldn't even care, and would even be happy to see the result.
Bao Qin looked at the plain hand holding Daiyu, and then at the young man talking to his sister, his cheeks were slightly hot, and he felt some indescribable feelings in his heart.
It's probably like, if other people are getting along with Brother Heng, how can I not? I'm here to help my sister.
Jia Heng turned to Daiyu and said, "Sister Lin, my uncle is going to Beijing recently."
When Daiyu heard this, her face changed slightly, and her eyes were full of surprise, and she said, "Daddy, when he comes to Beijing, will he stay in the capital from now on?"
Jia Heng said softly: "The Holy Spirit passed the decree and asked my uncle to return to the capital to report on his duties. I think he will stay in the capital this time and work in the Ministry of Household Affairs."
Lin Ruhai had been patrolling salt for several years, and it was time for him to return to the capital and be promoted to one level, becoming one of the high-ranking civil servants of the Han Dynasty.
Daiyu said happily: "I will be able to see daddy from time to time."
Jia Heng nodded and said, "But it's better for my sister to live here. My uncle is still busy with state affairs. There are more sisters here and it's more lively."
Baochai's eyes flashed as he listened to the conversation between the two men, and he clenched the handkerchief in his hand, his mood inevitably fluctuating.
This is the difference between her and Yan'er. Yan'er came from a noble Hanlin family, and after Uncle Lin's uncle came to Beijing, he was able to help Brother Heng in the court. She... was far behind.
Jia Heng looked at Baochai who was standing aside, and caught a trace of sadness and worry on the girl's eyebrows. He had a slight suspicion about the whole story, and said, "It's a little cold to sit here right now, so why not have a drink together."
Baochai said: "Ying'er, go and ask the kitchen to cook some food, and Brother Heng and I will have some wine."
It's the cold weather, so drinking some low-alcohol wine can warm your body, as in the original work, Chai and Dai drank wine in Lixiangyuan.
Jia Heng looked at the girl with fair skin and airy bangs, and said warmly: "Sister Xue, my eldest sister is not in Beijing recently. There are many businesses in Dongcheng that need to be busy by themselves. Sister Xue can help me look after it."
Looking at the account books, I don’t have much time recently. By the way, there are also garden matters, the affairs of the girls and maids everywhere, you, Third Sister, and Sister Lin are taking care of it."
In addition to the girls, there are also many maids and nannies in the Grand View Garden, who have to pay regular bills every month, as well as the rouge and gouache for each room, and the purchase of silk clothes. Although the nuns are responsible for these, they also need an accountant.
Then it is more appropriate that Tanchun, Baochai, and Li Wan are the three giants in charge of the Grand View Garden in the original work.
Tanchun even implemented a responsibility contracting system and turned losses into profits in one fell swoop.
In fact, in the original work, several talented girls were bullied by Wang Shanbao's family for embroidering spring pouches because they had the second wife of Prince Xing on their heads.
Now they are trying their best to release their unique beauty.
Baochai's heart skipped a beat, she pursed her pink lips and said softly: "Brother Heng, I don't care if there is anything wrong with you."
After all, she hadn't married Brother Heng yet, so she started to control the inside and outside to stop people from gossiping.
Jia Heng looked at the girl with plump cheeks and said softly: "Sister, I will still have to take care of the house in the future. The maids in the garden, the monthly schedule of the servants, the purchase of rouge, gouache, and other goods, you sisters will come together to do this."
Let’s discuss it together, but my sister will help me keep an eye on the outside business.”
He felt that Baochai must be very happy with this job, but the name was not justified before. Now after moving in, if Tanchun and Daiyu are included, it can be said that it is the Grand View Garden Autonomous Committee.
As for the outside, they are some of his arrangements.
Baochai said softly: "It's okay in the garden. Aren't the businesses in Dongcheng managed by my eldest sister and Aunt Cai in the front yard?"
Jia Heng said: "I have purchased twenty or thirty businesses in Dongcheng, including restaurants, cloth shops, and pawn shops. I am also planning to open some coal shops recently. In addition to the business of sea trade, I need a caring person here.
"
"Sea Trade?" Baochai blinked his almond-shaped eyes, glanced at Baoqin, and thought about it.
She remembered that her second uncle helped him go overseas to do business, and she heard sister Baoqin mention it before.
Jia Heng said: "It's the sea trade business we did with Uncle Xue before. In addition, the coal will be shipped from Henan and Shanxi recently, and will be sold by Jingzhong Commercial Bank to ordinary people for cooking and heating."
If the matter of coal was only handled by the Ministry of Internal Affairs, the bureaucracy would easily become a breeding ground for corruption, and then the previous active search for coal mines would become a wedding dress for others.
Moreover, he plans to create a group of new interest groups, similar to the Chamber of Commerce of the Coal and Steel Community, for the future.
Therefore, the Xue family is a piece of the puzzle in his business empire.
After he had an entanglement with Bao Qin, Xue Yun and Xue Biao and his son could engage in this field.
Generally speaking, the manpower in the mansion is really not enough.
Currently, the front yard of the Jia family's Ningrong and Ningguo mansions is managed by Qin Keqing, Mrs. You, and Third Sister You, while in the Xifu, Sister Feng helps Mrs. Xing and Mrs. Wang manage the house.
In fact, when it comes to housekeeping, you really have to imitate Mrs. Wang's "rule from the top". The wife of the house cannot take the role in person, otherwise, if she is too strict, she will easily be resented by the servants.
In the Ningguo Mansion, after Jia Heng took Sanjie You as his concubine, Sanjie You now plays the role of Sister Feng, while Mrs. You makes a fool of herself.
Grand View Garden also needs a reliable person.
After saying that, he turned to look at Daiyu who was listening quietly, and said warmly: "Sister, you can also take care of it and practice your housekeeping skills."
Under Daiyu's misty brows, which were like spring mountains, she could see her charming starry eyes shining brightly. Immediately, she gently shook her head and said, "Brother Heng, I can't do this. I can't do this."
She didn't want to bother the maids and nuns with this matter, and she really didn't have much interest in it.
Jia Heng looked at Daiyu, nodded, and did not insist. This was a matter of temperament, and said: "Then what do you want to do? Several girls in the garden are discussing it. You can send someone to listen, or
I know some things about Sister-in-law Zhu. I'll go and ask later. There is an older person who can handle things more carefully."
In fact, the largest shareholder of this garden is Ningguo Mansion, which not only provided the land, but also provided money. Of course, Rongguo Mansion also provided money, so that it can be used to relax and enjoy the scenery.
Of course, the Rongguo Mansion also sent an executive director over. Let’s talk to Li Wan about Lan Geer’s affairs in two days.
As for whether Li Wan would agree, from the drunken Li Wan touching a key on Ping'er's waist in the original work, it can be seen that this Sister-in-law Zhu is not a dead wood and ashes, but also has a little spark.
Baochai nodded and said, "Then I'll watch."
Jia Heng took Baochai's hand again and said: "In the past two years, the national war is about to happen, so I may not spend much time in the garden. You two usually get closer and closer, just like today, you walk around more."
Well, then I held the hands of Chai and Dai, one on the left and the other on the right, but did not hug them on the left or right.
The beauty of Qi Cai and Dai has a long way to go.
Being held by her hand in front of Daiyu, Baochai, no matter how dignified and elegant she was, could not stand it at this moment. Her cheeks, as white as pear blossoms, were as red as clouds, and she trembled.
Said: "Brother Heng, I... and Sister Lin are very good."
Daiyu's starry eyes also drooped, her eyelashes trembled, and she felt that her thoughts were inexplicable, including shame, anger, resentment, and some other unspeakable feelings.
She never dreamed that she would be held by Brother Heng and Sister Bao together.
Huh? No, Bao Qin seems to be still here?
Brother Heng... is too ridiculous.
However, when Xingmu stared at Baoqin, he saw that the girl had turned red and had a plump face. She had picked up a book from somewhere and was pretending to read it.
After a while, Ying'er and Zijuan placed plates of food and wine. Jia Heng said, "It's a bit cold today. Let's drink some wine to warm up."
Daiyu and Baochai responded softly, and then sat down next to Jia Heng on the left and right, while Bao Qin was opposite Jia Heng with a bright smile.
After everyone talked about anecdotes and had a few glasses of wine, Daiyu saw that the sky was getting darker and said softly: "Brother Heng, it's getting late. I'll go back and rest first."
Jia Heng stood up and said softly: "I'll see Sister Lin off."
At this time, if Daiyu were allowed to go back alone, she would be afraid of returning to the lonely Xiaoxiang Pavilion, where she would feel sad for a while and burst into tears, right?
Moreover, since she drank wine at Hengwuyuan, it is reasonable to send Daiyu back to Xiaoxiang Pavilion.
When Daiyu heard this, her heart trembled slightly, but she did not refuse. She said softly "Hmm", her starry eyes were as full as water, and she stared at the young man.
Baochai's plump and white jade cheeks were flushed, and her face became more and more beautiful and bright. She said softly: "Brother Heng, you and Mei'er should go slower on the road. She has weak bones, so be careful not to catch the wind. Zijuan
Put that big cloak on her."
Jia Heng looked at Baochai with gentle eyes, smiled and said: "You lie on the bed and rest for a while, I will send her there."
Today I can only stay with Daiyu first. After all, Daiyu is more difficult to coax.
Baochai nodded, with a hint of reluctance deep in her bright autumn eyes, and said, "Brother Heng, please go."
After the two left, Ying'er ordered the maid to clear away the cups and dishes on the wine table.
Bao Qin walked closer, looked at Baochai, and said with a chuckle: "Sister, brother-in-law, she sent Sister Lin off, will she come back later?"
"Zi'er hasn't seen him for a while, it would be nice to spend more time with her." Baochai rolled his eyes at his sister and said softly.
There is also a princess and a princess outside, and it is true that she and her daughter are always in trouble.
Baoqin took a peek at Baochai, and suddenly said quietly: "Second sister, my brother-in-law is good at everything, he is just too good."
There were too many girls around her, and there were others who were eyeing her. She was helping her sister watch her brother-in-law, so she didn't blame her.
"It is unavoidable that ordinary wealthy businessmen only have little wealth and a lot of fat and pretty faces, and they are addicted to wine, sex and wealth. What's more, such a wealthy family needs to continue to produce heirs and strengthen the clan?" Baochai has a bright face and a clear and clear voice.
Beautiful.
In fact, he is already very good. Except for the third sister You in the East Mansion who was appointed by Sister Qin, the huge East and West Mansion also provoked her and Qi'er.
He didn't see anything else, and he never interfered with the other maids. He was busy with business whenever he had time, otherwise he wouldn't have been given a waiting list in such a short period of time.
As for the Zhen family sisters, even if we don't talk about the prisoner's daughter, he didn't like her as much as he did to her. They were just playthings sent by the Zhen family in Jiangnan.
On the contrary, it is Princess Xianning and the little princess... who are worrying.
In fact, this is Baochai's perspective.
And there is another problem. Jia Heng has been married for one year and has no children. Even if he is to inherit the marriage for the Marquis, he still needs a concubine.
Bao Qin said softly, "Hmm", twisting the handkerchief in her hand, her pink and jade face was dazed, and she pursed her lips, which were as pink as rose petals, a little absent-mindedly.
If my sister knew about her in the future... would she beat her?