In the front hall, brothers Zhang Tingyu and Zhang Tingguan were having tea.
Seeing that there was no one else in the house, Zhang Tingguan whispered: "This half of the street belongs to Dong E's family? How many houses are there?"
Zhang Tingguan was also the prime minister's son. He was born in Cidi in the imperial city. He was not from a humble family and had never seen the world.
However, compared with this large mansion with a distinguished family name, the four courtyards in the imperial city seem small and small.
The fifth-level mansion has two spans. It is not one big mansion, but two mansions next to each other.
This is equivalent to four five-in-one mansions juxtaposed, so they occupy half of the street.
Zhang Tingyu spoke concisely and comprehensively, saying: "Master Qi's family originally had two rooms, living next to each other..."
He stayed in the Hanlin Academy for three years and was ordered to learn Mandarin. Most of his daily contacts were seniors who were Manchu scholars, and he was used to the Manchu rule of "not mentioning names."
On the other hand, although Zhang Tingguan was also born in the capital, he returned to his hometown to study when he was ten years old. He had not had much contact with people outside and was still used to calling him by his last name.
Zhang Tingguan nodded and said: "So it is said that 'there are three types of unfilial piety, and the greatest is not having an offspring.' Dong E's family is really weak."
It has been passed down for three generations, and there are no relatives or relatives.
Fortunately, the head of this generation was able to give birth, otherwise this branch would have been adopted again.
There was movement outside.
The two brothers got up when they heard the noise.
Then the door curtain was lifted open, and a bunch of people came in.
"Brother Zhang, sixth brother, happy new year..."
Zhuliang stepped forward and bowed his hands to the two of them for New Year greetings.
The two brothers returned the favor.
Others also came forward to greet the in-laws.
The two families who were discussing marriage had met several times.
However, there are two strangers in the crowd right now.
Fusong introduced Xiaoliu: "This is my younger brother Xingliu, whose name is Shoushan. He is currently the companion of the fifteenth prince. He is in the palace all year round. I can only take him back for a few days during the Chinese New Year."
Then, he said to Xiao Liu: "This is Brother Zhang, and that is Brother Zhang..."
Xiaoliu stepped forward and bowed in the Han salute: "Hello, second brother Zhang, hello, brother Zhang Liu. I wish you both a happy new year."
Since there are children here in Dutong Mansion, the Zhang brothers also brought their wallets.
Mr. Zhang Liu handed over the purse and said, "I also wish my brother Shoushan a happy new year."
Xiaoliu took the bag and said with some confusion: "Last year, I went back to Beijing with my eldest brother and sister-in-law. Wasn't there also Brother Zhang? Why didn't I see him?"
Zhang Tingyu said: "My younger brother returned home after my younger sister got married."
Ni Guzhu had already gotten off the ground in Xiao San's arms, holding Xiao Qi's hand and standing next to Xiao Qi.
Fusong pointed at her and said: "This is the big princess of Baylor Mansion. I am celebrating the New Year here these days..."
According to the hierarchy, the Zhang brothers should have been introduced to Da Gege first, but now they are relatives, so they should follow family etiquette.
The Zhang family brothers all looked at Ni Guzhu.
Is this the legendary "auspiciousness"?
He looks like a really lucky child.
Fusong said to Ni Guzhu again: "This is the second uncle of the Zhang family, and this is the sixth uncle of the Zhang family..."
Ni Guzhu was not afraid of strangers. He raised his little head and looked at the two of them. He used the newly learned curtsy and said: "Happy New Year to Uncle Zhang Er, happy New Year to Uncle Zhang Liu..."
This is the granddaughter of the emperor. She has a distinguished status and cannot be considered solely based on marriage, so both brothers should avoid her.
"Big Princess is good..."
As the two brothers talked, Zhang Tingguan also took out his wallet.
Ni Guzhu looked at Fusong, saw him nodding, took it with both hands, and said with a smile: "Thank you, Uncle Zhang Liu..."
Because of the New Year, it is the time for children to collect lucky money.
Ni Guzhu looked at Xiao Qi and Xiao Wu, then at Xiao San and Xiao Si.
Zhang Tingguan was sweating a little on his forehead.
Fortunately, I brought a lot of money, otherwise it would not have been enough.
The immature Xiao Wu and the young Xiao Qi each received a share.
Zhu Liang was nearby, a little embarrassed.
Before, I just wanted to build up my brother's reputation and brought my younger brothers with me. I forgot about the new year's money.
On this second day of the Lunar New Year, I brought my immature younger brother to visit guests, as if I was asking for lucky money.
Zhang and Fusong had already come out, and the Zhang brothers left without delay.
After hearing this, Mrs. Zhang looked at Ni Guzhu.
Ni Guzhu let go of Xiao Qi's hand and warned: "I'm going home first. When I get back, my uncle remembers to come and play with me. My family can pick vegetables."
Xiao Qi nodded in agreement.
Although he didn't know what picking vegetables was, since his eldest niece thought it was good, it should be fun.
Mrs. Zhang went over to hold Ni Guzhu.
Niguzhu took her hand and said: "Auntie, just hold me. I'm heavy and it will hurt your arms..."
Brother Zhang Tingyu was not surprised when he saw this fat girl following him.
Although Mr. Zhang is young, he has a well-thought-out temperament that he has been exposed to since he was a child.
As early as the thirtieth day, when it was confirmed that Ni Guzhu would return to Ning with her, Mrs. Zhang sent the wet nurse to the Zhang family.
When he arrived at the carriage, Fusong first carried Niguzhu into the carriage, and then went to help Zhang.
Mrs. Zhang took his hand and got into the carriage.
There were two carriages behind, prepared by the Dutong Mansion. One carried Zhang's wet nurse and dowry girl, and the other carried the Guining gift prepared by the Dutong Mansion.
The Zhang brothers took another carriage belonging to the Zhang family.
Here in Fusong, he waited for his two brothers-in-law to get on the carriage, then waved to the Zhuliang brothers and got on Zhang's carriage.
The east is white and the sky will be bright.
A sheep's horn lantern was hung in the carriage.
Ni Guzhu sat next to Mrs. Zhang and wanted to pick up the carriage curtain. Seeing this, Fusong hurriedly stretched out his hand to hold it down and said: "It's cold in the morning. I should have a stomachache after eating the wind."
Ni Guzhu immediately covered his stomach with his chubby hands and said, "Then don't look outside. My stomach hurts. It's time to drink porridge..."
Fusong and Zhang took care of the child for two days and understood the unfinished meaning behind Ni Guzhu.
If you drink porridge, you can't eat delicious food.
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The young couple smiled.
Mrs. Zhang looked at Fusong softly and hugged Niguzhu, looking forward to giving birth to a daughter.
When a woman gets married, she will inevitably think about having children.
Mrs. Zhang had been looking forward to giving birth to a boy.
It's not that boys are favored over girls, but because they know that girls without titles will be picked on in their marriages in the future, and it will be difficult for them to have a decent marriage.
It is difficult for an untitled daughter of a county prince to get married, let alone other people.
If you were a boy, you would get a lot of money and food after landing.
In the Zhang family's carriage, Zhang Tingguan said: "Second brother, when the spring festival is over, shouldn't it be time for you to leave?"
Zhang Tingyu nodded and said: "Well, when the museum closes in March, it should be reviewed by the Hanlin Academy..."
There are regulations for the dispersal of shujishi and how to appoint officials.
Zhang Tingguan said with a bit of embarrassment.
The second brother passed the Jinshi examination all the way, and studied hard for twenty years, and his official career started from the seventh rank; he took advantage of his father's shadow, and after five years in the Imperial College, he could enter the Imperial Academy as a Yuanwailang after completing the examination.
Fifth grade.
This shade can be used to shade children or grandchildren.
He is his father's concubine, but he has taken this spot.
He knew his parents' plan, and he originally planned to reserve this spot for his fourth brother's room.
For other sons, I hope they can pass the exam on their own.
The fourth brother is in poor health and has no chance of an official career, nor can he raise children and grandchildren.
If the children in that house are excellent at studying, it is enough to pass the exam. If they cannot pass the exam, the shadow student quota is a future, ensuring that the house will be established and does not have to rely on other houses.
As a result, the fourth brother broke up the family and was so aggressive and showed no kindness to the younger sister, which hurt the hearts of his parents. In a letter to the elder brother, he mentioned this hidden arrangement.
This matter was hidden from my hometown.
If fourth brother really wants to know, I don't know how to make a fuss.
Zhang Tingyu looked at his younger brother and said, "Don't think too much. Since it was arranged by my father, he has his own intentions. If my eldest brother doesn't object, no one else has the right to object."
Their father is not a pedantic person.
If you really want to be pedantic, you won't be able to hold an official position.
If this shade is used early, it also has the benefit of using it early.
The eldest brother does not object to this. In addition to being a friendly brother, he also understands the painstaking efforts of his father.
According to the rules, if this Yin Sheng stays, he will leave it to his eldest son.
Xiao Liu made up for Yin Sheng, and he didn't feel sorry for himself or the fourth child. Instead, he should thank his elder brother.
Zhang Tingguan let out a breath, rubbed his hands and said, "I heard that in the yamen of the Ministry, the promotion of supervisors is based on the correct path. When the time comes, I will be an official well. After thirty years, I will give back to my eldest brother!"
Zhang Tingyu looked at his younger brother and said, "If you are ambitious, study hard and graduate as soon as possible."
For civil servants, if they want to be qualified, they need to be of the fourth rank in the capital and the third rank in the local government.
For Zhang Tingguan, who started his career as an official from the fifth rank, it is not difficult and he can get through it step by step.
Zhang Tingguan thought of something and said, "Second brother is going to have a baby. When the time comes, he will have to have a wet nurse and a nanny. Will the yard in Nancheng be too small?"
Zhang Tingyu said: "Fortunately, we will talk about it then..."
The Zhang family did not have a house in the capital, so Zhang Tingyu rented a house in Nancheng like other Hanlin officials.
Zhang Tingguan, apart from staying in the Imperial College, temporarily lives in the home of his eldest brother and sister-in-law during holidays.
The carriage walked for two-quarters of an hour and arrived at the back street of Baylor House.
Zhang Tingzhan and his wife got the news and went to the door to greet them.
This time, Fusong got out of the car first, then helped Zhang get out of the car, and finally picked up Ni Guzhu.
"Brother, Happy New Year, sister-in-law..."
Mrs. Zhang looked at her brother and sister-in-law, her voice was cheerful, and she stepped forward to call for help.
She was a young girl, and later Mrs. Yao gave birth to a young son. Zhang's elder sister-in-law took more care of her here.
Mrs. Gu took her sister-in-law and looked at her carefully.
Zhang was originally slim and slender, but now her face is rosy and her hands are much plumper.
Mrs. Gu was surprised. She only heard that brides worked hard and lost weight, but not that they gained weight.
It seems that what she said when she "returned home" after getting married was true. Mrs. Dutong was amiable and kind to her daughter-in-law. Otherwise, she wouldn't be like this now, and she looked even more cheerful than before she got married.
At this time, Ni Guzhu had already spoken to Zhang Tingzhan: "Uncle of the Zhang family, the eldest uncle said that I met you when I was a child, so why don't you come to see me when I'm older?"
Zhang Tingzhan only had three sons. Looking at this fat girl, he was very envious. He lowered his voice and said: "I have to go to the Yamen as an errand, not to Baylor Mansion. When Da Gege goes to school, I might want to go there too."
He knew that Baylor Mansion was going to set up a school for several children. Although educating young children was a bit overkill for him, who told him to still hang on to the rituals of Baylor Mansion?
The emperor pointed out Ma Qi as his teacher to the ninth elder brother, but Ma Qi was a bachelor. Even if he had the title of teacher and student, the emperor might not be happy for him to have close contact with the prince.
As a civil servant with a background as a poet, it is not a problem if he does not have any rights.
It's just that Brother Jiu's temperament has been developed for a long time, and it's hard to dissuade him. I still spend some time on the younger brothers and little princess, which can be regarded as reciprocating love.
In these years, as a subordinate official of Baylor Mansion, in addition to receiving an extra amount of money and food, I also received a lot of good things throughout the year.
Ni Guzhu looked at Zhang Tingzhan several times and said, "Are you going to be our teacher? What will you teach? Can you teach me how to play the flute?"
Zhang Tingzhan muttered: "I don't know what to teach now, but it's the flute. I happen to know a little bit about it. If Da Gege wants to learn it, I can teach it."
Ni Guzhu immediately beamed, pointed in the direction of Babele Mansion, and said: "When I learn how to play it, I can play it to the aunt next door..."
Zhang Tingzhan was a little confused after hearing this and looked at Mr. Zhang.
Mrs. Zhang heard Ni Guzhu mention it and said: "The resting place of Bafujin is next to Ning'an Hall. Da Gege often listens to the flute playing there, so he wants to learn to play the flute..."