Chapter 609 Sisters Chat
Xiangyun pouted and hummed, but did not say anything.
So, the three of them went together, first went to greet the old lady, and then went out and headed towards the Lin Mansion.
After arriving at the Lin residence and returning to the rear courtyard, although it wasn't yet May , the courtyard had already become quite picturesque. Early spring flowers and verdant bamboo complemented each other beautifully. Daiyu was particularly delighted by the glass foyer. It was still a bit chilly in the courtyard, but the glass foyer, bathed in the warm sunshine, was pleasantly cozy.
Ever since she moved back home, Daiyu has loved this small space the most. Therefore, although the space is not large, Daiyu has decorated it with great care.
There were bamboo curtains hanging all around, and a small couch was placed in the corner. In front of the couch was a two-foot-high table, on which were pens, ink and other items. In the corner of the couch was the bamboo utensil that Jia Cong had given her before.
"Sister Lin's place is really great. Just this glass house alone is something that only Sister Lin's place has among all the wealthy families in the entire Shenjing City." Xiangyun said enviously.
Although glassware is not rare for several families, glass of this size, which can even be used to build a house, is extremely rare.
Daiyu and Baochai sat down to drink tea, but Xiangyun could not sit still. She looked around and praised everything. It was a while before she sat down.
After taking a sip of tea, Xiangyun said, "Although this courtyard is nice, it's too small. If I could lead an army to conquer the south and the north like my third brother, that would be the most magnificent thing. In the future, I will let my third brother take me on a journey, and we will travel the world with our swordsman. Just thinking about it makes me happy."
Daiyu laughed and said, "If you were a man, you would go out and fight for justice. You are picking on Jing Ke and Nie Zheng, it's really funny."
Xiangyun snorted but didn't care. She sat down beside her zither, strummed a few times, and flipped through the music sheet beside her. She couldn't help but say, "Sister Lin is making great progress. She's even reading the heavenly book."
"You are a lady from a noble family, but you don't even know a piece of music." Daiyu said with a smile.
Upon hearing this, Xiangyun immediately bowed to Daiyu in an exaggerated manner and said jokingly, "Sister, I would like to listen to the pine wind."
"Stop being so jealous. Yun girl can't even read music sheet. I don't want to play the lute to a cow."
Their words made Baochai, who was standing by, burst into laughter. Daiyu and Xiangyun exchanged a few words before pulling Baochai aside and saying, "Sister Bao, the other day I found this ancient music score in father's study. I heard it's from the previous dynasty, called 'Xiaoxiang Shuiyun'. Although it's incomplete, it's absolutely wonderful. Why don't you study it a bit, and when you've mastered it, try to emulate Boya and Ziqi?"
Baochai took it and glanced at it for a few seconds, then nodded and said, "This score is the best. When you and I have read it all, we can add a few more to it. Although it cannot compare with the ancient rhyme, it is also a wonderful thing."
"In my opinion, why should Sister Bao and Sister Lin imitate those Boya and Ziqi? Even if they do, they should emulate Ehuang and Nv Ying, who are truly a perfect match."
Daiyu's pretty face flushed red at Xiangyun's words, and she immediately stood up and said, "Girl Yun, I'm going to beat you up for being such a chatterbox..."
…
After Daiyu and the other two left, although Baoyu was not in high spirits, Yingchun and Tanchun had no choice but to stay and play with Baoyu until the lights were turned on, then they took their leave. Li Wan and Wang Xifeng did come as well, but not until the afternoon, and sat down for a cup of tea, exchanged a few words, and then left together.
In Mengpo Studio, Jia Zheng, fresh from his errand, sat down, somewhat wearily. He had been quite busy lately. It was already April, and some prefectures in the south of the Yangtze River had been experiencing rainy weather for several days, so it was time to begin river repairs and other arrangements. Furthermore, he had to oversee the gardening at home.
This was not because Jia Zheng abused his power for personal gain, but rather, it was a task that was specially assigned to Jia Zheng by the officials of the Ministry of Works at the suggestion of Emperor Longxing.
Fortunately, most of the matters and accounts were managed by Wang Xifeng. He only needed to check on them every now and then and adjust some things. Otherwise, Jia Zheng himself would be overwhelmed.
After taking a sip of tea, Jia Zheng suddenly asked the servant beside him, "Has Baoyu moved out today?"
"Master, Master Bao has moved back from the old lady's courtyard today. Moreover, Master Bao has hosted a banquet for all the young ladies."
"Hmm!" Jia Zheng replied, and then his eyes lit up. He felt that all his fatigue was instantly swept away. He could even host such a great party, so he was obviously well again. "Go and get Baoyu! And also fetch the horse whip that Teng sent over a few days ago."
This was a new method Jia Zheng had come up with after discussing his parenting experience with many people. Compared to the water and fire stick, this horse whip not only saved him energy but was also lighter when used. There was no need to use too many lashes; just ten or eight would do the job without breaking the child, and the old lady would naturally have no objection.
Not knowing what he was thinking about, Jia Zheng rubbed his hands, a smile on his face...
In addition to Baoyu's host today, Youshi from the East Palace also held a small banquet in the evening, inviting not only the three Yuanyangs, but also Li Wan and Wang Xifeng.
Several people sat in the hall, and Ping'er and several maids served on the side.
Seeing Wang Xifeng slumped in her chair, Youshi couldn't help but laugh and said, "Look at our housekeeper, why is she so listless?"
Sister Feng glanced at Youshi and said, "You two are just asking for some free time. Am I not helping you with the work in the East Mansion, Second Madam? This huge garden brings in tens of thousands of silver coins every day, and I have at least a hundred errands to run every day. You, the First Madam, the Grand Madam, the Grand Imperial Secretary, are all ordering an outsider like me around to watch a play. How can you be so cruel?"
"Second Aunt is not a stranger. When our East Mansion's master comes back, we will treat Second Aunt to a good meal and reward her. We will not let Second Aunt's hard work be in vain." Keqing said with a smile.
"Who doesn't know that Second Madam is the most capable of the women in our harem?" Yuanyang also laughed. "If we were to handle such a big thing, it would probably be a mess. Only Second Madam can handle it. Otherwise, why would our master entrust the matter to Second Madam?"
Fengjie raised her snow-white neck and smiled proudly. She was tired, of course, but this was her enemy's business. If she didn't take care of it herself, who else would?
"Since my second sister-in-law is here today, let's have a few drinks. Today's wine was specially brought from Jiangnan by sister Muring, so you can't have it easily." Xing Xiuyan said with a smile.
Muring also smiled. "Just now I asked Mo Hen to ask. The fourth lady and Miss Qin are having a great time. Xiao Que'er and the others are also with them. They said they won't be coming over. I asked someone to prepare food for them. We don't have to wait. We can start the feast first."
