By Jia Xiuzhen

In the evening, Li Wan exchanged two dried lychee pits for the two that Jia Lan had collected from Qinglong. She didn't know that the dried lychees were sun-dried, and the pits could be planted as well.What's more, she is placed in the soil, as long as there is still a ray of life, it can bloom.

There is no such thing as a yearbook in the fleeting sneak change. Although there are no things that bloom every 3000 years and bear fruit every 3000 years, there are many things that take a hundred years to become useful.When the lychee core was planted there, it would naturally germinate, bloom and bear fruit in no time.Li Wan had no choice but to stop the formation, collect the fruits, and start the formation again. After doing this several times, even though it was two trees, he had harvested piles of fruits.Then the circle was narrowed down, and two lychee trees were left outside the circle. If not, there would be no need to do anything else once you came in, just serve it.After tidying up, I went to the Fuchen market again.

The weather was getting hotter, and seeing that the time for entering the palace in July was approaching, Aunt Xue restrained her subordinates from waiting to talk too much and offended Baochai, even Xue Pan became serious for a while.On this day, Mrs. Cao's Cui family came to teach Baochai. During the break, Aunt Xue asked someone to prepare snacks.

Mrs. Cui was surprised when she saw the jade-white fruit in the celadon bowl, smelling like a lychee fragrance, so she heard Aunt Xue say, "It's far away here, fresh lychees are not easy to store, and outsiders thought of it, soak it in sugar water and seal it tightly for delivery." Here it is, Madam, please taste it." The lychees in syrup had been chilled for a while, and the lychees were iced in the mouth, and the flesh was sweet and tender. Cui ate two of them with a scoop, and said with a smile: "It's good to relieve my anger, but I missed you. .”

Aunt Xue shook her head and said, "Where can I find such an idea? Madam's kind words are no longer heard anywhere else." Cui smiled and said, "Madam always says that, I almost don't know what my surname is." It's gone." The two chatted a little, and Aunt Xue had something to do outside, so she asked Baochai to sit with her, so she went out with a confession.

Cui gently stirred the lychees in syrup with a spoon, sighed, and said to Baochai in a slow voice: "Miss, you have to go to the palace in a few days, and we have talked about the trivial rules several times. , I still have a few important words to tell the girl." Baochai hurriedly sat upright, and said solemnly: "I would like to accept Madam's instruction."

Cui shook her hand with a smile, and then said: "The appearance of the rules is for people to listen to and for others to see. The same rules, some people make them convincing and comfortable, and some people make them feel convincing and comfortable." It is not a fault of the rules to make people look with ulterior motives. Do you understand why, girl?"

Baochai thought about it for a while, and asked, "But because of what you do on a daily basis?"

Cui praised: "At such a young age, the girl's thoughtfulness is much better than others. Yes, it's just because of my daily impressions. Some people don't follow the rules, but everyone thinks that she is a carefree person. People who love to care, although they are loose in rules, are also innocent. The eldest princess who is the most favored in the palace is like this. Today's Zhonggong is famous for being well-mannered and orderly, and because of this She is often praised by the Queen Mother. So it seems that it is right to follow the rules, or not to follow the rules?"

Baochai was dumbfounded, and Cui went on to say: "Among the concubines who favored the crown of the harem back then, they were deposed because of an unruly name. Today's princesses are not very old, and one of them is disliked by today's sophistication because she is young and old-fashioned..." Sighing; "How can I say that?" Baochai shook his head slowly.

Cui said with a smile: "Girl, remember, whether it's rules or virtues, it's just for people to see. What to do at what time and what status, but it's not dead. There is never a shortage of people in the palace. The most important thing is never Not that, but two other words - 'useful'."

Baochai asked puzzledly, "Is it useful?" Cui said, "That's right. The girl also has a business at home, and she must have heard about the fierce fights among her colleagues. This is what the world does for the benefit of a penny. That palace is where the world's riches and powers reside. There are many people with blue eyes and soaring talents everywhere, and naturally there are only a lot of dead bones under their feet.

How many favors are there in such a place?The girl should have heard of Tianjia's ruthless words.That being the case, naturally only the 'pros and cons' are left.We and other little people, there, can live only because they are 'useful' to some people.Girls need to have a pair of discerning eyes, able to see the gains and losses of up and down, not to mention that it has nothing to do with me and other little people. If the sky rains and the ground collapses, how can the little flowers and grasses be safe and sound?Therefore, 'knowing the current affairs' is the first key to life in the palace. "

Baochai frowned and said, "It's not easy to learn and see clearly the human relations in such a place. If you want to know it, you may not be able to know it." How many of them are familiar with these things? They just learn faster and see clearly than anyone else. Even so, there are a few things in the middle, if you remember them, it will naturally be of great benefit."

Baochai hurriedly asked what it was, and Cui said, "One is to keep in mind the four words of being cautious in words and deeds, especially words of caution. Our ancestors said, 'Misfortune comes from the mouth', but few people really take it to heart." Come on. The palace is the best place to reflect this old saying. How many people try to speak quickly and form hatred. If you keep quiet for a while, others will not be able to guess you. If you insist on telling right and wrong, it is good or bad Yes, it will be a handle at that time.

To put it in a nutshell, even if you hated to kill this person, why do you have to make the whole world know about it?The more this is the case, the more you have to act as if nothing had happened, not even a word of complaint can come out of your mouth, and you don't want to get involved in the slightest in your daily life. Even if he really disappears, no one will think of you. "

After saying that, he looked up at Baochai, and said with a smile, "This is too much to say, but does it scare the girl?"

With an older brother like Xue Pan, Baochai has already grown a lot more courageous, so he was not really scared, so he just shook his head with a faint smile.

Cui went on to say: "Speak carefully, I just said it. The other is to act cautiously. When you are in a low place, you must be careful and make good relationships. When you are in a high place, you must be comprehensive. Don't underestimate anyone. In the palace, There are too many people who are favored at one time and frustrated at one time. How many people are defeated by their own frivolity and laziness.

As I said just now, those who can live in the palace are useful people.Therefore, even if you don't seek friendship, at least you must not offend.Think about things a few times, and would rather spend more thought than offend people easily.This little bit is not obvious on weekdays, but after a long time, everyone will have a conclusion in their hearts about what kind of person you are.It is always worth it to spend more time on weekdays. "

Baochai asked, "How can we not offend people in this palace?"

Cui Shi said: "It's actually easy. People always lack something, or they think they lack something. If you give this, you will naturally recognize your goodness. The little slaves have nothing to earn and have nothing to do. It is natural to give some rewards." Yes, but it's not the best. If you can give me a way to gain face, or even give me two points of respect, I will be grateful.

We can't give those high-ranking people what they want.But these people also have preferences. If you like quietness, you should talk less; if you like cleverness, you should be able to joke a few words; Better yet. "

Baochai nodded again and again.Then Cui laughed and said, "I've talked too much in this long story today. You are not born with the world, you have to practice. When you get there, you will naturally understand." Baochai was in deep thought. .

In the late afternoon, Cui Shifang said goodbye and came out of Lixiangyuan. After taking a few steps by car, he was invited to Mrs. Wang's yard by the two wives at the second gate.After serving tea and gossiping, Mrs. Wang asked her: "All these days, Mrs. Tired has taught my niece. Now that the election day is approaching, Mrs. Wang seems to be preparing smoothly?"

Mrs. Cui hurriedly replied: "I dare not take such words from Madam. To be honest, when Madam Jiedu entrusted someone to ask someone, she was a little hesitant when she heard that she was a lady from the Imperial Merchant. At the request of my wife, I once taught the young lady of the Yangzhou salt merchants. For half a year, I tried everything I could, but I was still ashamed of Mrs. Cheng's request. So I didn't dare to accept the instruction this time, and only said that I would come every few days A few gossips, but I didn't expect Miss Xue to be this kind of talent. Madam, don't worry, Miss Xue's manners and etiquette are very good, there must be nothing wrong."

Mrs. Wang nodded after hearing this, and asked again: "I heard that there are quite a few people selected this time. Although my niece is also sensible, I'm afraid she can't compare to those young ladies." Although there are many candidates this time, Ms. Xue may be at a disadvantage in her status, but her character and behavior are outstanding. Let alone serving as a student, it will not make a difference even if you get more."

Mrs. Wang caressed the bead string on her hand, and the colorful cloud came over with a plate. Mrs. Wang said with a smile: "Mrs. Lao, I have nothing to thank you for these days. These are palace-made jades. Yan Gao, Madam please accept it with a smile." When Cui heard that it was Yu Yan Gao from the palace, she couldn't help but look a little happy, and after a few words of humility, she asked the girl next to her to accept it, thanked her, and then left Jia's mansion go home.

Mrs. Wang was fidgeting for a long time, so she asked someone to send in a letter-writer. After thinking about it, it was still not right, so she let it out again, and asked someone to find Jia Zheng.The two discussed for half a day before writing a book and sending it to Wang Ziteng.In the evening, Mrs. Wang talked with Jia Mu in the upper room for a long time.

Earlier, Li Wan collected some lychees in the Zhujie, but it was not easy to take out the fresh ones, but Jia Lan ate enough, and said again and again: "Mother, we have more taste than before, and the meat is thicker." Li Wan only focused on telling him: "Don't talk about it with others, it's all a matter. There is also food for the nuns, don't worry."

Now that Jia Lan has gone through the matter between Jia Zhu and Xiao Qi, he doesn't dare to mess around anymore, so he naturally agrees.Li Wan also removed the shells of the remaining lychees, made them into lychees in syrup, and sent some around.Daiyu got the lychee from Li Wan, and it tasted very good. Baoyu looked at it sadly, and said, "Didn't my sister say that I can't eat this thing? Now I like it again."

Daiyu said with a smile, "Before I ate that fresh food, I felt dizzy and my chest felt a little dry. Now I feel comfortable after eating this." Jia Mu then said, "The nature and taste of raw and cooked food are different. For example, the lotus root is cold when it is raw, but it is warmed when it is ripe. The lychee is the same, since you are eating well, I have a jar from your sister-in-law here, so take it too."

Daiyu shook her head and said, "This old ancestor kept it for himself to taste. This time it's the idea of ​​the medicine shop, or it may benefit the body. I have enough of these."In fact, Daiyu's share was brewed with bitter tea spring, and she was practicing Qingming Jue, so she naturally felt it.Tanchun said from the side: "Sister Lin's taste is different from ours. This one is sweet when I eat it. Although it has some fragrance, it can't compare to fresh ones."

Sister Feng said from the side: "Let's not talk about this. Anyway, the tea that sister Lin regarded as a treasure last time, I smell a little tea? Judging by the tender green appearance, it is not old tea, but the light taste. Tea is actually weaker than white water." Daiyu said: "Sister Feng has hated it until now, and I feel sorry for my tea. It's hard to get it."

Jia Mu said with a smile: "This is not a good time. From now on, whenever there are tea leaves that you think are bland, I will send them to your sister Lin. As for Yu'er, I will choose the ones with strong flavor, strong smell, fishy smell, and dirty meat to give to you." Sister, it suits her heart." Sister Feng rubbed her brows and said, "The old ancestor's words seem to be the same truth to me, but if you want to accept it, you always feel that something is wrong." Naturally, everyone laughed .

Jia's mother asked again: "Listen to you, you all got it? This time, it will cost your sister-in-law again." Tanchun said: "Not only us, but sister Bao also sent someone to send it to Yun. The elder sister has them all, and the second elder brother keeps them." Jia Mu said: "It's hard for her to think about it." Baoyu mentioned Xiangyun, and said to Jia Mu: "Old ancestor, why don't we pick up Sister Yun? It's very lively. some."

Hearing this, Tanchun felt deeply moved: "That's right, the second elder sister is reading in her room all day long, and the fourth younger sister rarely comes out to joke, and elder sister Bao has to learn something again, so it's not as lively as it used to be." Jia Mu smiled and said: "In that case, let your sister Feng send everyone to pick up Yun girl. If the child grows up today, it should be more lively."

Baoyu was so grateful to look at Tanchun, she was very satisfied.Daiyu watched from the side, and didn't want to say more.On the contrary, Sister Feng thought that she had to pack up a place to live after picking up the person. To avoid the embarrassment like last time, she said, "I'll send someone here now, and it won't arrive until after noon. I'll give Yun the first place." It's serious for my sister to tidy up a house. It's hot today, and the sisters' houses are not big. I'm afraid I'll be wronged if I live in it. Anyway, sister Yun often comes and goes. Why don't we just tidy up in the old ancestor's courtyard Why don't you come out of a room?" Mother Jia also thought about it, so she smiled and said, "Then I'll let you do it." Sister Feng then dispatched people to clean up the house to pick up people without mentioning it.

When everyone was discussing, Li Wan was thinking about a troublesome matter in his yard.Mammy Xu sent a letter, saying that Yan Jun had resigned from the head of the village intentionally. Although he didn't say the reason, Li Wan also guessed that it was probably because of his wife.It's just that this Zhuangzi is different from the others. After all, he still has a lot of communication. It's not good for Madam Xu to show her face too much, not to mention she's too tired.

If you don't want to agree, what happened to Yan Jun's daughter-in-law has not been heard once or twice. If this continues, the grievances will become more serious.Thinking of this, he couldn't help rubbing his brows—what is this all about.After thinking about it, he replied to the letter, only saying that someone still needs to do the job of the farmer. As for the name, it's easy, let them find a way around it.With her sophistication, she could think of this as her limit, and she couldn't help thinking that if it were Sister Feng, she would have many ways to make people submissive.

In Lixiangyuan, when Aunt Xue came back, Cui Shi had left for some time. Seeing Baochai sitting alone in a daze, she asked, "Where is Yinger? This girl is getting lazy, why is there no one?" Baochai turned back God came, and replied: "I let her go out, I want to stay alone for a while."

Seeing her like this, Aunt Xue hurried forward, looked at her expression carefully, and asked, "Why, but what did Mrs. Cao say? Listen to Mom and relax. We are not the kind of people who only point to this road." .It’s just because of this title, I have to show my face. Come back after it’s over, and it’s over.”

Baochai raised her eyes and asked Aunt Xue, "Why does Mom always predict that I won't be selected?" Aunt Xue laughed and said, "I'm not a god! There are so many people, just choose a few, who knows!" Then he asked Baochai, "What important things did Mrs. Gangcao stay here to tell you?" Baochai said, "I can't understand the rules that must be followed in the palace. I just sat and thought about it, Yinger." I was dizzy as I was walking around in front of my eyes, so I let her go out to play."

Aunt Xue said: "There's so much depth in it, you're just a man of ideas. Although you're better than others, you're still young. It's not bad if you don't understand it. Just keep it in your heart. When the time comes, a pair of Jing'er may be just right." Got it." Baochai nodded and said, "I think so too." Aunt Xue said with a smile, "Mrs. Cao was indifferent when she first came here, but now she seems to care about you. What she said was a joint that she had figured out after so many years in the palace, and she didn't say it until this time, because she valued your meaning." Baochai smiled and said, "I'm afraid it's due to Mom's bowl of lychees. .”

Aunt Xue said with a smile: "Zhu's daughter-in-law sent someone to send it, and it happened to borrow flowers to present Buddha. Taking this out also shows our sincerity." Baochai just sat and thought about what Cui said carefully, and the more she realized that she was not a princess. The truth that Shidu should understand, but how can a girl like her tell Aunt Xue apart from these words?I had no choice but to hide it in my heart and think about it alone.

Aunt Xue saw that Baochai was out of her mind, but she had other thoughts, but it was inconvenient for her to tell Baochai what she was thinking, so she thought for a while and said, "Being a man is always not easy. The first day in the palace Great benefits and great disasters are close at hand, so it is naturally more difficult to be a human being. What Mrs. Cao taught you today was obtained from such a dangerous and rich place, so it is naturally unusual, and you can't figure out what to be afraid of. Just remember, the benefits will be great in the future. This is just like doing business. You can do a sale of one hundred thousand taels, but you can easily handle the sale of a thousand taels of 10 taels. Do you think it makes sense? ?”

Baochai laughed and said, "I still haven't figured out what Mrs. Cao said, but Mom has a good plan." Aunt Xue said with a smile: "What is it? I just thought about it or didn't understand it. I used it by mistake." Twice, it will be handy." Baochai nodded and sighed, "I hope I don't need to use these things."

The two were talking, when they heard Xue Panfeng coming outside in a hurry, shouting loudly: "Come on, don't touch it, I still hold this thing, go out, I have something to say to my wife and girl." What. You all go to the door and guard, and report when someone comes, are you listening?" There was another sound from the crowd.