The Moon Over Tang Dynasty Chapter 136

Chapter 136 Such a generous gift is just what you want

A breeze blew in from outside the hall, and the rustling sound caused by the slight fluttering of the curtains made of Bozhou gauze on the flower hall suddenly became clearly audible.

The eldest princess of Linhai turned her eyes to the faces of the female guests who had held their breath before speaking leisurely, "As you all know, the late emperor once entrusted the returned Luoyang property to Duke Wei. Later, Duke Hedong and I had no choice but to After a few more years of stewardship, I was afraid that things would go wrong, and I managed to keep the promise and start a family. I returned all these properties to the promise. You all know this, so there is no need to say more. Rumor has it that I, Linhai, covet these properties and that's why I'm so embarrassed!”

Several female relatives of the middle-aged Pei looked at each other, and they were all a little puzzled. Who among the people here didn't know this matter well? What's worth saying? Mrs. Zheng knelt down and stood up and said with a smile, "Eldest Princess, why bother? It is said that rumors only stop at the wise. Such unheard talk will only be spread in the mouths of villains, so why bother?"

The eldest princess nodded and smiled calmly, "The truth is of course this. I gave this property to Shou Yue a few years ago, so what's the use of embarrassing Auntie now? Could it be that Shou Yue and Auntie's marriage have been ruined? , can those fields fly back into my hands? Even an outsider can understand this at a glance. Whether we keep the promise and get married, whether we live alone, or whether we have children and grandchildren, what does it have to do with me? Because I raised Shou Yue with my own hands, I just took care of everything!"

She sighed in disinterest, "It's easy for me not to worry about it now, but there are so many rumors, and I don't know when you will be involved. Some people say today that I am coveting the family's property, and there is no guarantee that no one will say that in the future. Everyone covets the property of Shou Yue. Speaking of which, when I gave this property to Shou Yue, didn't some of you say that this property originally belonged to the Pei family in Luoyang and should not be owned by Shou Yue? After analyzing the late emperor's intention, he also said that even if it is the property of the Pei family in Luoyang and Shou is the eldest son, it should be controlled by him and handled by him! Now that I think about it, I didn't. It was a mistake!”

Hearing this, the faces of Mrs. Zheng and another female family member named Liu were somewhat sad - they were the two who had the most arguments that day. Mrs. Zheng was the leader of the group and had taken in Pei Xingjian's mother and son for several years. It turned out that they were Some ideas. However, the Liu family was unhappy because their father-in-law, uncles, and even their infant son were all killed by Wang Shichong's sword. Why did their family have to die with them when the clan was exterminated? After returning the property, they became Pei Renji again. A family item? It's just that this matter has been in the past for a long time. What does the eldest princess mean when she brings up this topic now? Could it be that her own reputation has been tarnished and she wants to involve everyone in it? Or do you want to regret what you said back then?

The eldest princess seemed not to have seen their faces at all, and continued calmly, "I just want to understand now that the most fearful thing in this world is ambiguity. This family property is family property, and private property is private property. If we don't distinguish it, Let's be clear. I don't know when there will be another turmoil in the city! To avoid further rumors and disputes in the future, I invite you here today to make it clear to you once again that the late emperor owes this property to Governor Pei's loyalty. Unfortunately, he was killed for the sake of his country, and he was specially returned to the mother and son who kept the promise. It has nothing to do with the other members of the Zhongjuan Pei clan! "

After saying that, she couldn't help but glance at Liuli's face. Not surprisingly, she saw a smiling face, and she sneered in her heart. No matter how cunning this Kudisi was, she finally lost because of greed. But it doesn't matter whether you can eat it or not! Looking casually again, he saw Mrs. Zheng lowering her head to drink unnaturally. Mrs. Liu's eyes were already showing anger, and the corners of her mouth could not help but raise slightly.

"Everyone, please think about it. The late emperor was the one who granted the title of Governor Pei. The reason why the property was handed over to the former Duke of Wei was because the mother and son who kept the promise lived in this mansion at that time. Otherwise, how could I, the Western Residence Chief Pei, be allowed to take charge of it? What's the point of consorting Pei's property? Later, when my imperial brother ascended the throne, he not only granted the title of Governor-General Pei again, but also allowed Shou Yuan to enter the Hongwen Hall. Isn't it even more obvious what the holy intention is? "

Of course, every word of her words made sense, but Mrs. Liu couldn't help but snorted and turned away with a cold face, thinking of the time when only the couple who returned home to worship their ancestors were the only two people left in such a large family. The bleak, frightening, sad and angry situation is still vivid in my mind when I think of it, and I can't help but feel sad and angry at the same time.

The eldest princess looked at her and sighed sympathetically, "I also know what A Liu was thinking. It was because he felt that your family was really innocent. Although these words were made clear, they were not finalized. I originally wanted to keep the promise. He is the eldest son of your favorite, and by returning all these properties to keep the promise, I have completed the task entrusted by the late emperor. It is most appropriate to let him handle it in the future. I didn't expect that there would be such vicious rumors this time. Come out, if that's the case, I'll kill the villain this time!”

Her voice had become cold: "The property that the late emperor ordered our palace to take care of was the property of Pei Shouyue's father and brother. Naturally, we can only return it to Shouyue. If you or your husbands feel that this is not the right way to handle it, , you might as well ask the Holy Emperor for a ruling. If there is no objection, you can no longer say that those properties are the family property of the dependents, and it will save outsiders from taking advantage of the loopholes and seeing the joke!"

There was silence in the hall, which was a bit duller than just now. Everyone knew in their hearts that when the eldest princess of Linhai said this, there would be no room for change in the matter. Don't say that it was impossible to make trouble in front of the Holy Emperor, so he went to make trouble. Could it be that the Holy Emperor would say that the late Emperor did something wrong? ? Can people like myself still get good results?

The eldest princess looked down with an indifferent expression. After a while, she nodded and smiled, "Since you all have no objections, I'm relieved." After saying that, she took a long breath, turned her eyes to Liuli, and her smile became gentle. , "It's a blessing to keep the promise. Because of what happened today, I asked specifically. I heard that Luoyang's income is very good this year. My aunt is different from my adopted daughter who has no ordinary life. She is smart and has a family. "Xue Yuanyuan, I have taken good care of the property of the promise, and I don't need to worry about it anymore. How to deal with those properties in the future is a matter between you and the promise, and my wife will never ask anything about it."

Liuli was silent for a moment, then raised her face and smiled slightly, "The eldest princess has given you the reward. Liuli is young and ignorant. The gains this year are just God's reward. In the future, in addition to asking for more advice from the eldest princess, naturally she will also have to rely on her." Dear aunts and sisters-in-law.”

The eldest princess smiled even more cordially, "Where, after tomorrow, you will be the wife of the beloved clan, and all the aunts and sisters-in-law here in the future will have to take more care of you!"

Seeing Liuli lowering her eyes and saying "I don't dare", the eldest princess hurriedly lowered her head and took a sip of Lihuachun, covering the smile on her lips: Fortunately, she was afraid that the person who would marry Pei gave up her heart to seize the child, and instead followed Pei. Keeping the promise was twisted into a rope, and only one living word was left. I didn't expect that it would be of such great use today!

These married people have used Luoyang's property as family property for so many years. How can they be willing to have nothing to do with it anymore? What's more, she specifically asked Luoyang to send money and silk over with great fanfare. The blind man also knew that unlike the past, the industry there was already real gold. These people are all from the Pei family, with limited family resources and limited future. How can they be willing to watch the golden chicken that lays eggs become someone else's family? Tomorrow is the time for the Kudisi to meet in the temple. If it goes smoothly, she will be a legitimate clan wife from then on. If something goes wrong and she can't even finish the ceremony, it will be a big joke. Under such circumstances, these people will naturally seize on this reason to have a violent attack - the Pei Shouyue couple and the middle dependent Pei tribe members Benghe will fight, so that they can benefit!

The slightly sweet wine slowly slid down her throat. She glanced at the Pei family members below along the rim of the agate cup: except for Mrs. Liu, who had an angry look on her face, the rest of them lowered their heads and remained silent. The eldest princess couldn't help but feel even more happy. She put down her cup and said with a smile, "Sit down for a moment. I'll be right back." She nodded to Zheng Wanniang again, and when she came forward, she supported her and left leisurely.

In the silence, Mrs. Liu only heard a heavy "hum", glanced at Liuli with a sneer, turned around and said to Mrs. Xiao who was nearest to her, "It turns out that there is such a thing as a blessing in disguise in this world. Today, the eldest princess You called me here, it turned out that you were going to give such a generous gift in person! But there are some things that you would feel guilty for taking!"

Mrs. Xiao quickly glanced at her mother-in-law, Mrs. Zheng, and then smiled at Mrs. Liu, but did not answer. Mrs. Liu couldn't help but frown even more tightly, and she also glanced at Mrs. Zheng, "Sister-in-law, why don't you say a word of justice today? Could it be that the dozen or so members of my family died in vain? In the end, it turned out to be It's our fault that we covet other people's property. How can there be such truth in the world?”

Zheng had her head lowered all the time, but now she had to raise her head, with a slightly embarrassed smile on her face, "I'm afraid Liu has some misunderstanding."

Liu was stunned for a moment, "What do you mean by this?"

Mrs. Zheng glanced at Liuli, hesitating to speak. Mrs. Liu turned to look at the others, but she also had a normal expression: not only was she not angry, but she was a little embarrassed... Liuli laughed and said, "This aunt, Liuli, earlier I once invited you to be a guest at my humble residence, but my aunt never came because she was in poor health. Therefore, she didn't know about some things, so it's no wonder she misunderstood Liuli.” Mrs. Liu was startled, but she remembered that she had indeed received it half a month ago. Post, but I really hated Pei Shouyue's family and didn't pay attention to it. Could it be that I missed something?

Liuli looked at her and smiled sincerely, "Speaking of it, these relatives were originally in the same spirit, so what Captain Pei planned back then was not for the sake of the family? If it came to pass, wouldn't it be possible that only the father and brother who kept the promise would benefit? Come to think of it, The Pei family will definitely not be inferior to the Pei family of the West! It's a pity that it's fate, and the Pei family will suffer the same fate! If you are prosperous, you will be harmed together. This has been the case throughout the ages.”

Liu suffocated slightly, and then sneered, "Really? But now I want to ask you, we have suffered the same loss, but where is the glory?"

Liuli smiled and said, "That's a good question, Auntie. The last time I invited all the elders over, it was just to discuss this matter! Auntie, please think about it, have you ever used the proceeds for your own personal affairs over the years as promised? This will naturally continue to be the case in the future. , Luoyang's income this year is quite a bit more than in previous years, I think it's almost enough to rebuild the ancestral hall, and I'm asking the elders to find people to prepare things, and the construction will start in a few days!”

Mrs. Liu couldn't help being surprised. She looked at several sisters-in-law of the same clan and suddenly understood: Not only did the Kudi family want to rebuild the ancestral hall, but they also gave all the decent and lucrative work to these families. , they must have selfish motives and didn't want to tell her. No wonder they didn't say a word before, and now they look like this... She thought a few times, and her expression was a little cold, "So that's how it is! But I don't understand. Okay, is this ancestral hall going to be built every year?”

Liuli's smile did not change at all, "There is no need to build an ancestral hall, there are clan schools, and sacrificial fields. In the future, we can also buy a few yards to accommodate clan students who come to Beijing to study and take exams. Although our clan has withered a little, we will naturally be better in the future. As the population gradually increases, there will be more and more candidates for study every year. What year will there not be a few things happen? At that time, Liuli will look at the income and discuss it with all the aunts every year. "

Liu looked at Liuli's smiling face and felt a little doubtful in her heart. She frowned and said, "You mean, we still need to discuss with me how to use the profits from the industry in Luoyang?"

Liuli solemnly said, "Exactly! Shou Yue once said that there are too many clan members' lives in this property, and he will not use it for his own personal affairs under any circumstances. Whether this intention is sincere or not, Shou Yue has been I believe that all the elders will see what Yue has done. As the wife of the Pei family, Liuli must abide by her husband's wishes. When I invited all the aunts to come to my house that day, Liuli swore that these money and silk would be given to me. , Liuli will never be used to fill one's own desires, or to meet the expenses of the whole family. It must be used to benefit everyone, and it must be shared by the dependents and the Pei family. Otherwise, it is called. Liuli will not die well in the future!”

Ms. Liu couldn't help but be stunned. Thinking of Pei Xingjian's actions over the years, she already believed it, and became a little resentful. "Why are you swearing and swearing? Since everyone believes in you, I naturally believe it too..."

Mrs. Zheng smiled quickly and said, "I told you that you misunderstood my aunt, right?" She smiled at Liuli again and said, "A Liu used to be the most straight-tempered and loved to be serious. It's not that I don't believe you. Now it's natural to talk freely." Okay, don't say those words again. How can you say those words casually? You are young and don't know what to say, but my heart is beating wildly when I hear it!"

Liuli hurriedly smiled and said, "No, it's just Liuli who wants to show her sincerity. Since she will never do it, it doesn't matter what she says!" She sighed again, "I have to thank the eldest princess for her careful consideration. Today These words seemed to be a generous gift to me. Now that she has spoken to her, Liuli dares to let go. Otherwise, this property will be regarded as a family property. If the clan members from Wenxi ask about it in the future, what will happen to me? All the family property and income have been spent on Chang'an, but you asked me how to answer..."

Mrs. Xiao even laughed and said, "Auntie, you are too worried. A wife like Auntie is thinking about the clan. This is something that has never happened in Chang'an. Who will say that you are not good?" Ah Jia said it well. Pei Xingjian's current holy family has an unlimited future. If they calculate that his family's property can be obtained, if they don't protect it in full, there will be trouble in the future. Even if they want to come to the Hedong Duke's Mansion, they will never let them get what they want. Cudi is acting like this now. Wouldn't it be unwise for them to find fault with her again?

Several other female family members also joined in and joked a few words, and the originally dull atmosphere in the room was swept away.

Behind the brocade curtain, Zheng Wanniang held the eldest princess of Linhai tightly. The eldest princess's face turned blue, she clenched her teeth tightly, and the smile on her face looked almost creepy.

After standing for a long time, the eldest princess slowly turned around and walked to the back hall without saying a word. Then she laughed softly, "What a good trick and a good calculation. I underestimated her again!"

After a moment of silence, she turned around and looked directly at her personal maid. The maid's face could not help but turn pale, but she heard her whisper, "Go and get me the deeds of all the shopkeepers and village heads in Luoyang!"

Zheng Wanniang couldn't help but was startled, and the eldest princess laughed softly again, "Didn't she say that I gave her a heavy gift today? In that case, I will simply give her another heavy gift!"

Many thanks to my dear DM, helenc, book friend 100311200107202 and classmate C-rui. It's almost the end of the month, Alan is begging for pink with a shy face...

Yesterday I recommended Taiwanese meat dishes with strong flavors, and today I recommend a farm-style stir-fry - "Tian Er Niu's Growth Story", a plain and warm farming story with a strong local flavor.

There is also a home-cooked dish - "Zhumen Embroidery Scroll", which tells the story of the rebirth and struggle of a small embroiderer in a wealthy family.

 (End of this chapter)

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