mtl008 Chapter 240: Years and Meanings
Chapter 240: Years and Meanings
Madam Nian and Changning's eldest sister-in-law Dong E seemed to get along very well. They easily became closer by talking about family matters.
Changning thought that this must be the communication ability of her sister-in-law as the mistress of the house.
However, this young lady looked different from what she had imagined. She had a calm and composed demeanor. She must be experienced and knowledgeable.
Under the education of such a mother, Nian Zhiyi would not be too weak.
Changning waved his hand and asked Nian Zhiyi to come over and talk.
Seeing that she was about the same age as Yierha, Changning suddenly felt that she might soon become her mother.
Nian Zhiyi was not shy at all. He came over and paid his respects with a humble and respectful attitude, which showed that he was familiar with etiquette at home.
"How long have you been in Beijing? Are you used to it?" As soon as Chang Ning opened her mouth, she felt, huh? Has she really been a mother for too long? Why does she speak like an elder?
Nian Zhiyi first thanked Lady Fu for her concern. His watery eyes looked particularly sincere, which made Changning feel a little embarrassed. Oh my god, this is a real white lotus.
"I have been in the capital with my parents for three months. At first, I had some discomfort with the climate and vomited for a few days, but now I am well again. I even copied two volumes of poems for my mother the other day."
Chang Ning heard her talking as casually as if she were talking to her own children: "What kind of poems does Zhiyi like?"
When she said this, her eyes sparkled, but she was a little embarrassed and shy: "I like Nalan Xingde's poems. I just wrote the part about the cold moon and the sad flute, and the vast sea of sand in the west wind."
This made Changning surprised for a few seconds. Nowadays, there are many people who like Nalan, especially many girls in the boudoir. In fact, she was not surprised. It’s just that most people love his Drinking Water Poems. She didn’t expect Nian Zhiyi to like this one.
It can be seen that this woman has a broad world in her heart.
Changning admired her more and more.
"Your father is the governor of Huguang. Did you encounter any interesting things while he was in office?"
At this time, Nian Zhiyi also relaxed. Prince Yong's wife was really not arrogant. Chatting with her was like chatting with an ordinary sister. She was gentle and comfortable.
"My father was very strict with my brothers, but he was very lenient with me. When I was in Wuchang and Hanyang, the water there was clear and the fish were plump. I loved eating fish and shrimp, but unfortunately they were a bit cold. My mother never allowed me to eat too much, but at my father's place I could eat half a fish."
When Nian Zhiyi spoke the latter part, he deliberately lowered his voice, fearing that his mother beside him would hear it.
When Mrs. Nian saw that her daughter was having a good chat with Prince Yong's wife, her eyes were full of smiles.
Chang Ning also laughed: "Wuchang fish is really good, braised or with fermented soybeans, both are delicious. If you are not in good health, don't eat fish sashimi. I remember the lotus roots there are the best, drink more lotus root soup."
Nian Zhiyi suddenly felt like he had found a confidant, and was secretly a little excited, and his tone was a little incredible: "Fujin, you like to eat too?"
Although what she said sounded a bit weird at first, Changning knew that she had no bad intentions and the little girl was simply excited, so he didn't argue with her. Instead, he felt a little proud and began to explain to her how to make delicious lotus root.
"The lotus root must be the one with a rough yellowish-brown skin. The soup made from the lotus root is soft, sticky, thick, fresh and fragrant. The fish should also be slightly spicy and salty. But sweet and sour fish is also good. You can coat the fish with batter, fry it until golden, and then pour sweet and sour sauce on it. It is very appetizing and delicious."
Listening to Changning blurting out the "food tips", Nian Zhiyi was even more surprised and admired him even more.
"I also like sweet and sour food, and I try to make some occasionally, but I never get the right method. Now I have benefited a lot from listening to Fu Jin's words."
Changning didn't expect that she, who looked pure and innocent, also loved cooking.
Not bad, not bad. He is eloquent, talented, well-behaved, and he loves life and finds fun in it.
Woohoo, Nian Zhiyi is really a little treasure.
The two people became more and more excited as they talked.
Until Changning's eldest sister-in-law Dong E started laughing and joking.
"You two have been chatting so enthusiastically for a while. I'm afraid the tea has gone cold."
Chang Ning smiled and praised: "This child is a wonderful person. Madam Nian has taught her well."
Mrs. Nian was deeply honored and thanked Lady Fujin for the praise on behalf of her daughter.
Before leaving, Changning also told them that they could come to Prince Yong's mansion for a chat when they had time.
The mother and daughter responded in quick succession.
This meeting with Nian Zhiyi was unexpected for Changning. She suddenly understood Yinzhen in history a little. Who could refuse such a young woman who could handle the difficult political affairs, give gentle advice, express her affection, be interesting, and have the charm of a girl?
Therefore, it really makes sense that Noble Consort Dunshu was favored for so many years.
Changning suddenly felt a little sorry for her.
With such a good family background, she would definitely be selected in the imperial examination. It's a pity that she is a member of the Han army flag. I wonder where she will be assigned now.
Judging from her appearance, she is also the darling of the family. Her words reveal the innocence and tenderness of a girl, and she is loved and spoiled by her parents. I guess she is also the apple of Mrs. Nian Xialing's eye.
His father holds a high official position, and his two elder brothers are also gaining power. Such a force is definitely one that everyone wants to win over.
Changning felt a little sympathetic. She could sense that although Nian Zhi looked weak on the outside, she was actually a man of character and the noble character of a scholar. If she were someone else's concubine, she would probably not feel good about it.
Yinzhen came back at night when it was time to go to bed. He had a headache looking at his sons' schoolwork that day. Hongchen's handwriting was not good, and Hongmin liked literature more than martial arts, which made him worry a lot.
"How was your return home today?" After washing up, Yinzhen saw Changning leaning on the couch reading a book, so he asked. Unexpectedly, Changning was very interested and pulled his hand, as if she had something important to say.
Chang Ning told Yin Zhen about what happened today when she met Madam Nian and Miss Nian, but Yin Zhen remained calm and asked curiously, "Why aren't you surprised?"
"What are you surprised about? Nian Gengyao is under my command. Isn't it normal for them to want to please you?"
Changning said "Huh?" It seemed to be true, but the main reason was that the beauty pageant was coming soon, and this young lady would have to stay in Beijing for the beauty pageant, and no one knew how Kangxi would arrange it this year.
"Do you think the Emperor will appoint her as your concubine?"
Yinzhen laughed in silence and held her in his arms: "Don't let your imagination run wild. The emperor's health has been getting worse recently. He has to have people read the memorials to him now. How can he think of any concubine for me? It's only right for the emperor's grandchildren to point to the concubine."
That's true. The grandchildren of Mr. Hongxi and other gentlemen have reached the age to get married, but I don't know whether Kangxi will arrange marriages for them. After all, the issue of deposing the crown prince is still there.
Perhaps it was because she had become a mother, or because her situation was similar to that of Nian Zhiyi, so Changning was a little worried about her and said a lot of good things about her to Yinzhen.