After the black stick incident, Mr. Su and Zhao Changqing made an appointment to go to the West Mountain to enjoy the yellow flowers while the weather was still good.

Even after the Double Ninth Festival, the yellow flowers in half of the West Mountain were still blooming brilliantly. The master and apprentice also had a big meal on the famous chrysanthemum-appreciation building in the West Mountain. Neither of them were stingy with the enjoyment of it. What they wanted was the most suitable chrysanthemum-English Banquet. Of course, this season, fat crabs are indispensable.

Mr. Su's posture of peeling crabs was elegant and meticulous. Zhao Changqing did not eat crabs. He only picked up the dishes at hand to taste them. He habitually analyzed the restaurant's methods and thought about going back and giving it a try.

Mr. Su asked, "Have you forgotten Chu Yu?"

Zhao Changqing tried the wine pot with the back of his hand. The wine was warm, so he took Mr. Su's cup and filled it with it, "I never thought I would forget Brother Chu." Zhao Changqing smiled faintly, "In the future, the family is full of descendants and white hair, and when he is old, he will recall his youth, maybe he will still be there."

Since getting married, Zhao Changqing rarely mentioned Chu Yu again. If it weren't for Mr. Su's question, she wouldn't have mentioned it. After saying this, Zhao Changqing turned around, "It's a pity that they were injured. Aning's pears thought it was trivial to eat crabs. After eating the remaining Abai pear fruit twice, it was not as lively as eating more people together."

Mr. Su laughed, "I asked me to buy more fat crabs from the purchase, and then make some shrimp crabs, terrible crabs, and drunk crabs. I will eat them slowly, and the taste will be very good."

Zhao Changqing is not good at cooking river food. She laughed, "When the teacher teaches me, I will learn it too." Zhao Changqing doesn't eat crabs, but Xia Wen loves this very much.

"What's the difficulty?" Mr. Su said, "There are three key points. First, females do not attack males, males do not attack females. That is to say, males do not mix and marinate together, otherwise it will affect the taste. Second, wine does not violate the sauce, sauce does not violate the wine, and sauce and wine cannot be used together. Third, the fatter the crab, the better, and it must be a live crab, which cannot be eaten. It must be a complete live crab, and the foot claws are not damaged."

Mr. Su liked to eat crabs, so he only used two of them. The master and apprentice talked about some interesting things about eating. After a short break, he took his maid down the mountain along the mountain road.

Huang Chao has a poem saying that when autumn comes, September 8th, I will kill all the flowers after the flowers bloom.

Now it is past Double Ninth Festival. Although there are still yellow flowers to enjoy, there are really no other flowers on this mountain except yellow flowers. The remaining plants and trees are gradually withering in the autumn wind, and they are all over the way.

Mr. Su said, "I heard that the academy built by the Empress is at the foot of the mountain. Let's take a look."

Zhao Changqing laughed, "Okay." She has only heard of her name and has never been there before.

There are many scenic spots on the Xishan Mountain, including Xishan Temple, the palace of Princess Lao Mei, the Qingxin Temple of the second prince, the concubine of Han, the second prince, the imperial concubine of the Qing Dynasty, and many other courtyards of wealthy families. When Empress Song had not entered the palace, she bought a house at the foot of the mountain to open a college. Later, Empress Song was in charge of the central palace, and this academy was always managed by Empress Song's father Chengenhou Song Rong.

The academy only teaches homework for three years for free. Queen Song does not seem to intend to train the juren and Jinshi, so the academy only teaches some basic courses to guide students to know a few words. Most of the teachers in the academy are poor scholars and Juren. Of course, if there are Jinshi coming to teach, the academy is also welcome, but the treatment is the same, and the treatment is not improved just because you are a Jinshi.

In addition to the Queen's private property, the academy's funding source is donation from the outside world.

This is a academy converted from a manor. It has no carved beams and painted buildings, and is rich and beautiful. As soon as you enter, you can hear the sound of reading. The setting of the academy itself is somewhat different from that of ordinary academies. As soon as they enter, they have related managers to receive them. The managers are also wearing long gowns that scholars are used to wearing, and they look gentle and kind. I would like to ask them if they need an introduction.

The manager began to introduce the students, teachers, courses, and some of the scenery that the academy has, and did not mention donations at all. When Zhao Changqing asked, the manager said, "We have clear detailed accounts here every month, which will be posted on the academy's announcement board. If you donate, it will be announced in the accounts. There are detailed accounts every month, summary every quarter, and annual accounts. If you are willing to check them, you are welcome at any time. If the silver you donate has designated items, and when you use your silver gift in the future, you will be given a detailed account description to ensure that every cent of your money is used in the academy."

Mr. Su praised, "I am open and honest."

The manager smiled and said, "If you accept donations, you must be open and honest, otherwise, the money matter is the most difficult to explain. The Empress is kind and kind, and it will be bad if she is misunderstood by someone who is interested."

The two of them didn't carry much cash on them. Mr. Su laughed, "It's a bit inconvenient today. I'll send someone to send the banknote tomorrow."

The manager bowed solemnly and said, "I have thanked my wife for the students who benefited from the academy."

Mr. Su laughed, "As long as the money is used in the academy, I am willing to donate it."

"Don't worry, the academy has its own managers and their duties, and there is a strict system when using the silver. The Empress also hired the Supervision Department to regularly inspect the academy's accounts."

Zhao Changqing's eyebrows moved and said nothing more. Seeing that it was getting late, he said goodbye to Mr. Su.

The master and apprentice discussed donating money in the car. When they first came to the imperial capital, they were in the limelight and it was not easy to donate more, so they donated 500 taels each. Zhao Changqing smiled, "I didn't dare to think about it before. When I was a child, my grandmother gave me 100 yuan a month, and I kept it carefully. Not to mention 500 taels, fifty taels are a large sum of silver."

Mr. Su also sighed quite a bit, "I will teach you a bunch of one or two a month, and Li Zi and the others often come to class with sweet words."

Speaking of the past, the master and apprentice couldn't help but look at each other and smile.

More than ten years passed by, but fortunately everyone did not let it go.

When the two arrived home, it was already setting sun. As soon as Zhao Changqing stepped into the courtyard, he saw a few more roses in front of the main house. As cold as today, the roses were still a little green, but they had just been transplanted, but they were not very energetic.

Yongfu picked it up from the room, and Zhao Changqing asked, "Where is the uncle?"

Yongfu said, "The uncle is studying in the study."

Zhao Changqing nodded, admired the rose that had just been moved, and then went into the house. Yongfu served her to wash and changed into a regular shirt. Fang Biao said, "Today, I sent someone to Fuzi Alley to Toutang Fuzi Alley and told me that the old man would come over if he had time, and the old man was looking for the old man there. Unfortunately, he went to buy flowers and trees when he was not at home, so I agreed. After the old man returned home, I had already reported to the old man. The old man said that he would go to Fuzi Alley with his eldest grandma tomorrow."

Fuzi Hutong refers to Xia Wen as the family of the second son of Xia Shaoqing, the leader of the Dali Temple Shaoqing. Because he was of the same clan, he visited him when he first arrived in the imperial capital. Unfortunately, he had never seen Xia Shaoqing and Mrs. Xia. It was said that the couple had been there when they were on vacation and went to pay their respects in advance to greet the house and talked about the days. As a result, Xia Shaoqing was not at home and was Xia Wen, the second son of the Xia family. Mrs. Xia also had a banquet to attend, so Xia Grandma Xia said a few words with Zhao Changqing. Zhao Changqing was a little unhappy. Before the Double Ninth Festival, she prepared a few earth objects to send, and the conversation was light. Now it is rare to send people over there, and what she did was nothing more than a joint letter.

When Zhao Changqing was at home, he thought it was heavy and used less gold and silver. He tied a bun with clear water, and only a long crabapple silk flower was worn on his temples, and put on a light evening makeup. Zhao Changqing said, "On the way home, I discussed with the gentleman. As the weather gets colder, I have to prepare for the winter clothes. When you go to Changning tomorrow, what else should I buy besides clothes? Besides, I would like to ask my cousin Teng and others. If it's okay, don't go out later. Take a measurement of the size together. Then, I'll ask you to do it in the shop."

Yongfu responded and asked, "Grandma, do you want to prepare some gifts to bring them tomorrow?"

Zhao Changqing said, "No need to prepare ceremonies. Is it necessary for the relatives of the same clan to bring things every time I come to my house? It's obvious that heretics. Just prepare my clothes and my uncle in advance."

Yongfu responded with a smile.

During dinner in the evening, Zhao Changqing ordered his maid to call Xia Wen out of the study. Xia Wen has always been devoted to doing things. He asked, "When did I come back, I didn't hear any movement."

Zhao Changqing smiled, "I'm afraid you don't know if you come to someone to steal the house."

Xia Wen washed his hands and smiled, "Where can it be? Someone at home is watching." He asked Zhao Changqing how the scenery of Xishan Temple was.

The two of them talked a few words, and Zhao Changqing talked about Qiangwei and said, "You have to bring more people when you go out, so something happens. You would rather be careful." People who fall when walking on the ground, now Xia Wen goes out, Zhao Changqing is really worried and said, "Even if you buy flowers, send Ping An to buy the same one."

Xia Wen smiled, "This is not an ordinary rose, nor was it bought at the market. I moved here from my classmate's house. You can't see the difference now. This flower was carefully taken care of by his servants and can bloom in three colors."

"Which classmate? Do I know each other?"

"Oh, I forgot to tell you." Xia Wen said, "I studied with you when I was a child. I used to tell you that his family was very particular about food and clothing. He is not from Shu. If it weren't for joint negotiation, I wouldn't have encountered it. Today I was planning to go to the market, but when I met it on the way, I went to his house to dig a few plants and came back.

Zhao Changqing smiled, "What's the surname of this young master?"

"The surname is Fang, and the single name is Xing, with the word Wanli. I only know now that his family is actually at the Duke of Fang." Xia Wen sighed and smiled, "Today I only care about making roses. I can't ask him for a while when I'm free, and I can't ask for his flowers for nothing."

"Which Duke Fang?" Zhao Changqing was not very familiar with the powerful people in the imperial capital.

Xia Wendao, "It's the Fang family of Jingguo Duke."

"Duke Jingguo?" Zhao Changqing didn't know much about where the Duke Jingguo Mansion was. She said, "I heard of this name, it seems to be a military officer."

"Well, Brother Fang can do martial arts, he can read the articles well, and he will have a spring exam next year." In fact, Xia Wen didn't know which Duke Jingguo was. He only learned that Fang Xing had a great origin when he went to dig flowers today.

Zhao Changqing laughed, "Sure, when do you want to invite Mr. Fang? Tell me in advance, I'm so prepared."

Xia Wen also talked about going to Fuzi Hutong tomorrow.

While talking, Yongfu brought his maid to supper.

Both of them were doctors, and the supper was quite light.

After dinner, Xia Wen went to the study again to review the book. Zhao Changqing ordered the kitchen, "It's cold tonight, so I'll make some wontons for the old man to prepare." This is a midnight snack.

Yongfu had already gone to eat, Hong'er served by her side, and smiled when she heard this, "There are fresh lotus vegetables under the kitchen, which are chopped finely. They are mixed with mutton and have the best taste."

Zhao Changqing smiled, "That's good. Tell Ping An that there is no fireworks in the study. The charcoal basin will be raised later and the foot stove will be prepared. Don't let the old man be cold. The imperial capital is dry, and the charcoal basin will be dry even after it is lifted. Make a pot of purified water and put it in the study to moisten it. Don't let the old man drink tea at night, just prepare some Fuju soup."

Hong'er responded one by one.

"Save a meal for Ping'an tonight, so don't ask him to serve with an empty stomach."

Hong'er smiled, "Don't worry, big grandma, peace is like a monkey, she is extremely smart, no one can starve him when she is hungry." Zhao Changqing has always been generous, especially in terms of food and clothing, and never be mean to his servants. To be honest, these servants are not worse than girls from small families. Like Yongfu, they are not willing to go out to get married when they are married at the age of marriage. Yongfu made it clear that when he goes out, he is nothing more than marrying an ordinary man. When life is poor and difficult, his wife is a treasure. If he fights three or five more dou of food on one day, the man will take a concubine to look for a young man, which is not very interesting. It is better to serve his master, not to be tired of life and have a quiet life.

Life is a lifetime.

Different people have different ways of doing things.

Zhao Changqing also followed Yongfu. If Yongfu changes his mind on one day, he will also follow Yongfu.

After a while of eating, he meditated and breathed in the quiet room for half an hour. After taking a shower, Zhao Changqing was ready to rest.

After breakfast the next day, Zhao Changqing packed up and went to Xia Shaoqing's mansion with Xia Wen. This time, Zhao Changqing finally met Mrs. Xia. Mrs. Xia was no longer young, with strands of silver threads in her hair, a neat round bun, and a two gold ornaments. She was very kind and had a kind smile on her face. When Zhao Changqing bowed, she ordered someone to set up a round stool in front of her couch for Zhao Changqing to sit on, and said with a smile, "You are here a few days ago,

I didn't see you when I was on the 70th birthday of Master Peng. I was always thinking about it. Later, during the Double Ninth Festival, I was busy talking nonstop, and then I was quiet. I heard that Brother Wen was plotted against him, but I was too anxious. I wanted to go over and see Brother Wen immediately, but they always said that I was in a bad state, and they persuaded me and didn't let me go out." As he said that, Mrs. Xia asked worriedly, "Is Brother Wen better now?"

"We can't be filial here often, so we dare not be alarmed. We and my brothers and sisters-in-law have the same intentions. If you really startle, I will be uneasy with you." Zhao Changqing said warmly, "University Xie is thinking about it. My husband has a skin trauma, and he has no major problems after taking medicine."

Mrs. Xia recited the Buddha and sighed, "You have come to the imperial capital for the first time. I don't know how powerful it is here. Alas, I am old and have not been fully concerned about many things. If I had told you that I would not have been able to endure this disaster."

Mrs. Xia talked to Zhao Changqing in detail about the complexity of the political environment of the imperial capital. The general meaning is that if you live a life of shrunk, you are afraid that a brick will fall from the sky and smash your head. You can't just make trouble for yourself. Once Zhao Changqing asked, "I wonder which adult in the court?" Mrs. Xia said, "Our women's family does not engage in government affairs. This is the business of men outside. But sometimes, men are impulsive, and we have to persuade them more. Do you think so?"

Zhao Changqing laughed, "What I said is that we are young, and we don't know whether it's amazing. Thanks to my uncle's advice."

Mrs. Xia laughed, "You are a sensible person, and you don't mind my old woman being naughty."

"My aunt is so kind to me, and others cannot ask for blessings. If I think this way, it will be considered a waste of twenty years of life. How can I not be ignorant of it?" Zhao Changqing knew that Mrs. Xia was not going to explain it clearly, so she picked up good words that didn't cost money and flattered Mrs. Xia with a smile.

Mrs. Xia looked at Zhao Changqing's knowledgeable knowledge and was a little happy, so she kept her for lunch. At the Xia family, Zhao Changqing had seen the rules. Mrs. Xia had to stand by and serve her daughter-in-law. Zhao Changqing felt quite uncomfortable. Mrs. Xia thought about the people from Zhao Changqing's northwest side, and probably hadn't seen much of the world. She explained with a smile, "Just just accompany me, the old woman, your sisters-in-law will eat later. When Brother Wen becomes an official in the future, you will know more. Most of the rich families in the city are like this."

A big family?

There are not many other places in the imperial capital, and there are no shortage of powerful and high-ranking officials. Zhao Changqing felt ridiculous when he dared to call himself a wealthy family in the fourth rank of Shaoqing's mansion. But when he thought about it, it was not a pity that Mrs. Xia was so arrogant.

Mrs. Xia has a capital of arrogance, and her husband is a fourth-rank official. This rank is considered to be of medium level even in the imperial capital. What's more, the Marquis of Yong'an is now the nephew and son-in-law of Mrs. Xia's blood relationship. Speaking of the Marquis of Yong'an, he is really a first-class and prominent family. Even Marquis of Yong'an herself is quite talented and highly valued by Your Majesty. Now she works in the Ministry of War. With a daughter who is the wife of the Marquis of Housing, Mrs. Xia is naturally not an ordinary fourth-rank tribute.

Mrs. Xia wanted to follow the rules of wealthy families, and Zhao Changqing naturally followed the customs. She smiled and sat down under Mrs. Xia.

After lunch, he talked with Mrs. Xia for a while. A little maid came in to pass the message. Xia Wen was waiting outside. Zhao Changqing stood up and said goodbye. Mrs. Xia did not leave hard, and told Zhao Changqing to come and walk around when he was free, and ordered his wife to send Zhao Changqing out.

Zhao Changqing was really pitiful to Grandma Xia. After leaving Mrs. Xia’s house, Zhao Changqing advised Grandma Xia to go back.

When the couple went home, they said that Xia Shaoqing and Xia Wen also said that they had written a letter together. They had done everything, and now they were just a hindsight. It was just that the matter was about to be over. Don’t Xia Wen rekindled the right and wrong. In terms of conscience, Xia Shaoqing was really thinking too much, and Xia Wen was really not a person who loves to cause trouble. Zhao Changqing talked about the rules of the Xia family and shook his head and sighed, "The second uncle said that everyone in the imperial capital is like this, which makes people sigh. I really don’t know if these imperial capital wives live like this. I went to the patriarch’s house with my mother-in-law at home to pay tribute to the patriarch’s house. The patriarch’s elder lady kept us for dinner, and she didn’t ask the patriarch’s wife to stand and serve. Today, the two sisters-in-law and a younger sister stood by holding the rice and chopsticks. I accompanied the second uncle to have a meal. It was really uncomfortable, so how could I eat."

Xia Wen smiled and ordered, "Yongfu, go to the kitchen to see what food is there, and bring some."

When Yongfu went, Xia Wen said, "Fortunately, we don't go there often. Let's go there again in the future and eat some food at home in advance to avoid hunger."

Zhao Changqing asked, "Did you eat well?"

Hong'er brought honey plum tea, Xia Wen took it and drank it slightly, saying, "It's not a meal, everyone just drinks and talks."

For a moment, Yongfu brought food box, and there were four dishes in it, namely braised winter melon, stir-fried melon, pine mushroom, radish, mixed with water, a green vegetable tofu soup, and two bowls of red rice rice.

Xia Wen had appetite as soon as he saw it and said, "It's better to eat at home."
To be continued...