Baochai returned from the outer room in a carriage. She ordered a servant to follow with a food box. First, she went to Lady Wang's place to sit and chat for a while. Then, she went with them to Grandmother Jia's courtyard to eat.

Hearing that she had gone out today, Grandmother Jia happily ordered someone to bring her back and serve the dishes on the table. "In the past, I was too lazy to eat the dishes that First Son and Second Son brought in. Who would want to eat greasy food?

But today is different. I have to accept the children's filial piety. "

As she spoke, Yuan Yang tore off some meat from the oriole's leg. Grandmother Jia tasted it and said, "This taste is right. It's salty and comfortable with porridge. Take two for me. Give the rest to the children to try."

Madam Wang and Madam Xing stood by the side and served them for a while. She smiled and said, "This is the restaurant that my younger sister's family runs. It has been around for a few lifetimes. Since the Old Ancestor agreed to it today, it will probably be able to run for a few more lifetimes."

Grandmother Jia smiled and patted the arm of Feng Jie, who had come over to join in the fun. She said, "When I was young, there were several families who were good at making these kinds of things.

The most famous one was Prime Minister Shen's family. Because of this, they got the name 'Yellow Sparrow Shen'. You don't say, the taste is somewhat similar.

Later, Prime Minister Shen retired. Among his descendants, there weren't any famous ones. Their scholarly family was just so-so.

At that time, we were still at home and hadn't left the house. We were also very clever. Now, you haven't seen so many good things. It's a pity. "

Feng Jie stretched out his chopsticks and picked up a piece of shredded eel to taste. It was salty and delicious, and didn't seem greasy. It was quite refreshing. He couldn't help but praise it again and again.

Because he thought of his sister-in-law Qin Shi, whom he had a good relationship with in the East, he said, "A few days ago, they said that the plum blossoms had bloomed. Didn't we go for a while to admire the flowers?

These days, they said that she wasn't feeling well. I want to go and take a look. "

Mother Jia nodded and said, "You should go and take a look. It's rare for young sisters to get along well with each other. She's been through seven disasters and eight tribulations, you should go and take a look at her a few times.

I've always said that the life in that mansion is too meticulous, the young people are a bit rougher, they cherish their good fortune and live a long life. "The rest of the people lowered their heads and said," We accept your advice. "After that, there was nothing more to say. After the meal, Baochai was about to take his leave, when suddenly he heard an internal officer coming to the door.

Lady Wang and the others thought it had something to do with Yuanchun, so they all went forward to inquire. Who would have thought that the eunuch would pinch his throat and say, "That girl from the Xue Clan came to receive the order. She ran so fast that we ran to death."

In a flurry, the crowd pushed Baochai to the front. They only tidied their clothes and knelt on the praying mat. The eunuch laughed and said, "No need to kowtow. Her Highness the Empress has passed down an oral order, saying that some of the young ladies who entered the Palace a few days ago were quite frightened. She asked all of you to go and drink some tea tomorrow morning, so that the Princesses can meet you."

Baochai bowed. Mother Jia instructed Yuan Yang to take a pouch and send the eunuch out. Then she turned her head and looked at Baochai with joy on her face and said, "My Miss, this is a joyous occasion, you can't be careless. How about the clothes and jewelry?

Quickly ask your Mama to come and discuss this matter. You must not delay this important matter. "

Immediately an older woman went to invite Mama Su, while other sisters came to congratulate her. Baochai received the congratulations from her left and right before she sat down and said, "This time I must have received Yuanchun Da Jiejie's support, otherwise I won't be able to do this again.

This means that the knowledge, etiquette, and conduct of the previous assessment are not a big problem. In the end, whether I can pass or not will depend on whether the Imperial Concubines above me have good affinity with me. In the end, this is the result. "

Lady Wang's heart was warmed by her words. She hastily took her hand and said, "Regardless of whether I can be chosen or not, it's best that you can think this way.

You still have to make serious preparations, so that you won't make a fool of yourself in front of the masters. "

Mother Jia also nodded and said, "That's exactly what I mean. Bao Yatou was able to reach this step is not easy. Even if you are deposed, your face will still be bright. In the future, talking about marriage will be better than other people.

Since that's the case, this old woman will also add to your joy. "

As she said this, she called Yuan Yang, "Go open my private storehouse and take out a set of pure gold head ornaments inlaid with red jewels. Also, take out a pink single-headed diamond hairpin for Bao Yatou.

Then, he went to fetch a jade-green hairpin with tassels for Yu 'er, a pair of golden bracelets for the second girl, a pure gold necklace for the third girl, and a golden lock for the fourth girl, which could grant longevity to the fourth girl.

Tell her that she's still young, her hair won't be able to hold it. Don't blame me for being partial and giving her older sister all the good things. "

Finished speaking, he couldn't help but laugh. Feng Jie laughed and said, "Only Old Ancestor would know. If it were me, even if I bit my tongue, I wouldn't know what to say."

Baochai also laughed, "No matter how coincidental Feng Ge 'er is, it can't be more coincidental than Old Ancestor.

Old Ancestor is the Guanyin Dashi in the portrait. You're just a Wanderer playing the vanguard. "Feng Jie said," I'm the Wanderer. Who's that Long Nu?

Who's the Golden Boy?

If you can't explain it clearly, I won't listen to you! "Baochai pursed his lips and pointed his finger at Yuan Yang," Isn't that the Long Nu? "Then he pointed his finger at Bao Yu," That one isn't a golden boy! "

Everybody laughed and agreed that she was right. Feng Jie personally brought over a teapot and poured her a cup of tea. "Miss Bao is really good. You can always make up for it. Next time, we'll have to have Qiao Zong 'er play tricks on you." While chatting and laughing, she changed the topic.

By this time Mama Su had arrived. After she came in and paid her respects, she hung her hands down and said, "Reporting to Taitai, our Miss has prepared two sets of clothes. Don't worry.

Ming 'er will be here early in the morning and won't make any mistakes. "

While saying that, she took a bundle from a young maidservant and handed it over. Yuan Yang took the bundle and showed it to Mama Jia. Only then did she wrap it up again.

Mama Jia then said to Mama Su, "It's not easy for this girl. She has to go to the capital alone and worry about these things. She can't do without your assistance. Take good care of her. When your Taitai arrives, I'll definitely give you a merit."

Mama Su bowed and complied. She took the young maidservant and the bundle and stood behind Baochai. The family of children chatted for a while before they dispersed.

Baoyu had been sitting next to Mama Jia all along. Because Daiyu was Xiangyun a few days ago, he had been indifferent to Baochai these past two days. He also loathed Mama Su, so he didn't say anything.

With great difficulty, the banquet ended. Only then did he sigh and walk out of the green-screen cabinet. Today, the person following him was not Xiren, but a maidservant who looked somewhat similar to Daiyu. Her name was Qingwen.

This servant girl was originally the Old Madame's personal servant. She was good at making needles, and she also had a good appearance. Therefore, the people who called her favored her had a somewhat childish temperament. When they saw the excitement at the banquet today, they could not help but praise her profusely. But they only heard Baoyu say, "What?

What the hell?

The Defeated Corpse Mackerel has invaded the scabbard and choked the Mei Yin Sword?

Mutual benefit?

"Hey, hey, hey, Xiaoping?"

Meng Shuo, Meng Tong Zheng?

Swaying and swaying?

Taking advantage of the situation?

As if it was a plaque?

Copy!

These words scared Baoyu's wet nurse, Mama Li, half to death. She hastily tugged at his sleeve and said, "Ge 'er, you can't say that. How can the imperial family's affairs be spread around?" Baoyu was annoyed, so he waved his hand and pushed her, causing her to stumble.

On the other side, Xiren happened to come out and saw this. Hastily he came over to help Mama Li up and advised, "Mama, you have nothing to do. Go sit down in the corridor and eat some fruit and rest. Let us persuade Bao Er Ye."

On the other side, Mammy Li only felt that her face was burning with shame. She covered her face and howled a few words, "I've been worried for half a life in vain. She only listens to those little girls. She doesn't take us seriously anymore."

Her words angered Baoyu so much that his whole body trembled. Immediately he was about to turn around and look for Jia Mu, "Rebel, rebel. When I get back to Ancestor, I'll just throw her out. Her mouth is filthy and she still wants to bite others!" That mama immediately cried even louder. The courtyard was in a complete mess.

It turned out that Baoyu and that Xiren had something going on and this mama had discovered some clues. Every time she wanted to pinch Xiren, she was stopped by Baoyu. Moreover, she hated him deeply. This time she wanted to make a big fuss and let the Madams know. Not only would she be a thorn in their side, but she would also show that she was not just a decoration.

If she told Baoyu to throw her out without distinguishing right from wrong, wouldn't she lose several lifetimes' worth of face?

Immediately she stopped making noise and called the servant girls to drag her away. She hated Baoyu so much that he once again lamented 'dead fish's eyeballs' in the courtyard.

Daiyu hid in his own room. He strictly ordered Zi Juan and Xue Yan to lock the door and not make any more noise. He was wholeheartedly waiting for his father to send someone to take him home. Only Baoyu himself was quiet until the second night watch.

Baochai returned to the Pear Fragrance Courtyard. After lying down to rest for a while, she was called to wash her face and rinse her mouth and change her clothes.

Therefore, this time she was going to the Palace to see the Empress and the various princesses and junzhu. Therefore, she had to wash her hair again and carefully put on her makeup. She could not make her complexion look bad, but she also could not be too gorgeous. Most importantly, she could not make her makeup too beautiful, so as not to overshadow her masters' limelight.

Mama Su personally helped her to change her clothes. She also tied her hair into a small bun that was neither too high nor too low. She only used the pink single-headed diamond that Old Lady Jia gave her the previous day. She did not use anything else, making her look dignified and calm, bright and elegant.

After the fifth night watch, a small sedan chair from the Palace came to pick her up.

Mama Su personally saw Baochai off to the sedan chair, and then followed her all the way to the Palace gate.

It was the time for the Imperial Guards to hand over their duties. After waiting for a while, the other girls, who had received the verbal order, arrived one after another. Mama Su did not notice, so she stuffed a small pure gold goldfish into the head eunuch's hand. With a smile she bowed and said, "Alright, tell your wife to take care of our Miss a little bit."

The head eunuch lightly squeezed her hand, and then his face was full of smiles, "Mama, please don't worry. I think you look familiar. Perhaps in the future when we have time, we can sit together and reminisce about the past."

Finished speaking, he called the little eunuchs to invite the girls out of the sedan chair one by one. When they passed through the Palace gate, they were interrogated again. This time was even more time-consuming than the previous time. They were only allowed to pass after breakfast time. By the time the girls followed the eunuchs into the small garden of the Palace of Earthly Tranquility, it happened to be noontime to relax and drink tea.

The eunuchs led them to the middle of the garden. Baochai lowered her head and did not dare to look around. She just followed the crowd and introduced herself, as well as the names of her father and brother.

Because her family did not have any official position, she even skipped this step. She only heard laughter coming from all around, but she was still unmoved. She followed the palace maid who led the way to her seat and knelt down to salute.

After the girls finished saluting, a solemn voice called out from above the main seat. Only then did she dare to carefully stand up.

Baochai was standing in the center of the hall. She could barely see the bright yellow light above her, but she did not know what the rest of the scene was.

The Empress's words were very dignified. She only said that it was a matter of choosing servants for the princesses. No matter if they were chosen or not, they should not have any resentment.

After admonishing like this, she waved her hand and called an older palace maid forward, "Today's examination is all about fate. Girls do not have to worry too much. Just take it as coming to enjoy the scenery and have fun."

As she spoke, the Empress left the table. The whispers around her grew louder.

Most of the girls who came to choose servants also let out a sigh of relief. They raised their heads and looked around. Their families had already agreed to call their friends and companions to go to the masters they would be serving in the future.

Baochai originally did not plan to enter the palace. At this time, she could only sit in her seat and stare blankly.

She did not dare to use tea and snacks during the banquet. Earlier, Mama Su had said that to avoid being impolite or to encounter other situations, she should avoid all the food and water in the palace if possible. She could skip two meals and eat as much as she wanted when she returned home at night.

She did not have to "test the law".

This time, the princesses who needed to choose study companions and attendants were not only the legitimate princesses from the central palace, but also a Consort Zhen's, a Shu Fei Niangniang's, and a Xian Fei Niangniang's. All of them were of the standard plum age.

Baochai estimated that she had been sitting for about an hour. In the distance, a young eunuch clapped his hands and ran over. Everyone knew that the Empress had returned. One after another, they held their breath and returned to their seats to wait for the decision.

Sure enough, not long after, the Empress raised the palanquin. The women who were waiting to be chosen knelt down again and saluted.

The Empress still had a tired and cold voice as she said, "Bring up the study companions who have been chosen. Those who have not been chosen, give them a reward and send them out." Immediately, four mamas came forward and quietly reported their names. Sure enough, there was no Xue family among them.

The Empress's personal palace maid took down the names. After taking down the names, she went forward and read out the names. Those who had not been chosen were whispered into the Empress's ear. After receiving the order, she stood up and announced the name list again.

From beginning to end, Baochai waited in silence. After hearing the name list, she did not feel happy or sad.

Her family was a merchant. Which princess would not choose her if she did not pay attention. It was nothing more than someone who could not find fault and was dismissed, but she would not be chosen.

Immediately, she kowtowed to her heart's content. After receiving the brocade box from the palace maid, she saluted and thanked her. Then she followed the young eunuch all the way out of the palace gate.

She breathed a sigh of relief in her heart. It could be considered that a major matter had been settled. The next step was to wait for her mother and brother to enter the capital so that they could leave the Jia Mansion.

As she passed through the narrow alleyway, she suddenly remembered the dangerous situation she encountered last time. She could not help but wonder why the Head of the Brocade Guards wanted to sneak into the Xue family restaurant to be a cook.

Previously, she was just making fun of him. She thought the Brocade Guards' salary was too low. She was afraid it had something to do with the account books hidden in the Pear Courtyard.

If she could get rid of this hot potato, it would be great. She was just afraid that the Brocade Guards would take it and turn their backs on her. When that time came, wouldn't she be in trouble?

How could she think of a way to deal with this person?

As she pondered, she followed the little eunuch out of the palace. It took some effort to get out of the palace gate. When she looked up, she saw that Nanny Su was still waiting outside. Baochai hurriedly took two steps forward and said, "Oh, Nanny has been waiting here all this time?

Have you tired yourself out? "

At this time, the young eunuchs carried a sedan chair over. Mama Su led him into the sedan chair while saying, "Miss doesn't need to worry about me. Go back and rest for a couple of days.

Miss, on the other hand, the result is not bad. "

Only then did Baochai lower his head to discover that the brocade box in his bosom was a bit more gorgeous than the others. Thinking about it again, it was the only one among the people who had not been taken. He could not help laughing in spite of himself and said, "In the end, the princesses are naïve and unaffected. The Empress is also kind and amiable. Seeing the world again, this month's torment was not in vain." As he said this, he sat in the sedan chair. The young eunuchs lifted the sedan chair and walked toward Rongning Street.

When they entered the Pear Courtyard, Baochai called out to Ying 'er and Bai Lu, saying, "Ying' er, go tell Taitai and Taitai that although you did not take the box, you still experienced it once. It's just that you are deeply regretful that you did not see Da Jiejie.

Bai Lu took a young servant girl to the main kitchen and told his wife to make two big bowls of thin handmade noodles, put in more vegetables, and put in a poached egg.

Let's make our own food, don't make those superficial dishes that look good but are useless. "

The two servant girls laughed and left. It was only then that Baochai and Mama Su each picked a chair and sat down. Other servant girls came in to serve them.

Taking advantage of this time, Baochai opened the brocade box he had brought from the Palace and looked inside. At the front was a small and delicate ruyi, and at the back were two strings of red??

Bracelets, twelve palace flowers, and some small delicate jade carvings.

There was no internal seal on it. At first glance, it was obvious that it was a toy to coax a young lady.

First she took out the ruyi and had the servant girl find a shelf high up on the antique shelf to offer it. Then she took out the red??

She took out the bracelets and put them to the side.

She took out the small items and put them into the pouches that the servant girls usually sew. Then she stretched out her hand to summon a young servant girl, "This' Pen Ingot Ruyi 'is for Bao Er Ye. This' Money and Treasures' is for Huan San Ye. This' Winter's Three Friends' is for Lan Ge 'er. And this' Fu Lu Shou Xi 'is for Second Master Lian of the First Branch.

Remember to say that this is a gift from the Empress. It's for everyone's good luck.

Don't make a mistake. When you come back, let your older sisters catch some fruit for you to eat. "

The young servant girl was happy when she heard this. She took the pouches with different patterns and ran away with Yan 'er in her arms.

Baochai then turned to look at the remaining twelve palace flowers in the box.

The palace flowers were exquisitely made. The colorful flowers were beautifully tied together. In Baochai's eyes, there was no difference between them.

He originally planned to keep the peony for himself, but after thinking about it, he decided not to. It would be better to leave them together in the Jia Mansion. When the ladies gathered together, they could choose together. There wouldn't be a first or last order. Otherwise, someone who was left behind would be unhappy. Thus, he got up and wrote an invitation for the ladies to come to Pear Courtyard the next morning to "admire the flowers".

After she finished writing a few invitations, Ying 'er came back first. She was followed by Yuan Yang and Jin Chuan. When they came in and saw Baochai, they bowed and said, "Old Mistress and Mistress ordered us to come and congratulate you. In a few days, we will eat and drink together. We are only waiting for this season to finish the ritual. Otherwise, the deities will be unhappy if they know!"