Chapter 145 Chinese New Year

New Year's Eve, New Year's Eve.

The kitchen starts preparing the New Year's Eve dinner in the morning and keeps busy until dark.

Gu Jiu followed the eldest wife Zhang Shi early in the morning, taking care of the chores in the house.

There are more than 200 servants in the Gu Mansion. In addition, there are hundreds of people in the shop and the village.

People have worked hard for a year and are looking forward to a prosperous year this year.

Mrs. Zhang taught the girls, "This year's harvest in Fuzhong is the same as last year, but considering that Erfang's family returned to Beijing from the northwest, this year's reward to the people of Fuzhong will be 10% higher than last year.

The harvest at the shop was not bad this year, and the reward for them was 20% more than last year.

Although Zhuang Zishang has reduced production this year, the reward cannot be less, and it must be based on the number of last year. "

Gu Zhen hurriedly asked: "Why did Zhuangzi reduce production and maintain the number of rewards last year? Please give advice from auntie, niece doesn't quite understand the reasoning."

Zhang Shi smiled and looked at Gu Jiu, "Xiao Jiu, tell me why."

Gu Jiu bowed slightly, "Let me say it for now. If what I said is wrong, please ask my aunt to give me some advice."

"It's okay, just say it."

Gu Jiu pondered for a while and said, "As far as I know, our Gu residence has a total of twelve villages outside.

The closest Zhuangzi is also two hours away from the capital, and the farthest Zhuangzi is thousands of miles away in a water town.

No matter how far or near these Zhuangzi are, the common point is that we can't manage it ourselves, we can only rely on Zhuangtou and the stewards to be more attentive and think more for the mansion.

To make Zhuangtou and the stewards work diligently, it is not just about talking, but there must be practical benefits.

If Zhuangzi's production is slightly reduced this year, and their year-end silver reward is reduced, I am afraid that next year and the year after, Zhuangzi's production will be less and less.

In the final analysis, it is to use a little money to maintain people's hearts. If people's hearts are not scattered, these villagers will have enough output there, and they can provide a little harvest for the family every year.

In times of famine, the importance of these Zhuangzi is self-evident. With these Zhuangzi, even if there is a catastrophe for three years, there is no need to worry about the lack of food in the house. "

The eldest wife, Mrs. Zhang, nodded again and again, "Xiaojiu is right. In the future, you will be your own stewards. At the end of the year, when you give rewards to the servants,

It doesn't have to be too rich, but it can't be too thin, so as not to chill people's hearts. As long as you don't make a big mistake, just do it as usual. "

Gu Zhen looked like she was being taught, "Thanks to my aunt for teaching me, my niece understands."

The eldest wife, Mrs. Zhang, smiled and said, "It's good to understand. The rewards from the shop and Zhuangzi have already been distributed a few days ago. Today, only the rewards from the servants of the mansion will be distributed. Follow me, see more. Learn more."

"Yes!"

Because they were busy with the Chinese New Year, the servants of the palace came to the council hall in batches to receive rewards.

The eldest wife, Mrs. Zhang, personally delivered the sealed rewards to each servant, and took the trouble to remind them, hoping that they would work hard in the coming year.

The servants bowed in response, and everyone held a reward with a smile on their face.

Of course, there are also some people who are a little emotional because the award did not meet expectations.

Mrs. Zhang would comfort them and encourage them to work harder in the coming year to win more awards.

Gu Yue saw it and muttered in a low voice, "Every servant has to see each other and delay things. When my mother was the housekeeper in the northwest, she always let the housekeepers send the rewards. It's quick and easy. The aunt's I don't think it's useful, and it's a waste of time."

Gu Shan said in a low voice, "It makes sense for the aunt to do this. I think it's not bad, although it's a bit of a waste of time."

Gu Yue looked at Gu Jiu, "Second sister, Auntie always praises you, saying that you are sensible and smart. Then tell me, is Auntie's approach good or bad?"

Gu Jiu smiled softly and said: "There are many servants in the mansion, more than two hundred people. But compared with the Hou mansion, it's just average.

With such a small number of people, it is completely feasible to spend some time meeting each subordinate, as long as there is enough time.

If time is tight, you can gather the servants together and teach them uniformly.

In my opinion, as long as the method is useful and effective, whatever method is used. Don't stick to one form. "

Gu Zhen nodded, agreeing with Gu Jiu's statement, "Second sister is right. The busy things are all done, and the only thing left is to give rewards to the next people and eat the New Year's Eve dinner. Take a moment and talk to the next people. Nothing."

Seeing that everyone was against her, Gu Yue curled her lips with a look of disdain.

After finishing this matter, Mrs. Zhang asked everyone to go back to their rooms to rest and have a New Year's Eve dinner together in the evening.

Gu Jiu returned to Zhilan Courtyard with the maids.

She asked with a smile, "How many rewards did you all get? It's an eye-opener for me."

Qingzhu said, "Don't be kidding, girl, how can this reward given by the slaves open the girl's eyes."

Gu Jiu laughed, "Tell me, I just want to know the rules here in the capital."

Qingmei smiled and said: "Since the girl wants to know, the slave will tell her to listen. The slave and Qingmei will receive a silver reward of one or two to five dollars. Xiaocui and Wang Yi will receive a silver reward of one or two. It ranges from one hundred to eight hundred."

Gu Jiu nodded and had a general understanding of the number of year-end silver awards.

Then, she said, "This year, I have prepared a New Year's red envelope for you all."

Several maids were stunned.

Qingmei took the lead in saying: "You are not kidding me. We have already taken the reward silver from the eldest wife, how can we ask for the girl's reward silver. Besides, if the girl does not join hands, she will spend money everywhere. There is no need for reward silver or something. already."

"Yeah, the girl doesn't have a lot of money in her hands, so she doesn't have to give silver to the slaves."

Several maids have the same meaning.

Gu Jiu is still poor, so don't make her face fat. Saving money is the right thing to do.

Gu Jiu smiled and said, "You guys, you underestimate me too much. Although I don't join hands with money, I'm not so poor that I can't even get silver as a reward.

It's just that this year's expenses are high, and I finally made some money, and I spent it all.

But until next year, I promise to give each of you a big red envelope and let you make a small fortune. "

"The girl really wants to reward the slaves with silver?"

Gu Jiu nodded, she had already prepared the red envelope. Wrap it in red paper for a total of four servings.

Qingmei, Qingzhu, Xiaocui, the three of them have the same number of red envelopes, 22 per person.

Wang Yixin came and only got one or two.

Gu Jiu said, "Hurry up and accept it, but you can't be too small."

"How dare you think that the slaves are too few, and the reward given by the girl is too much."

Qingmei was a little excited, and her eyes were slightly moist.

Xiao Cui immediately burst into tears, "The slaves have done so many things that are inferior to pigs and dogs. I didn't expect to get the silver reward from the girl, and if you get it, it is two taels. Girl, the reward you gave to the slave is too much. More, slaves can't want."

As Xiao Cui said, she was about to return the red envelope to Gu Jiu.

Gu Jiu blocked her hand, "Don't return it. There is no reason to take back what I sent out. You deserve it, and you can accept it with peace of mind."

Qingmei wiped the corners of her eyes, "This is a piece of the girl's heart, let's accept it. Come, let's kowtow to the girl together, and congratulate the girl on a prosperous Chinese New Year and everything goes well."

The four maids knelt down and kowtowed to Gu Jiu.

Gu Jiu pulled them, "Get up, you don't have to."

The four maids stood up, and Qingzhu said, "Girl, this servant will cook you a lot of delicious food and make you a lot of beautiful clothes."

Xiao Cui also said: "No matter what the girl wants to inquire about, it's all wrapped up in the slaves. The slaves are worthy of the name."

Ha ha……

Everyone laughed.

On the last day of the year, everyone is happy.

When it was time for dinner, the big room and the second room gathered in the flower hall. Even the aunts came out.

Of course, Mr. Gu is also indispensable.

In winter, the snow has already begun to fall outside.

I didn't expect the snow in the capital this year to come so late.

Mr. Gu was not too cold, and came here wearing a thin coat.

"Where's the wine? Serve the old man quickly."

As soon as Mr. Gu arrived at the flower hall, he shouted that he wanted to drink.

The eldest man, Gu Zhiming, frowned and said, "Father, it's New Year's Eve today. You look like an elder, so you should be doing it for the juniors for half a year."

Old Man Gu blew his beard and stared, "What is this old man going to do, and I want you to take care of it? You unfilial son, you idiot, go to the old man, get away from it. When the old man saw you two brothers, he was full of anger. You gave birth. You two brothers are the most unfortunate thing in this old man's life."

Both Master Gu and the eldest master, Gu Zhiming, were full of heartbreak.

Master Gu's expression was gloomy, but he didn't forget that he was beaten out a few days ago.

Today is Chinese New Year, he really doesn't want to get angry.

Master Gu sighed, and simply sat further away, out of sight and out of mind.

Gu Jiu whispered to the maid, "Bring two jars of wine to the old man."

After speaking, he stuffed a purse into the maid's hand.

The maid got the benefit and hurried to get the wine.

Old Man Gu was arguing about drinking, but no one paid him any attention.

Old man Gu was so angry that he smashed the table.

"All of you are unfilial children and grandchildren, the old man knows that you want me to die sooner, so that I can make room for you."

The eldest man, Gu Zhiming, frowned, "Father, it's New Year's Eve, don't make trouble. Look at the children, you are all frightened."

The little girls in the big room were not frightened, they were used to it for a long time.

In the second room, everyone is a little nervous. Not used to such a thing after all.

Old Master Gu picked up the wine glass and threw it on the head of the old man, Gu Zhiming.

The old man hurried away.

Old Man Gu chased after him, "This old man beat you to death, you unfilial son."

When the eldest wife, Mrs. Zhang, saw that the eldest master was beaten and could not sit still, she immediately stood up and rushed over to protect her husband.

Just at this moment, Gu Jiu shouted, "The wine is here, old man, please have a drink."

Hearing the drink, Old Man Gu stopped and laughed.

He deliberately glanced at Gu Jiu, "It's still the second girl who has filial piety."

When Mr. Gu had a drink, he didn't make a fuss.

The eldest master Gu Zhiming covered his head and took a deep breath.

Old Man Gu was so old, he didn't expect that beating someone would hurt so much.

Master Gu asked with concern, "Brother, are you alright?"

Master Gu shook his head, "Second brother, don't worry about me, I'm fine. It's getting late, everyone sit down and serve the food quickly."

When the wine and food came to the table, Master Gu and the eldest master Gu Zhiming drank.

The two brothers are both closely related, and with such an indifferent father, they can only ask for more happiness on their own.

The eldest wife, Mrs. Zhang, asked Gu Jiu quietly, "Xiao Jiu, did you ask the maid to bring wine to the old man?"

Gu Jiu didn't deny it, and said calmly: "The old man is addicted to drinking. If he doesn't drink for a day, he will feel uncomfortable. Today is Chinese New Year again, so I thought, anyway, let the old man drink happily. He has a good heart, so he won't bother everyone. ."

After observation, Gu Jiu was able to determine that Mr. Gu had severe alcohol dependence.

Fortunately, Mr. Gu's alcohol content is not high, far less than the 50-60 degree liquor of later generations.

The wine that Mr. Gu was drinking was estimated to be around 10 to 20 degrees.

It is estimated that it is also because the alcohol content is not high that the old man Gu has the strength to toss after drinking.

The eldest wife, Mrs. Zhang, said: "The old man will go crazy when he drinks. In the future, try to stop the old man from drinking, and don't let him go."

Gu Jiu nodded, "I listened to my aunt. Today I make my own decisions, and I ask my aunt to punish me."

Mrs. Zhang said, "You don't need to punish you. You are also kind. It's just that you can't do this in the future."

Everyone ate wine and food, and the atmosphere gradually became warm.

The second room and the big room toasted each other, and the younger generation toasted the elders, making a lot of noise for a long time.

After the New Year's Eve dinner, the banquet was withdrawn, and everyone kept the New Year together again.

The adults gathered to talk, and the girls and boys had fun.

The eldest master Gu Zhiming sighed with emotion, "This year is rare, the old man only made a scene. In previous years, the old man would make trouble from dark to midnight."

The eldest wife, Mrs. Zhang, agreed, "This year is indeed rare."

After Mr. Gu finished the New Year's Eve dinner, he took a few concubines back to the room to indulge.

At that time, everyone looked relieved.

If Old Master Gu is like this in the future, then I will really be thankful.

Master Gu frowned, still feeling unhappy in his heart.

"When the old man keeps making such a fuss, when will he become a head. Big brother, big sister-in-law, can't you do anything?"

The eldest master, Gu Zhiming, said, "Second brother, since you came back, it has been rare for the old man to make a fuss.

You ask the servants in the mansion, before your family returned to the capital, the old man would make a little trouble for three days, and make a big trouble for five days.

The whole house was so riotous that chickens and dogs jumped around. That scene, hehe, I don't know how your sister-in-law and I have survived all these years. "

The eldest wife, Mrs. Zhang, glared at him, "There is no need to talk about the past. The old man is getting older, and he is either drinking or hanging out with a few concubines all day long. His body will be hollowed out sooner or later." Can't make a fuss.

The eldest master, Gu Zhiming, nodded, "Although it is unfilial to think so, I still hope that the old man will grow old quickly and stop making trouble."

Even after saying such unfilial words, the eldest man really drank too much.

The eldest wife, Mrs. Zhang, hurriedly poured a bowl of sober soup for the eldest man, and complained, "I started talking nonsense after drinking two or two cat piss. That is the old man, the elder."

Some things can be said, but not done.

And some things can only be done, not said.

It's about filial piety, how can the eldest master talk nonsense in front of people and come true.

Xie's eyes rolled around, and his mind had long since drifted away.

Grandpa Gu's body was hollowed out, does that mean that the old man is dying?

Once the old man dies, the big house and the second house will definitely be separated and cannot continue to live together.

This mansion, unsurprisingly, was inherited by the big house.

Or learn how to divide the mansion into two, and build a courtyard wall in the middle.

Of course Xie wanted to continue living here. Not to mention anything else, the land in the Gu Mansion is a prime location in the capital, and even money can't buy it.

However, if the mansion was divided into two, the space would be too cramped, and Mr. Xie was not happy.

Xie pondered that while the old man was still there and the two families had not yet separated, they should quickly use the money from the public to buy a house outside, preferably not far from the Hou residence.

When the two families are separated, the second room can be moved directly.

In addition, after the New Year, she will have to housekeeping with Mrs. Zhang. Otherwise, Mrs. Zhang will be greedy for all the money in the public, and when the family is divided, the second room will drink the northwest wind.

Xie's little abacus was rattling, and he had already thought about which villagers, shops, and servants he wanted when the family split up.

There are also valuables in the warehouse, such as calligraphy and paintings, which must also be carefully selected.

The big house has been taking advantage of it for so many years. When the family is separated, the big house must not continue to take advantage.

What to say, the second room also needs to share a little more property.

Moreover, there are many children in the second room, whether it is marriage or marriage, it is a big expense.

Thinking of the large dowry and dowry, Xie's heart aches.

She gritted her teeth and made a decision. We must settle all the children's marriages before the death of Old Master Gu.

Everyone who should marry is married out, and everyone who should marry is married and entered.

As long as the family is not separated, the Gongzhong has to bear part of the dowry and dowry. In this way, the pressure on the second room is much less.

Xie praised her wit, she really did not miss anything.