Chapter 145: New Year

New Year’s Eve, the New Year’s Day.
The kitchen started preparing New Year's Eve dinner in the morning and was busy until dark.
Gu Jiu followed his wife Zhang early in the morning to take care of the house chores.
There were more than two hundred people under Gu's residence. In addition, there are hundreds of people in the shops and Zhuangzi.
The people have worked hard for a year and are looking forward to a prosperous year this year.
Zhang taught the girls, "The harvest in Fuzhong this year is the same as last year, but considering that the Erfang family returned to Beijing from the northwest, the rewards given to the people in Fuzhong this year will be 10% more than last year.
The harvest at the shop was not bad this year, and the rewards for them were 20% more than last year.
Although Zhuangzi cut production last year, he still has to give rewards, and he still has to follow last year's number. "
Gu Zhen asked hurriedly: "Why does Zhuangzi still maintain the number of rewards last year while reducing production? Auntie asked for advice. My niece does not understand the truth.
Zhang smiled and looked at Gu Jiu, "Xiao Jiu, tell me why."
Gu Jiu bowed slightly, "Let me just say it, if you say something wrong, please aunty for advice."
"It's okay, just say it."
Gu Jiu thought about it and said, "As far as I know, our Gu Mansion has bought twelve Zhuangzi outside.
The nearest Zhuangzi is two hours away from the capital, and the farthest Zhuangzi is in the water town thousands of miles away.
No matter how far or near these Zhuangzi are, the common point is that we can't manage it personally. We can only count on the Zhuangzi and the stewards to work harder and think more for the mansion.
To make the dealer and the steward work hard, it is not just a matter of words, but there must be practical benefits.
If it is because of the slight reduction in production this year, Zhuangzi will reduce their year-end silver rewards. I am afraid that next year, Zhuangzi's production will become less and less.
After all, it is to use a little money to maintain people's hearts. If the hearts of the people are not scattered, these villagers will have enough output if they are placed there, and they will be able to provide a little harvest every year.
In the famine years, the importance of these Zhuangzi is even more self-evident. With these Zhuangzi, even if there is a catastrophe for three years, there is no need to worry about running out of food in the mansion. "
Mrs. Zhang nodded again and again, "Xiao Jiu is right. In the future, you will be your housekeepers, and when you give rewards to the people at the end of the year, you don’t have to be too rich, but not too thin, so as not to chill the hearts of the people. Wrong, just follow the usual practice."
Gu Zhen looked like she was being taught, "Thank you very much for the teaching, my niece understands."
The eldest wife Zhang smiled and said, "It’s good if you understand. The rewards on the shop and on the Zhuangzi have been distributed a few days ago. Today, only rewards from the servants in the mansion will be distributed. Follow me and watch. Learn more."
"Yes!"
Because they were busy with the New Year, the servants of the mansion came to the chamber to receive rewards.
The eldest wife, Zhang, personally delivered the sealed rewards to the hands of everyone, and took the trouble to mention them, hoping that they would work hard in the coming year.
The people bowed down, everyone holding the rewards, all with a smile on their faces.
Of course, there are some individuals who have not met expectations because of the rewards, and have some small emotions.
Zhang would comfort them and encourage them to work hard in the coming year and strive for more rewards.
When Gu Yue saw it, she whispered, "Everyone needs to see each other to delay things. When my mother was the housekeeper in the northwest, she always asked the women in charge to send the rewards. It was quick and easy. Aunt's. The method, I don’t think it’s useful, and it’s a waste of time."
Gu Shan whispered: "The big aunt does this, it makes sense. I think this is also good, although it's a bit of a delay."
Gu Yue looked at Gu Jiu, "Second sister, the eldest aunt always praises you, saying that you are sensible, courteous and smart. Then tell me, is the eldest mother's approach good or not?"
Gu Jiu smiled softly and said: "There are many people in the mansion, more than two hundred people. But compared with the Hou Mansion, they are just average.
With such a small number of people, take some time to meet with everyone, as long as there is plenty of time, it is completely feasible.
If time is tight, you can gather the subordinates and give a unified lesson.
In my opinion, as long as the method is easy to use and effective, what method should be used. You don't have to stick to one form. "
Gu Zhen nodded and agreed with Gu Jiu's statement, "Second sister is right. The busy things are all done, and only rewards are left for the people, plus the New Year's Eve dinner. Take a moment to talk to the people. Nothing."
Seeing that everyone was antagonistic to her, Gu Yue curled her lips with disdain.
After finishing this work, Zhang asked everyone to go back to the room to rest and have a New Year's Eve dinner together in the evening.
Gu Jiu took the maids back to Zhilan Academy.
She smiled and asked, "How many rewards have you got? It opened my eyes."
Qing Zhu said: "Girls don't be joking, how can the rewards given by the servants and maids open the girls' horizons."
Gu Jiu laughed, "Let's talk about it, I just want to know the rules of Beijing."
Qingmei smiled and said: "Since the girl wants to know, the slave girl listened to the girl. The slave girl and Qingmei took one to five dollars in reward. Xiaocui and Wang Yi took one or two dollars in reward. It ranges from one hundred words to eight hundred words."
Gu Jiu nodded and got a rough idea of ​​the amount of silver rewards at the end of the year.
Then she said: "This year, I have prepared a New Year red envelope for you all."
Several maids were stunned.
Qingmei first said: "The girl is not kidding. We have already received the silver reward from the big lady. How can we ask for the girl's silver reward. Moreover, if the girl does not join hands, she will spend money everywhere. There is no need to reward silver or anything. Up."
"Yes, the girl doesn't have much money in her hands, so she doesn't have to reward the servants with silver."
Several maids have the same meaning.
Gu Jiu is still a poor man, so don't be swollen and fat. It's serious to save money.
Gu Jiu smiled and said, "You guys, I'm too underestimated. Although I don't make up my money, I'm not so poor that I can't even get the money.
It’s just that this year’s expenses were high, and it was hard to make some money, but it was all spent.
But until next year, I promise to give each of you a big red envelope to make you a small fortune. "
"The girl really wants to reward the servants with silver?"
Gu Jiu nodded, she had already prepared the red envelope. Wrap it in red paper, a total of four copies.
Qingmei, Qingzhu, Xiaocui, three people have the same number of red envelopes, two or two per person.
Wang Yixin came and only got one or two.
Gu Jiu said, "You can accept it soon, you can't be too little."
"How dare the slave and maid be too small, the girl has given too much silver."
Qingmei was agitated, her eyes were slightly moist.
Xiaocui cried directly, "The slave and maid had done so many things that pigs and dogs were inferior to, but I didn't expect to be able to get the silver reward from the girl, and it would be two and two. Girl, the silver reward you gave the slave It's too much, the servants can't ask for it.
Xiao Cui said that she would return the red envelope to Gu Jiu.
Gu Jiu blocked her hand and said, "You are not allowed to return it. There is no reason to take back the things I sent out. You deserve it, and you can accept it with peace of mind."
Qingmei wiped the corners of her eyes, "This is the girl's heart, let's accept it. Come on, let's kowtow to the girl together, and congratulate the all the best in the Spring Festival."
The four maids knelt down and bowed their heads to Gu Jiu.
Gu Jiu pulled them, "All get up, it doesn't have to be like this."
The four maids stood up and Qing Zhu said, "Girl, the maidservant will make many delicious foods for you in the future, and also make many beautiful clothes for you."
Xiao Cui also said: "No matter what news the girl wants to inquire, it is all wrapped up in the servant. The servant is a veritable enquiry."
Haha...
Everyone laughed.
On the last day of this year, everyone is happy.
When it's time for dinner, the big room and the second room gather in the flower hall. Even the aunts are out.
Of course, Mr. Gu is indispensable.
In the winter, snow has begun to fall outside.
Unexpectedly, the snow in Beijing this year came so late.
Elder Gu didn't feel too cold, and came here wearing a thin robe.
"Where's the wine? Give the old man wine."
As soon as Mr. Gu arrived at the Flower Hall, he shouted for a drink.
The elder Gu Zhiming frowned and said, "Father, during the Chinese New Year today, you look like an elder anyway, just treat it as a half-year for the juniors."
Old man Gu blew his beard and stared, "What the old man is going to do? You need to take care of it? You are unfilial, idiot, get out of the old man, and get away. The old man became angry when he saw your two brothers. You two brothers, this is the worst thing in my life."
Both Master Gu and Master Gu Zhiming looked confused.
Master Gu's expression was gloomy, and he hadn't forgotten how he was beaten out a few days ago.
During the New Year today, he really didn't want to get angry.
Master Gu sighed, and simply sat a little farther away, not seeing or worrying.
Gu Jiu whispered to the maid, "Bring two jars of wine to the old man."
After speaking, he stuffed a purse in the hand of the maid.
The maid had benefited and hurried to get the wine.
Old man Gu was arguing and drinking, but no one paid any attention to him.
Old man Gu hit the table with anger.
"You are unfilial offspring, the old man knows that you wish I would die sooner, and make room for you if I die."
The elder Gu Zhiming frowned, "Father, stop making troubles during the Chinese New Year today. You look at the children, and you are all scared by you."
The little girl in the big room was not frightened, they had long been used to it.
In the second room, everyone is a little nervous. After all, I am not used to such a thing.
Elder Gu picked up the wine glass and threw it over the head of the elder Gu Zhiming.
The old man hurriedly avoided.
Old man Gu chased up, "The old man killed you, an unfilial son."
The eldest wife Zhang saw that the elder was beaten, and where she could still sit still, she immediately stood up and rushed to the guard.
Just at this time, Gu Jiu shouted, "The wine is coming, please drink, please."
Upon hearing that he was drinking, Mr. Gu stopped his hand and laughed.
He deliberately glanced at Gu Jiu, "The second girl is still filial."
When Mr. Gu had a drink, he would not make noise.
The elder Gu Zhiming covered his head and took a breath.
Old man Gu was so old that he didn't expect to hit someone so painful.
Master Gu asked concerned, "Brother, are you okay?"
Master Gu shook his head, "Second brother, don't worry about me, I'm fine. It's getting late, everyone sit down and serve food quickly."
When the wine and dishes were on the table, Master Gu drank with Master Gu Zhiming.
The two brothers are very close to each other, and they can only ask for blessings when they stand with such an inconsistent father.
The eldest wife Zhang asked Gu Jiu quietly, "Xiao Jiu, did you let the maid bring wine to the old man?"
Gu Jiu didn't deny it, and said frankly: "The old man is addicted to drinking, and he feels uncomfortable if he doesn't drink for a day. Today is the Chinese New Year again, and I thought about it, let the old man have a good drink. He has a headache, and he will not toss everyone. ."
After observation, Gu Jiu has been able to determine that Mr. Gu has severe alcohol dependence.
Fortunately, the alcohol that Mr. Gu drank was not high, far inferior to the 50 or 60% liquor of later generations.
The wine that Elder Gu drank was probably around ten or twenty degrees.
It is estimated that it is because the alcohol level is not high that the old man Gu has the strength to toss after drinking.
The eldest wife Zhang said: "The old man will go crazy when he drinks. In the future, try to stop the old man from drinking and can't indulge him."
Gu Jiu nodded, "I listen to my eldest mother. Today is my own opinion, and my eldest mother will punish me."
Zhang said: "You don't have to punish you, you are also kind. But you can't do this in the future."
Everyone was eating wine and food, and the atmosphere gradually became warm.
The two rooms and the big room toast each other, and the younger generation toasts to the elders again, and it has been a long time.
After the New Year's Eve dinner, the banquet was withdrawn, and everyone stayed together again.
The adults gather to talk, and the girls and boys find their own fun.
The elder Gu Zhiming sighed, "This year is really rare, the old man has only had a disturbance. In previous years, the old man had to have a disturbance from dark to midnight."
The eldest wife Zhang agreed, "This year is indeed rare."
After the New Year's Eve dinner, Mr. Gu took a few concubines back to the room to indulge.
At that time, everyone looked relieved.
If Mr. Gu is like this in the future, then I really want to thank God.
Master Gu frowned, still feeling unhappy in his heart.
"The old man keeps making noise like this, when will he be tall? Big brother, sister-in-law, can't you do it?"
The elder Gu Zhiming said: "Second brother, since you came back, the old man has been making trouble.
You ask the servants in the house, before your family returned to the capital, the old man had a little trouble for three days and a big trouble for five days.
The whole house was tumbling up and down. That scene, ha ha, your sister-in-law and I didn't know how we got through these years. "
The eldest wife Zhang stared at him, "I don't need to talk about the past. The old man is getting older and he either drinks or hangs out with a few aunts all day. His body will be hollowed out sooner or later." Can't make noise.
The elder Gu Zhiming nodded, "Although it is not filial to think so, I still hope that the old man will get older and stop making trouble."
Even with such unfilial remarks, the eldest drank too much.
The eldest wife Zhang quickly poured a bowl of hangover soup for the elder, and then complained: "After drinking two or two cat urine, she started talking nonsense. 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 is a matter of filial piety, how can the eldest master talk nonsense in front of others and achieve the truth.
Xie's eyeballs turned steadily, and his mind drifted away.
Old man Gu was hollowed out, does it mean that he is going to die?
Once the old man passes away, the big room and the second room will definitely have separate families and cannot continue to live together.
This mansion, not surprisingly, was inherited by Dafang.
Or learn how the Hou Mansion divides the house and divide the mansion into two, with a courtyard wall in the middle.
Of course Xie wants to continue living here. Not to mention anything else, this piece of land in the Gu Mansion is a prime location in the capital, which cannot be bought with money.
However, if the mansion is divided into two, the space is too narrow and narrow, and Xie's is not happy.
Xie thought that while the old man was still there and the two families had not yet separated, they should quickly use the public money to buy a house outside, preferably not far from the Hou Mansion.
When the two houses are separated, the second house can be moved directly.
In addition, after waiting for the new year, she has to be a housekeeper with Zhang. Otherwise, the Zhang family would be greedy for money in his father-in-law. When the family was divided, wouldn't the second room drink the Northwest wind?
Xie’s little abacus was playing loudly, and he had already thought of which villagers, shops, and who would be hired when the family was separated.
There are also valuable items in the warehouse, calligraphy and painting, etc., which must be selected carefully.
The big room has been taking advantage of it for so many years. When the family is separated, it must not be allowed to continue to take advantage.
Whatever you say, the second room also has to divide a little more property.
Moreover, there are many children in the second room, whether it is to marry or marry, it is a big expense.
Xie's heart was in pain at the thought of a large dowry and dowry.
She gritted her teeth and made a decision. We must hurry up to make arrangements for the children's marriage before Father Gu passes away.
All those who should be married get married, and those who should be married hurry in.
As long as there is no separation of families, the public school has to bear part of the dowry and dowry. In this way, the pressure on the second room is much less.
Xie's praise for her wit, she is really exhaustive.