The Bookish Scholar of the Red Mansion

When he first heard Chen Heng say that he wanted to know more about the Zhen family, Jia Lian felt a little happy. Everyone talks about it, after all, they are relatives. It would be a good thing for everyone if Chen Heng could change his mind because of the guests at Zhen Mansion's birthday banquet and have the idea of ​​​​turning hostility into friendship.

What did my cousin tell you? Jia Lian first asked, preparing to make additional supplements to Daiyu's story.

Chen Heng asked Qingwen to take the jug, and he took the initiative to pour a glass for Jia Lian. He said frankly: Yu'er has told me about the relationship between the old Duke and the Zhen family. She doesn't know much about other things.

Jia Lian drank a glass of wine and felt a little warmth spreading in his chest. The side of me that likes to be a teacher was brought out little by little under the influence of wine.

That's the relationship between our family and the Zhen family. Jia Lian's face turned red and he said kindly, I want to tell you about the Zhen family. Do you still remember the late Prince Yi Zhong? ?”

Why don't you remember? Chen Heng gave Liu Xianglian a subtle look while laughing. The latter understood the situation and stood up to pour wine for Jia Lian. Chen Hengze continued, The one who did the bad things ten years ago. The people in the capital are still talking about the gold and silver that the old prince moved out of the palace when he ransacked his house.

There is also a well-known mystery in the original book about Prince Yoshitaka. When Qin Keqing was buried, the coffin used was the eternal coffin purchased by Xue Pan for Prince Yizhong. Just because Prince Yohitaka died after his house was ransacked, the whole family was guilty. Even the coffin prepared in advance became a decoration. Finally, it was taken away by Jia Zhen and used to bury Qin Keqing.

Regarding the origin of Prince Yi Zhong, Chen Heng only knew that he was from the clan, a cousin of the Supreme Emperor, and the uncle of the current Emperor. However, just from Yi Zhong's title, we can also see his relationship with the Supreme Emperor, just like the relationship between Prince Zhongshun and Li Zhi.

The title of loyalty is never given randomly.

Jia Lian drank another glass of wine before answering: Although Prince Yi Zhong and the Supreme Emperor are not compatriots, they have a very good relationship. When the Supreme Emperor visited the south of the Yangtze River, the first place he stayed was Zhen, recommended by Prince Yi Zhong. Home.

Do you still remember the old concubine Zhen who passed away a few years ago? Seeing Chen Heng nod, Jia Lian continued, It was also Prince Yizhong who became Hui Yue Lao. When he was in the Zhen Mansion, he privately introduced her to the Supreme Emperor. It turned out to be a good thing.”

Chen Heng finally showed a look of surprise. He didn't expect that there was such a hidden matter. He couldn't help but say: Then Prince Yi Zhong is good enough to the Zhen family.

Brother-in-law, you don't know something. The fiefdom of Prince Yi Zhong is in Jinling City. And the ancestors of the Zhen family originally followed Prince Yi Zhong for generations. It was in the hands of the descendants of the Zhen family that they gradually became rich. The situation started. Prince Yi Zhong showed mercy and allowed the Zhen family to escape and return home to establish their own family.

What happened... Chen Heng murmured, this route of making a fortune is similar to that of the Xue family. He couldn't help but ask: Then...

Jia Lian knew what his brother-in-law was going to ask, so he replied directly: Our family is different from the Zhen family. Their family relied on the power from above and trade routes. They also helped the royal family manage affairs in Jiangnan. Our family was in the military field back then. Road, otherwise why would there be two princes in our family? When everyone mentions the Zhen family, they only say Jinling Zhen family?

In this way, the relationship between the Zhen family and the Xue family is even closer. It’s no wonder that three of the four great families in Jinling were in the capital. Only the Xue family, who led the imperial merchants, was left and took root in Jinling. It turns out that the Zhen family followed Prince Yi Zhong, and the Xue family followed the Supreme Emperor.

Chen Heng nodded and signaled Liu Xianglian to come up and offer a toast. The latter immediately stood up and said: Second Master Jia, brother, let me toast you again.

Well, you Liu Xianglian, I didn't realize that you are still a big drinker. Jia Lian blushed, and during the gap between his words, he was persuaded to drink five or six more drinks. When he saw Liu Xianglian lifting the wine glass again, he felt frightened. If I keep drinking like this, I'm afraid I'm going to go out sideways today.

It's rare that Second Master is here as a guest today. Your Excellency and I are very happy. Second Master can just have a drink. I'll finish the glass of wine first as a token of respect.

After finishing her drink with her head raised, Liu Xianglian showed the bottom of the cup to Jia Lian. Now, it’s impossible not to finish the drink. A lustful person must be fond of wine. Jia Lian was also a big drinker, so he immediately raised his sleeves and drank a full glass.

As soon as they sat down, Chen Heng asked deliberately: I think the eldest and second masters of the Zhen family have a very good relationship. Are they the same compatriots?

Jia Lian wanted to laugh when he heard this. He raised his hand and pointed at Chen Heng. He breathed alcohol and said, It's no wonder that you are an official in Jiangnan. If they were brothers, how could the Zhen family have so many troubles?

Oh? Chen Heng laughed and said ashamedly, No one tells me this on weekdays, and the county government is all about official business...

The eldest and second uncles of their family happened to be from the first and second families. Jia Lian shook his head and sighed, The elders of these two families had bad luck in life, and they all passed away relatively early. Only the widowed mother and the orphan were left. The old lady took care of it and grew up.

Nowadays, the Zhen family is in charge of their elders. But I have always heard that the old lady prefers the second master of the Zhen family in her heart. Even the Zhen family's favor book has been secretly handed over to Zhen Baoyu.

This thing, although it sounds light and airy. Many little-known human relationships are recorded in a small book. It is far from being compared to those lively guests at the banquet who are enjoying themselves. If wealth is compared to golden eggs, then the book of favors is the hen that lays the golden eggs. Whoever holds it holds wealth.

Although Chen Heng didn't know much about Zhen Xi and Zhen Baoyu. But just judging from the reputation in Jinling, Zhen Xi's reputation is much better than Zhen Baoyu. Such a comparison is not Xiao Qiang's fault. Why does this old lady of the Zhen family care about Zhen Baoyu?

Jia Lian seemed to have guessed what Chen Heng was thinking, and directly said: If you can't stand him, he will please the old lady.

After saying this, he was half drunk. Knowing that he said something wrong, Jia Lian quickly pulled Liu Xianglian to continue the joke. Chen Heng subconsciously glanced at Jia Baoyu, who was still confused. He said very little from the beginning to the end. Most of the time, I lower my head and think.

From the end of this banquet, there is nothing new. Chen Heng, who had some room to spare, was still able to help Jia Lian into the car soberly. It would be helpful for him to speak up today, so that he could understand a little more about the Zhen family's affairs.

After sending the Jia family away, Chen Heng returned to Daiyu's house. Zijuan was busy making the bed for the couple. Daiyu sat down and drank tea as soon as her husband came back. I couldn't help but stepped forward and asked, What's wrong with my husband? But what my cousin is asking for is a bit troublesome?

Only then did Chen Heng become alert. His reaction made his wife a little worried. He immediately smiled and said, It's okay, don't worry. I was just thinking about something that didn't happen.

Daiyu felt a little weird, and asked with a little teasing: Since it didn't happen, why do you want it?

Because that was a good thing my old father-in-law did, Chen Heng raised his eyebrows noncommittally. He suddenly remembered that in the original book, Jia Yucun took Lin Ruhai's letter and defected to Jia's house, and the person he was looking for seemed to be Jia Zheng.

Logically speaking, Jia She accepted the title, and it should be someone who was in charge of the affairs of Rongguo Mansion. But from this point of view, I am afraid that the real foundation of Rongguo Mansion is still in Jia Zheng's hands.

He decided to reconstruct his understanding of Jia Zheng in his heart. But taking into account his own experience of dealing with the other party, Chen Heng could think of no bigger fault with Jia Zheng except that he was a bit pedantic and a bit confused.

Regardless, Jia Zheng's affairs are still far away from him after all. Chen Heng laughed and then took Daiyu, who was suppressing laughter, to rest on the bed.

…………

…………

The next day, Jia Lian finally sobered up. While he was still unconscious, Xue Pan suddenly pushed the door open and entered. Although this person's temperament has improved somewhat, he still looks impatient when things happen.

After several sounds, Jia Lian was woken up from the bed. Xue Pan brought tea himself and said to Jia Lian: Good brother, how can you still sleep? Tell me, how was your talk with him yesterday?

Jia Lian was so noisy that he had a headache. He lifted up his robe before sitting down. He was already complaining: Why don't you ask Baoyu.

Why didn't you ask? Of course I didn't ask for the result before I came to you. Xue Pan was also anxious and didn't seem to hide it for his brother-in-law. He went out with a face all morning and didn't know where to find him. Whose bad luck?

Can he still go out to look for trouble? With his temperament, it would be nice if others didn't bully him. Jia Lian laughed, took the tea and moistened his dry throat, and then said: Brother-in-law Chen has agreed to our activities in Songjiang.

When Xue Pan heard this for the first time, his heart suddenly dropped. After all, his surname is Xue, as long as Chen Heng can nod his head. He was full of ideas to make money in Songjiang City. Whether this business is profitable or not is another matter.

Jia Lian grew up in fine clothes and fine food, and his family tradition did not encourage businessmen. He just said: But he has set a path for us. As long as we are in Songjiang, we are not allowed to do anything else, let alone make money in Songjiang.

If ordinary people said this, Xue Pan would definitely reply, Fuck grandma's legs and dare to control the Xue family's affairs. But it was Chen Heng who said this, so he had to ask patiently: Then what did he decide?

Spices from Nanyang. Jia Lian spoke out a few words with joy in his eyes.

Xue Pan was a discerning man. He immediately slapped his thigh and said happily: This is good, this is a really profitable business. Even if the Maritime Department adds a few more layers of taxes and we transport it to the capital, we can make several times the money.

It's just that he wants us to set up a few shops in Songjiang and recruit more local people to do some processing. I don't understand. Anyway, he won't allow us to move out of Songjiang City within five years. Jia Lian hesitated and continued talking about Chen. constant conditions.

Why is this?! Xue Pan scratched his head, this Chen...Brother-in-law Chen's control was too lenient. I was doing business openly, and I even burned incense in front of his giant Buddha, so why did I refuse their business like this?

You ask me, who am I asking. Jia Lian rolled his eyes. He really drank too much last night. He drank three cups of tea in a row and still felt thirsty. But I see what he means. If we don't agree, I'm afraid it will be difficult. Establish a foothold in Songjiang.

Then...just listen to him. Xue Pan thought for a while and said honestly. Although he didn't know that Chen Heng suddenly became easy to talk to, it would be a pity not to seize the opportunity in front of him.

I think so too. Jia Lian nodded. It would be best for Xue Pan to figure it out. After all, making a living has to be done by the other party in person. You can't expect a young man from the Duke's mansion to do unseemly work.

Then I'll ask my sister how much money she has on hand. If we want to do it, let's do it big time. Xue Pan impromptuly ran out.

…………

…………

Jia Baoyu has been waiting here for a long time, and his location is at the entrance of an alley. Although the morning light was dazzling today, the shadows cast by the houses beside him still hid his figure.

In front of him is a bustling city full of cars and horses. When the porters are walking through the streets, they have to be careful to avoid the passing rickshaws. Occasionally, a few children carrying book bags ran past Jia Baoyu. It suddenly awakened the young master's memory of going to school in his early years.

As his thoughts surged, his hands hidden in his sleeves clenched slightly. Jia Baoyu looked at the sky and couldn't help but secretly laugh at his own foolishness. Just wait. If you still can't wait, I'm afraid she won't come today. You can go back to the inn to rest for a while.

Just when I thought about it, a carriage came slowly from the end of the street corner. Baoyu's attention was immediately attracted. His intuition has always been very accurate, and he always feels that the person in the car is exactly the person he is waiting for.

Seeing the carriage stop at the entrance of the academy, two people got out one after another. Because of the distance, Jia Baoyu couldn't make out clearly, but she didn't look like Sister Lin. After finally waiting for the third person to get off the car, his disappointed eyes suddenly became overjoyed.

Chief of the mountain.

Shan Chang'an.

I saw several little girls greeting each other in a decent manner when they passed by me. Daiyu also felt some comfort in her heart, and nodded to the students: I have completed all my homework last night.

Captain Huishan, I've done it all. Do you want to show it to you now? A girl held up her book bag as if offering a treasure, with an expression on her face as if she was waiting to show off.

Go to class first. When you see Master Hu, remember to walk slowly and don't bump into the old man. Daiyu waved her hand and urged a few young men to get in quickly.

Yes. The children liked this soft-spoken mountain leader very much, and felt that no matter what the problem was, Sister Lin could not be troubled. They admired and loved her in their hearts.

Looking at each other and smiling at Yinglian beside her, Daiyu was about to follow the children and enter the academy together. Suddenly a voice called Sister Lin came from behind.

She just turned her head and saw Baoyu's face full of hope. Daiyu frowned immediately. She wanted to ignore this person, but she was afraid of violating the etiquette. He had no choice but to nod to Yinglian and motion for her to go in first. He stood at the door, waiting for Baoyu to find him.

Sister, be careful. If anything happens, call us. Yinglian looked at Baoyu's appearance and always felt that the person who came was evil.

Don't worry, sister, I know it well. Daiyu responded calmly.

After the two separated like this, Baoyu stood in front of Daiyu and Zijuan, rubbed his hands with some anxiety, and said: Sister, don't get me wrong, I heard that there is a girls' school in Songjiang City. Out of curiosity, I decided to come and see.

Even Zicuckoo thought this was false. She thought to herself: If she had known this would happen, she would have asked sister Qingwen to come for her when she went out today.

Daiyu replied calmly and generously: Since my cousin wants to visit, you might as well come in and take a look. After that, she said to the old man who was watching the door, If foreigners come, the door does not need to be closed.

The old man nodded in agreement. He just thought it was the mountain chief's family who came to find out about the situation of Yunjian Academy. The people coming to the left and right are all noble people, so it doesn't matter if they take a look.

Baoyu, who was extremely happy inside, could still pretend to be calm on his face. He just followed Daiyu into the academy, and the neighbors came to inquire about Baoyu's origins.

At first glance, this guy with thin skin and tender flesh is not a wild kid from the streets. Baoyu thought he was hiding in the dark and no one noticed him, but in fact, he looked like he was wearing ordinary clothes deliberately. For the people who are exposed to the sun and rain every day, it is just like taking off their pants to fart, which is unnecessary.

The old man guarding the gate saw that these people were talking about good things, and he knew that these people had their own plans. Yunjian Academy is not only criticized among officials. Many people in the city are still looking at it with a cautious attitude, and they are eager to have some fun.

He is the cousin of the Mountain Chief. He heard about the name of our academy and wanted to come over and have a look. The old man pointed at the door, Look, the Mountain Chief didn't even let me close the door.

Harm, I said that person is good-looking and must be a family member of the county magistrate. How could he be some gangster... someone said very disappointed.

The old man snorted in his heart, if he closed the door, there might be some rumors in the future.

Baoyu didn't know how much trouble his willful behavior would bring to the struggling academy. They were still following Daiyu happily. As soon as they walked around the screen wall, they heard the sound of the old master and his students reading.

Good, really good. Baoyu praised repeatedly, Compared with the title of official wife, the status of mountain chief is really more suitable for you. In order to restore his past image, Xu deliberately ended his words with a dry tone. Added, He really does understand you.

Daiyu's brows were furrowed until she heard the last sentence, then she relaxed slightly and said happily: My husband does understand me.

Knowing that you are living a good life makes me happier than being an official or reading any book. Baoyu said sincerely. But only God knows how much pain he felt when he said this.

Daiyu was afraid of disturbing the children while they were studying, so she only took Baoyu around in the courtyard. She also hoped that the other party would understand that he, a man, should not stay here longer.

Unexpectedly, Baoyu couldn't understand her hint and talked excitedly about the changes in the Jia family along the way. Some said that the old lady was renegotiating Yingchun's marriage, some said that his father had found another job in the Ministry of Industry, etc.

Daiyu saw that he was so interested in chatting, so she had no choice but to say: My cousin came to see me today just to talk about this?

The intention of chasing away guests is so obvious. Baoyu felt very uncomfortable when he heard this. He really couldn't explain why he came today. I just want to see you once, even if it's just from a distance. Seeing the real person, he couldn't help but come up and say hello.

Yes, I just stopped by to see you. Baoyu coughed and responded dryly.

Cousin is still waiting for you. Cousin should go back early. Daiyu wanted to see off guests again, and she had to rush to teach students.

Okay. Baoyu nodded blankly. The conscience of heaven and earth, he comes today. I really just want to eliminate the misunderstanding of myself in Sister Lin's mind. Baoyu has always been timid, and there are only so many things he can think of and dare to do.

He felt that his purpose was so simple, why would Sister Lin be so resistant to others? For a moment, he said bitterly: Sometimes I think, what if...

Cousin. Daiyu suddenly interrupted in a cold voice. She didn't need to guess, she already knew what Baoyu would say next. There are no ifs, and there are no eventualities. No matter how many times we do it again, the result will be the same.

There is nothing greater than grief. The hope that Baoyu had waited for countless times turned into dust and smoke and drifted away in the blink of an eye. He had thought that he was too late. I also thought about Daiyu's marriage and could only listen to her parents.

But she never dared to think that it was Daiyu who wanted to marry herself, but it was Sister Lin who didn't have him in her heart at all.

Okay. Baoyu nodded blankly and took another careful look at Sister Lin. Her brows have lost the soft color they had when they first met. More like a sapling exuding vitality, it has begun to develop its unique tenacity against wind and rain.

The sister Lin in my memory has grown up.

Why am I alone, still parked in the yard and unable to get out?

Daiyu really didn't care what Baoyu was thinking. If the other party continued to stay, it would be really bad for the academy's reputation if word spread. With a cold face all the way, Baoyu was sent out of the door. She didn't even say a few words, and was about to tell the concierge that the class would be held behind closed doors.

A carriage hurriedly drove up the street, and the person who came was none other than one of the family servants. Seeing him holding the reins, he stopped the carriage and said to Daiyu: Madam, there is something going on at home. I ask the two ladies to go home quickly.

It was fine when I went out, so why did something happen? Daiyu panicked for no reason. Unless it was a big deal, Chen Heng would rarely disturb her at this time. Not to mention, he still asked himself and Yinglian to go back at the same time.

Not caring about anything else, Daiyu immediately dropped Baoyu and asked Zijuan to invite Yinglian out and get on the carriage back home together.

Fortunately, the county government office was not far from the academy, and the two ladies had already returned home in the time it took to make a cup of tea. As soon as he hurriedly walked into the hall, he saw Chen Heng standing there with a sad face. In front of my husband was a stranger in plain clothes.

Seeing that his wife finally came back, Chen Heng calmed down and introduced them: This is Master Pei's grandson.

Daiyu stood beside Chen Heng and held his hand tightly. He looked towards the young man again and saw that the other man's cuffs and collar were decorated with mourning etiquette. Daiyu's face turned pale immediately, and then she asked in a trembling voice: What happened... happened...?

My grandfather died of illness last winter. In February this year, my grandmother followed my grandfather to the west.

After hearing this short sentence, Daiyu's head and eyes became dizzy, and she was about to lose her balance. Fortunately, Chen Heng discovered it in time and quickly reached out to hold him.

How could it be like this? How could it be like this... Just as she spoke, Daiyu's tears couldn't stop falling.

I may have to go to the hospital tomorrow. My back hurts so much. It hurts so much today. I get cramps when I move...