The Bookish Scholar of the Red Mansion

The west wind is bleak and the morning mist is slightly cool.

There were several drought and thunderstorms last night. People in Yangzhou City thought it would rain and opened their windows happily. After waiting all night, I only heard thunder but no rain.

Such an experience is somewhat torturous. When Chen Heng gets up early in the morning and goes out, he can see the bad looks of his neighbors.

Chen Heng didn't know how to evaluate this.

Before he traveled to this world, he happened to experience a similar scene.

Perhaps because of the mentality he had developed during his years at home, Chen Heng didn't care too much about the rain. At least for now, he could still move around.

He got up early today. After buying breakfast for his family, he moved a stool and sat at the door in a daze.

Nowadays, there are not many entertainment places in Yangzhou city. Not to mention the fishing lanes, theaters, and painting boats, even the business of restaurants and teahouses was much deserted.

Many old men who had nothing to do imitated Chen Heng's example, brought stools from their homes, and invited a few neighbors to play chess at the door.

It looked like they were just playing chess, but if Chen Heng took a closer look, he could see the panic on the faces of the crowd. They gathered around each other, scanning the surroundings carefully and communicating in hushed tones.

In the past two days, many people who maliciously instigated rumors have been arrested in the city. Logically speaking, these people deserve their punishment. But as news of these arrests spread, the story completely changed when it came to other people's mouths.

Chen Heng knew that the prefect had good intentions.

In recent days, more and more refugees have arrived. Some of them came with their families on foot, and some of them came with fellow villagers who pooled their money to take a boat ride.

Once these people arrive in Yangzhou, they will inevitably bring more bad news.

If these news were left alone, I don't know what the atmosphere in the city would be like.

Panic is the most contagious emotion. As long as one person shows panic first, it can easily infect those around him.

But can blocking speech really control the spread of fear? Chen Heng couldn't help but squint his eyes and look away from the people whispering.

He raised his head and put his hands on his eyes to look at the sky. It happened that a few birds were flying across the sky.

Watching them disappear on the eaves and beside the white clouds, Chen Heng suddenly stood up.

He calculated his days, Master and the others would be able to reach Yangzhou almost today. Nothing happened, so he walked into the house and told Mrs. Gu, then walked towards the city gate.

Now the prefect stipulates that the city gate is only allowed to be opened at noon every day. When Chen Heng arrived, there were already many people rushing to go out.

Those who still want to leave Yangzhou at this time will either go to Jinling or Suzhou.

After finding a shady spot not far or near, Chen Heng focused on the officers and soldiers patrolling back and forth on the city wall.

Perhaps because his position was too conspicuous, a smiling face suddenly appeared on the crenellation of the city wall.

Chen Heng took a closer look and saw that it was Xin Suzhao whom he had not seen for a long time.

Reunited with old friends, the young general in silver armor and white robes ran down the steps of the city wall and came to his classmates.

Brother Heng.

Brother Su Zhao.

The two of them had just said hello. Xin Suzhao had already shaken off his armor and said with a carefree smile: How about it? My brother is dressed like this, does he look like the white-robed general Chen Qingzhi?

To deal with people like him, you have to follow the hair. Chen Heng smiled slightly and praised: I feel more like Zhao Zilong who goes in and out seven times in Changban Slope.

Xin Suzhao's eyebrows rose and fell, then fell and raised again. Finally, he laughed loudly, patted Chen Heng on the back and said, Brother Heng, you still understand me best.

You common man, pat me gently. Chen Heng coughed twice and quickly took this opportunity to ask, Are there many refugees outside the city now?

Not much, not much. Maybe one or two thousand. Xin Suzhao took off his helmet, stretched out his little finger to pick out his ears, Don't worry, as long as Chi Guang and I are here, they won't cause any trouble.

How much do you love your horse? You just ride it every day, but you still talk about it when nothing happens. Chen Heng looked a little weird, and then smiled and said: Do the porridge people still come three times a day?

Yes, your second uncle's shop has also been requisitioned. Xin Suzhao became more energetic as soon as he said this, I see that your second uncle has been very busy these past two days. He has been running around in the porridge shop all day long. Later. Sometimes when he comes back, he specially brings me a piece of cake.

Then you are patrolling here every day now?

Yes. Xin Suzhao raised his head proudly, I like this place better than the academy. I feel comfortable just standing here.

Chen Heng smiled and shook his head, and the two chatted for a while.

After knowing that Chen Heng was here to wait for his master, Xin Suzhao nodded, just waved his hand to summon a soldier, and pulled him to give him some instructions.

Seeing that Su Zhao's every move was quite natural, Chen Heng couldn't help but wonder what position his father gave him.

When Chen Heng asked, Xin Suzhao rarely showed off and just laughed and tried to shirk.

Brother Heng, if you ask why, just call me General Xin.

Yes, yes, General Xin.

Haha, I love hearing this. Brother Heng, shout it again.

But screw you, Chen Heng rolled his eyes. The city gate happened to open, and he quickly stood on tiptoe to look out the door.

The order is to go out first and then enter. After everyone at the city gate has left, people from outside the city slowly come in.

A soldier quickly led his master and his wife to Chen Heng.

Master, Master!! Chen Heng stepped forward quickly and saluted Wang Xianming and Liu who looked uneasy.

Heng'er! Mrs. Liu may have been frightened all the way when she saw the child she hadn't seen for a long time. When her nervous expression relaxed, her eyes began to turn red.

Good boy, I can't help you waiting here. Wang Xianming hurriedly picked up his proud disciple and said with great embarrassment, If it weren't for your trust, I would be my teacher...

Wang Xianming really didn't plan to come to Yangzhou at first, but unfortunately he couldn't stand Liu's repeated persuasion, so he finally said goodbye to the students in the school, and the couple packed their bags and came together.

When they arrived in Yangzhou this morning, they saw the refugees gathered outside the city and the closed city gates, and realized that the disaster was more serious than they thought.

It's good that you can arrive safely. Chen Heng smiled and said his apology, pulled Xin Suzhao to his side, and introduced to the master and his wife, Master, this is my good friend from the academy, Xin Suzhao.

Grandpa, just call me Su Zhao. Since he is Chen Heng's elder, Xin Su Zhao, who is wearing military armor, hurriedly clasped his fists and saluted.

Okay, okay. Wang Xianming looked very excited after seeing Xin Suzhao. After his wife, Mrs. Liu, pushed him gently, Master Caigui said a little embarrassedly, Heng'er, I have brought someone here for my master from Shanxi Village. They are now giving him I’m stuck outside, so I might ask this friend of yours to help me.”

Before Chen Heng could speak, Xin Suzhao had already smiled and responded, What's the problem? Grandpa, please wait here. I'll be back soon.

After saying that, Xin Suzhao stepped into the sun, and the dazzling light made his armor shine.

Master, who are you bringing? Seeing that his friend had rushed out, Chen Heng hurriedly asked the master curiously.

Hey...it's Qisuo and his mother. Wang Xianming didn't hide anything and directly stated the identity of the visitor. Your wife and I thought that they were alone in Shanxi Village, unable to farm, and had no income. We were afraid that life would be difficult, so we wanted to bring them to Yangzhou and live together in the Lin Mansion.

It’s really hard for Master that such a face-saving person is willing to sacrifice his old face for the sake of his disciples. Chen Heng slapped his forehead and quickly spoke to his master: It's my fault, but I forgot about them.

It's okay that he didn't know about this. Now that he heard the news, if he left Qisuo and his mother alone, not to mention that he wouldn't be able to bear it, Chen Gaishan would have to beat him up if he knew about it.

They are from the same village and from the same clan. If others come to Yangzhou, if you dare to ignore them. If word spreads in the future, will the old Chen family return to Shanxi Village?

Master, Qisuo and the others should go home with me. After all, they have no friendship with Uncle Lin's family, and they are not used to visiting like this.

Won't it cause trouble to your family?

Not really, my own food reserves are still enough. Chen Heng smiled and shook his head, pointing to the distance, Master, look, the Lin family's carriage has arrived.

Wang Xianming and Mrs. Liu turned around, and sure enough it was the steward of the Lin family arriving in a carriage.

…………

…………

When Chen Heng arrived at his new home with Qisuo and his mother, who were very cautious.

Chen Gaishan, who was idle and bored, was bickering with Mr. Zhou in the courtyard. As soon as grandpa saw Qisuo's mother, he immediately exclaimed: My child, why are you here?

Third uncle. Qisuo's mother knelt down on the ground with a plop and kept kowtowing, Please, accept this child from our family and give him a bite to eat.

You kid, what are you doing? What are you doing? Chen Gaishan was shocked, but he was too embarrassed to reach out to help him.

It was Zhou who, together with Gu, who came after hearing the noise, pulled up Qisuo's mother.

The family hurriedly welcomed Qisuo and his mother into the house. After sitting down for a while, Mrs. Zhou stepped forward to comfort the crying woman.

When your father was still alive, I had to call him second brother.

Chen Gaishan shook his head. Although he and Qisuo's grandfather were distant relatives, their relationship was not bad.

I left in a hurry and didn't take care of you two. This is my fault. Since we can meet each other today, you should treat this place as your own home. There is no need to be polite to Third Uncle.

Mrs. Zhou also nodded, her heart was better than that of Chen Gaishan, and she said frankly: Qisuo mother, don't think too much, you can't write two words in one sentence. Our two families, break your bones. It’s still attached.”

Qisuo's mother didn't know what she was thinking. She just turned to Qisuo and said, Qisuo, kneel down and kowtow to your third grandfather.

Why can't you kid listen? What are you doing to a kid like this? Chen Gaishan was really anxious and hurriedly lifted Qisuo, who had grown up much, from the ground.

Don't listen to your mother's nonsense. Even if you call me Third Grandpa, can Grandpa leave you alone? Chen Gaishan looked at Qisuo who was crying silently and was filled with emotion.

If Chen Sande knew something, he wouldn't have ruined a good family like this, leaving orphans and widowers helpless.

Third Grandpa, I know what my mother means. Qisuo spoke for the first time, My father once put his second uncle in jail, and almost made it impossible for him to continue taking the imperial examination. Qisuo looked at Chen Heng, He lowered his head apologetically.

Chen Heng suddenly realized that it was no wonder he had returned home in recent years. When I went out to look for Qisuo, I felt vaguely that the other party was avoiding me. It turned out to be this reason.

This time, I have to ask you to take me and my mother in. Qisuo raised his sleeves, wiped away his tears, knelt on the ground again and kowtowed, gritted his teeth and said, Third Grandpa, I will definitely repay you for your family's kindness. .”

It's been so many years, and your father is no longer here, why are you talking about this? Chen Gaishan and Chen Heng pulled up Qisuo together, We don't have much house at home, why do you just sleep in the same room with your second brother from now on? Sample?

Qisuo couldn't help but look at Chen Heng, who showed a gentle smile as usual and nodded to him silently.

Second brother, Qisuo is going to cause you trouble. Qisuo did not dare to respond to the other party's gaze. He was both annoyed by his previous avoidance behavior and felt ashamed that Chen Heng was letting things go.

Chen Heng smiled and stepped forward and put his arms around his shoulders, I heard Master said that he changed your name to Xinda?

Yeah. Qisuo nodded. He was only a few months younger than Chen Heng, but his body and bones were much stronger.

Screaming for fresh food. Chen Heng smiled and shook his head, Then I will change my words and call you Brother Xinda.

The second brother can call him whatever he wants. Chen Xinda wiped his tears and couldn't help but feel a warm current in his heart. No matter where the second brother goes from now on, the younger brother will follow you.

Chen Heng only regarded him as an emotional remark and didn't take it to heart.

After the two families had a meal that night, Chen Heng took Chen Xinda back to the house to sleep.

The two men lay side by side on the bed, telling childhood jokes for most of the night. I don’t know when he fell asleep, but when Chen Heng opened his eyes again.

Chen Xinda, who got up early, was already sitting at the table, holding the book Chen Heng gave him yesterday to read carefully. There was also a steaming washbasin on the table, with the towel Chen Heng used to wash his face hanging on it.

Seeing Chen Heng wake up, Xinda put down his book, walked up and said, Second brother, come over and wash your face.

Chen Heng thought for a long time and couldn't figure out what drama Qisuo was causing. He just raised his finger and pointed at him and said angrily: Don't do this kind of thing again in the future.

Hey. Xinda chuckled, not sure if he heard it.

Ahhhh, the second update is here. Although I missed twelve o'clock, my God