The Bookish Scholar of the Red Mansion

When the white clouds change for thousands of miles, at the intersection of the clear sky and the horizon, dazzling rays of light come with the wind. They pass through the hills outside the city; in the wilderness like floating waves, the shallow river shines with golden light like beeswax.

As the 'eldest daughter' of the Grand Canal, Yangzhou City in the early morning is like a pearl that has wiped away the dust. Even in such a bleak winter, its beauty is a bit thrilling.

The victims who got up early looked a little numb. As soon as they walked out of the camp, their eyes were attracted by the excitement in the distance.

Now is the time when the porridge shop is open for dinner. The man who is going out asks his family to take care of the children while he walks around with the utensils for serving porridge. Their attention inevitably falls on the noisy place.

This is the only way to the porridge shop. The people who stopped looked at Xin Suzhao directing dozens of craftsmen and twenty or thirty students to be busy, and they were somewhat curious.

what are they doing?

I heard it's going to be a stage show?

Why are you doing this? If you have this free time, it would be better to let us go into the city.

It's just a group of scholars who have enough to eat and nothing to do, thinking about useless things all day long.

Everyone's evaluation is not very high. In the days when the future cannot be seen, people's pursuit of life is decreasing. Their uneasiness includes the basic desire for food, clothing and clothing.

Xin Suzhao could definitely hear these whispers, but he couldn't help it. Since it was a friend's request, it didn't matter what he did, he had to do it first.

In the porridge shop, there were also many scholars who questioned Chen Heng.

It’s just that today is the first day and everyone is waiting. Wait for an opportunity to watch Leyi Academy's jokes.

Brother, tell me why what we recorded is wrong?

Because Chen Heng entered school early, a classmate who was obviously older than him had to call him senior brother aggrievedly.

Just listening to this person's tone, it sounded very harsh.

Chen Heng wasn't angry either. He knew that with just one sentence, he had negated the other person's efforts for half a month, and the other person would definitely be dissatisfied.

But he still explained forcefully: Look at this place. Chen Heng pointed to the words on the paper, Jiayi, four households in Hedong, three from the Zhao family, two from the Huang family...

His voice gradually became louder, and Chen Heng repeated his previous question again, Can you tell how many old, weak, women and children there are in these people's homes, as well as how many adults are strong?

This classmate was left speechless by Chen Heng's question. After hesitating for a long time, he finally said: This is what everyone does in the government office. What's the use of asking us to remember it in such detail?

It's useful, it's of great use. Chen Heng took a deep breath and calmed down his tone, Brother Shi, please bring people to register again. The records must be clear and accurate.

The classmate couldn't help but stamp his feet. If there weren't people from other colleges watching him, he might have wanted to have a good argument with Chen Heng.

Listen to him. Du Yunjing on the side saw that the boy was still a little dissatisfied, so he simply offered to help.

Hey, I got it, Brother Du.

His speech was extraordinary, and his classmates were not very talkative, so they had no choice but to leave in dismay.

Chen Heng glanced at Du Yunjing gratefully, then called the heads of other academies over, and emphasized his request again according to what he just said.

After all these people walked out, Du Yunjing took advantage of the opportunity and asked, Then what should I do?

Collect and classify this information. Chen Heng sat on the wooden bench and stretched out three fingers. Brother Du, we are pressed for time. I can only give you three days. Remember to classify those who do not have adult men at home and those who have only three fingers. One male, and two or more males, are all distinguished.”

Okay. Du Yunjing nodded. Although he didn't see the point of doing so, he had already put down his words to help yesterday, so there was no need to ask more questions at this moment.

Chen Huaijin, who had been busy in the porridge shop early in the morning, suddenly came up with a bowl of porridge and advised his nephew: No matter how busy you are, you should eat something first.

Chen Heng didn't go home at all last night. He rested at a camp outside the city with several classmates.

When Chen Huaijin went out in the morning, people from the old Chen family gave him numerous warnings, asking him to take good care of their children.

Second uncle, I'm not hungry. Chen Heng was about to refuse, but Xinda had already taken the bowl, tested the temperature with the back of his hand, and handed the porridge to his second brother.

Xinda also started to act rogue. Without saying a word of admonishment, he just stared at Chen Hengmeng with his eyes.

Chen Heng couldn't stand the stares, so he had to take the porridge and eat a few mouthfuls when Jiang Yuanbai suddenly ran into the camp.

Brother Heng, Brother Heng.

Jiang Yuanbai is cheerful and chatty, and he is not afraid of strangers. Chen Heng arranged for him to divide the camps.

Seeing that it was him who was coming, Chen Heng said hurriedly: Don't be anxious, speak slowly.

There are not enough people, give me more people. Jiang Yuanbai came up and got straight to the point, not even taking a breath.

How many more people are left?

Twenty... no, give me thirty more people,

Chen Heng thought about it carefully and said simply: There are more than forty people at Plum Blossom Academy, I will give them all to you. Remember, the victims must choose who to live with. When they sort out the people, you can put up a sign. Other senior students will do the statistics.

Okay. Jiang Yuanbai responded positively. He is currently one of the people who supports Chen Heng the most. Just after getting the order, the person had already disappeared.

Cui Youdao, who didn't know when he arrived, watched for a long time and asked, Brother Chen, can you tell me why it's not divided into geographical areas? Isn't it easier and more convenient to divide it this way?

Seeing that he was the one asking the question, Chen Heng couldn't resist. Thinking that this person would be of great use in the future, he asked him to sit on the wooden bench next to him and said patiently: Brother Cui, you know what happened to these victims on the road. ?”

Cui Youdao was stunned. He didn't expect to be asked such a question. He just shook his head and said nothing. Seeing his appearance, Du Yunjing couldn't help but raise the corners of his mouth.

I don't know either. Chen Heng spread his hands and pointed at the victims outside the porridge shop, But these people know. Who of the people around him have done dirty things? Those people are not easy to contact on weekdays. , they know better than us.

Forcibly gathering them together, we thought there would be care among the fellow villagers. But we don't know whether there are arrogant and domineering people among them who are seeking wealth and murder? We can't waste time and effort asking each one. Investigate.

On the way to escape, it is not a joyful outing. Chen Heng is not a supporter of the inherent evil of human nature, but he also knows the extent to which human evil will be magnified where the law fails.

If you sleep at night, you have to be wary of the neighbors next to you. No matter how much porridge they eat or how many clothes they wear, their lives will not be peaceful!

Listening to Chen Heng's answer, Cui Youdao was speechless for a moment and couldn't help but start thinking about his previous actions. Seeing him deflated, Du Yunjing felt relieved and took the initiative.

Wonderful, a small way can distinguish the black sheep. What about the last remaining group of people? Brother Heng, what do you want to do?

You changed your words quickly. Chen Heng blinked and said, No entry and exit restrictions, strict supervision. Now that the disaster is serious, some things can wait until later, so we can free up our hands to take care of it slowly.

Du Yunjing sounded very regretful. His temperament was originally inclined towards grudges and grudges. From his impassioned writing during the imperial examination, Chen Heng knew that he was a sharp sword.

Such people cannot be placed on the front line, otherwise they will only cause greater trouble. What he is actually more suitable for is coordinating and supervising.

Brother Cui, I have an extremely important thing to ask you here. You have to do it. Only if you complete it can we really take the first step.

Seeing that Chen Heng was speaking so seriously, Cui Youdao couldn't help but stand up, cupped his hands and said, Brother Chen, just say it.

I wrote a letter last night. I hope you can take it and invite several theater troupes from the city. Chen Heng took out another letter and handed it to the other person's hand. He bowed deeply and said, Please It’s you, Brother Cui.”

Okay, when the city gate opens at noon, I will enter the city immediately.

Cui Youdao has real talents and knowledge, and seems to have a gentle temper. In his heart, he is as proud as Du Yunjing, but the latter is more sharp-edged. One good thing about people like him is that he doesn't bother to use dirty tricks behind his back.

In addition, the other party has the aura of Jieyuan, so it is very suitable for Cui Youdao to leave this kind of socializing matter to Cui Youdao.

Chen Heng stood up straight, his eyes facing the city gate. I saw him smiling, pointing his finger, and said loudly, Brother Cui, look.

Cui Youdao turned around and saw that the city gate, which was only open for two hours a day, was slowly opening.

this……

Du Yunjing's eyes widened as well, and he finally understood the weight of the mountain chief's words, Prefect's document. You must know that the opening and closing hours of the city gate have been maintained for more than a month.

What did my classmate say to the prefect? ? ?

Cui Youdao was also surprised. He secretly looked at the unattractive Chen Heng with his eyes. The latter bowed again, Please, Brother Cui, we must let them come. The sooner they come, the better.

Cui Youdao remained silent, only nodded solemnly, turned around, and walked into the bright sunshine.

The affairs in the porridge shop were still in full swing. Cui Youdao, who bid farewell to Chen Heng, came all the way to the city gate. He saw that the officers and soldiers guarding the place were inspecting more carefully, and there were more officers and soldiers than before.

But it’s a good thing after all, I can’t say what it feels like. Just looking at the open door, Cui Youdao felt lighter. Finally, he no longer had to waste time returning to the city every day.

After passing the inspection, Cui Youdao walked quickly into the city. He noticed that the neighbors near the city gate were all looking around, as if they were wondering how the door could be opened properly.

Could it be that the victims of the disaster came in?

Impossible, I didn't hear anything.

The gossip that floated around made Cui Youdao's originally relaxed mood tighten. Sighing for some reason, with mixed emotions, he came to the Liyuan of Sanchunfang and visited the first opera troupe.

The Guan family troupe is quite famous in the city. Their troupe leader is a calm man in his late fifties who has a famous Tsing Yi actor, Die Yi, under his command.

After clarifying his future intentions to leader Guan, Guan Changhe received Cui Youdao's letter. I don’t know what my classmate wrote in the letter, but the first time I saw it, Master Guan frowned.

The air fell silent, and the sounds of apprentices practicing could be heard outside the hall. Sunlight shone into the room through the door. Guan Banshang hesitated for a long time, and his eyes quietly fell on the rural exam Jieyuan.

Cui Youdao coughed lightly and asked, Is the class leader in trouble?

I have a little question. Is it safe outside the city?

I don't know. Cui Youdao followed Chen Heng's instructions and only told the truth.

After asking a few more questions, the two parties suddenly fell silent.

After a while, Cui Youdao became impatient when he saw that the other party hadn't spoken yet.

As a scholar, he always wanted to take a fancy to the actor's face, and immediately said: If the class leader is in trouble, why not return the letter to me, and I will find someone else.

No, no, no. It's not easy to offend scholars these days, let alone a promising Jieyuan. Leader Guan waved his hands repeatedly and said with a wry smile: I'll go, I'll go.

Although Cui Youdao was a little surprised, he still said thank you. The two parties agreed on a time.

He immediately got up and rushed to the next house, visiting several in a row. When he saw Chen Heng's letter, all the class leaders he saw frowned and became distressed, and finally had to agree.

Cui Youdao was really curious. After leaving the last theater troupe, he couldn't help but open the letter that had been read several times, and saw only one word written on it.

righteous.

Thick ink spreads on the white paper, a simple word. But it made Cui Youdao laugh. He stood on the side of the road and couldn't help but think to himself that his classmate looked kind-hearted but had a dark heart.

…………

…………

The neighbors in the east of the city were really blessed today. It had only been one morning before they saw the city gate open. Before noon, several troupes marched out of the city under banners.

What's the situation? What's the situation? Why don't the victims come in, and the people in our city have to run out.

What are these opera singers doing? What time is it? Why don't you just stop and hide.

They looked at it for a long time, but they couldn't understand it. While they were whispering to each other, several men selling newspapers ran past on the street.

Listen carefully. We are going to watch a big show outside the city tonight. We have a big show tonight outside Yangzhou City. The city gates are not closed, so everyone can go and see whatever they want.

What? Even the access control has been cancelled?

Just as everyone was about to stop the newspaper seller for questioning, another group of armored soldiers hurried past and rushed outside the city gate.

Seeing the officers and soldiers crossing the border, everyone hid in their homes. When they poked their heads out again, not only the officers and soldiers had gone away, but also the newspaper seller had disappeared.

Are you going? someone asked the next door neighbor.

What's the point of going there? You haven't been to the theater. Why bother to squeeze in with the refugees? What if something happens to you?

makes sense.

Outside the city gate, the theater troupe invited by Cui Youdao had just arrived at the porridge shop. Several troupe leaders surrounded the little Chen Heng, and the tone of conversation could not be described as good or bad.

The actors who came with them all looked nervous and protected their sisters and daughters in the middle.

Sometimes we welcome you from afar, but we welcome you from afar. Chen Heng smiled with a smile on his face, making it difficult for anyone to see that he was also a ruthless character who took advantage of the situation to oppress others. I didn't expect that so many courageous and courageous people would come. It's really a good thing.

Can we not come? You don't even look at what you wrote. If we don't come, how will our team continue to make a living by singing in Yangzhou? Several class leaders shook their heads, suppressed the complaints in their hearts, and only asked about the arrangements for their own families.

Who knows how to sing the Legend of White Snake? Chen Heng asked curiously. He had never been to the Liyuan, and he had only heard Xue Biao mention this play once. I’m not sure who among these troupes is better at telling the story of the White Snake.

The story of the White Snake, which was written into the Ming Dynasty's Warning to the World, is a long-standing and prestigious opera in the south of the Yangtze River. That opera troupe can't sing, so that's weird. It's a stupid troupe that only has years but no talent.

But it was really about whose turn it was to sing well. Several class leaders looked at Guan Changhe together. Dieyi from the Guan family troupe is an expert at playing the role of the White Snake. In Yangzhou City, he is not a person who has a reputation for nothing.

Guan Changhe was somewhat proud of being so recognized by his peers. He didn't shirk, he just cupped his hand and said, Let's go to Guan Jiaban. Young Master, do you want to start singing now?

No hurry, no hurry. Chen Heng shook his head with a smile and pursed his lips in the distance, Let's wait for the storytellers to finish speaking.

Several class leaders turned their gazes together with their disciples. Among the victims in the distance, every few dozen steps, there was a storyteller dancing. Among them, Mr. Ariyama's stall had the most people.

He Youshan is truly a rare talent. He talked from Strange Stories from a Chinese Studio to The Legend of Shushan Swordsman, occasionally interspersed with three words and two shots stories. Each story was so interesting that the refugees were so excited to hear it.

These storytellers are naturally the work of Hu Ji, Wang Ji and other bookstores. Originally, Chen Heng only asked Xue Biao to invite these two families, but he didn't know how the news spread. Many storytellers also volunteered to come.

At first, there weren't many people listening to the book, but after dinner, I really couldn't find anything to do, so I just dragged my whole family over to join in the fun.

I saw officers and soldiers arriving to patrol the crowd, and the order at the scene was considered stable. The class leaders gave up their worries for a moment and said to Chen Heng: If Xiao Lang has no other instructions, then I will take the people to dress up first.

Are there any singers among you? Chen Heng asked again.

The class leaders couldn't help but smile. They didn't realize that you, a black-hearted young man, could still joke. There are many opera singers in our troupe.

I have a piece of music here that I heard from a Taoist priest who passed by before. Chen Heng quickly explained, It's just that I don't know music theory, I can only sing a few lines, and I don't know how to arrange the music. I might need some advice from some of you. master.

That's right. Several class leaders nodded and called out a few old musicians from their own families and asked them to listen to Chen Heng's instructions. He took the people elsewhere. This time things were arranged in a hurry, and Chen Heng did not prepare a shed for them to put clothes and clothes.

Several troupes simply gathered together, stuck a few wooden sticks on the ground, and surrounded a clean area with a red cloth as high as one person.

…………

…………

Night is approaching, and the sunset embraces the earth and stars. Today, outside the city, it was unusually lively.

Xin Suzhao was still leading people to check the stability of the stage, where several masters were already decorating the curtains and props. After the storyteller's rehearsal in the afternoon, many victims gathered in front of the stage in the evening.

There weren't that many stools at the scene, and most people were standing, with young children riding on their father's shoulders. Although their faces are not very pretty, under the bright moonlight, one can still see the hope in their eyes.

An inexplicable relaxed atmosphere spread in the bright night as the gongs and drums were beating.

People can't say why, but they are not as wary of those around them as they used to be.

Everyone is waiting for the stage to start.

At this time, a dozen characters came out from behind the scenes. They were dressed slightly, not in actors' clothes, but their expressions were a little calm.

When the drums started playing, these young apprentices began to sing.

Bai Suzhen, at the foot of Qingcheng Mountain, has been cultivating this body for thousands of years in the cave. Ah~~ah~~

Isn't it a rap show? Why did you hear the song first? Everyone looked at each other, and for a moment they couldn't tell what the scholar's arrangements were.

You will gain enlightenment through diligent practice, and you will be transformed into a human being. Ah~~ah~~

Follow the Tao with all your heart and have no distracting thoughts. Take refuge in the Three Jewels and abandon the mortal world. Ah~~ah~~

When he heard the phrase Hey, hey, hey, hey, Jiang Yuanbai, who was hiding in the corner, couldn't help but pull Chen Heng and ask, Where did you really hear this song from a passing Taoist priest?

That's right. Chen Heng nodded with a smile. He sat on the wooden bench and twisted his body, keeping his eyes on the expressions of the refugees in the front row. How is it? It's not bad, isn't it?

I have never heard of it. Do Taoist priests sing music now? It doesn't sound like Jiangnan music, nor does it sound like Bashu music.

Jiang Yuanbai was doubly puzzled. This tune was fresh and natural. Although there were only a few lyrics that could not be put on the stage, it could be listened to by disaster victims who could not read a word and had to say that it was appropriate for the occasion.

Chen Heng shrugged helplessly and explained, Then you have to ask the Taoist priest.

Look out, the famous actor is about to appear. Xue Biao interrupted the argument between the two people and drew their attention to White Snake and Xiao Qing who came out.

Under the moonlight, the sound of the flute gradually began to play, and the erhu melodiously played. Before White Snake opened her mouth, excited cheers rang out from the crowd.

It's been too long since they've had a normal life.

I wonder if these fragments can remind them of the time when they lived and worked in peace and contentment in their hometown.

Under the bright moon, Chen Heng looked at each refugee carefully. Only when smiles appeared on their faces did he feel that his busy day was not in vain.

Infected by this atmosphere, the salesman who had been ordered over by the government office couldn't help but scream with all his strength. They were originally unwilling to come.

Putting aside the danger, how much money did the victims have on hand? If the government hadn't forced them to do so, the salesman would have been happy to go here and hawk.

But as they walked along, they discovered that there were still people willing to buy some gadgets for their noisy children.

Although these people are not many, they cannot cope with the large number of victims. Each seller was accompanied by an officer and soldier as a guard. After several trips, everyone more or less earned some money.

In fact, no one who can escape will put some money on himself to defend himself in case of emergency.

It's just that no one has ever considered this like Chen Heng before.

The play on the stage has already talked about the meeting under the broken bridge. The actor who plays Xu Xian is really handsome, and his voice is crisp and clear. Just listening to it can make people think of Yangliu Yiyi's sentimental West Lake.

The evening opera was sung until Haishi, and three opera troupes were summoned in succession before the stage could be held up.

During this period, famous plays from all over the Yangtze River were performed one after another.

Until the end, Cui Youdao, who was elected, had to go on stage and say to the victims who wanted to keep the actors: There will be tomorrow, there will be the day after tomorrow, and there will be days in the future. You can go back in peace and have a good rest. Only then did the refugees agree. Disperse.

What a pity. On the way back, Jiang Yuanbai pouted, With such an opportunity to be in the limelight, Brother Heng, why did you let Cui Youdao go up?

Chen Heng folded his hands behind his head, and the bright moon lengthened the shadows of the group. He looked at it in amusement and couldn't help but take a few more glances.

I stole his job because I had a better way. But after all, Brother Cui did nothing wrong. His current age and fame can convince everyone. It is more appropriate for him to go than for me to go.

Xue Biao and Qian Dayou couldn't help but nod. The former said: That's right, Brother Heng, you don't have to worry. If you really want to handle this matter well, I don't know how many people in Yangzhou will remember your kindness.

Chen Heng smiled, he really didn't pay attention to this matter. It's not that he doesn't like false reputation, how hypocritical these words are. It's just that when you devote yourself to a good thing, you can't help but forget these trivial things.

Doing good deeds without asking for reward. It’s not like I have forgotten the teachings of my elders in my previous life.

Chen Heng looked up at the bright moon. In a few hundred years, will those old friends in his memory also look at the same bright moon?

Brother Heng, are you still staying here tonight? Qian Dayou asked.

Yeah. Chen Heng nodded. His plan had just begun to take the first step, and he absolutely didn't dare to go back now.

What if something happens and people from other colleges can't find me?

Then I'll stay too.

Okay, I'll stay with you.

Me too, me too.

I don’t know who spoke first. Several friends looked at each other, smiled, and walked side by side towards the lights of the porridge shop.

“Don’t be afraid of the few sparks, you will only see fellow travelers.”

Brother Heng, are you just chanting this half sentence?

Let me imitate the tone of the mountain leader: the rhythm is wrong, go back and do it again.

Ha ha ha ha ha ha ha.

…………

…………

The next day, the morning light shines brightly.

After the fun last night, most of the victims were still sleeping soundly. Only a few people who got up early walked out of the tent and saw other strangers. I don’t know who started it.

Have you got a meal yet?

Such a plain greeting made the person being asked blush. He didn't know how long it had been since he had been asked this question. In my memory, there are images of fleeing and fleeing, as well as other people’s cold looks.

This sentence hides a lot of care that is not worth mentioning, quietly blowing the anxiety and uneasiness in people's hearts, and gently soothing them.

The people living on this land have inherent good qualities. It will only hide in the corner for a short time and will never disappear.

He shook his head and asked in good faith, We are going to the porridge shop, can we come together?

good.

Where are you from, bro?

I'm from Shandong, you...

It’s seven thousand words. Brothers, let’s talk about it. How about I add a chapter and add an update?

Please vote please vote. There will be another update later. I will give you a 10,000-word update today. Don’t say that brothers are not sensible on Saturdays.