The Bookish Scholar of the Red Mansion

The small gathering in Lixiangyuan is still going on. Tanchun and Shi Xiangyun, who both like novelty things, are taking Daiyu to play with the cat. The anise is also interesting, with golden brown hair mixed with black stripes, all four hooves are black, and the eyes are large and bright, in the shape of round almond kernels.

In addition, this cat has a really docile temperament. No matter who hugs it, it will squint and take a nap. A few ladies who don't go out naturally like it very much. Baoyu watched for a long time, feeling a little bored.

Sister Lin in front of me is so close, but she is sandwiched between Sister Tanchun and Sister Xiangyun, making people want to get closer but cannot. How did he know that the latter two were also afraid that his stupid brother would do something embarrassing and offensive, so they came out to put out the fire out of exhaustion.

Baochai, who was making tea by hand at the table, saw everything. As the host, she had long noticed the idle male guests. She didn't say anything to help her, she just lowered her head and made tea with a smile, as if everything around her was normal.

Sure enough, Baoyu stood there for a moment, then approached Baochai and talked about the allusions of tea leaves in various places because of the tea leaves in his hands.

He is a wealthy young man, and everything he uses in his home is expensive. These insights are easy to come by. He only told a few rumors that even Baochai had never heard before, which surprised the latter again and again.

Seeing his own words, Baochai chuckled. Baoyu felt even more eloquent and humorous, and couldn't help but speak louder. The enthusiasm with which the two of them discussed could not help but attract the attention of others.

Xichun and Shi Xiangyun were both somewhat interested in this matter, so they took the lead and joined in. Taking the tea that Sister Bao had made, she sat down and listened to Brother Bao's story.

Xiangyun is here, Tanchun and Yingchun are not exempt from the customs, and they are about to take Daiyu with them.

Seeing that they were coming, Baoyu immediately stopped talking and pretended to wait until the sisters gathered together to talk. In just two short steps, Baoyu felt his heart beating hard. Both excited and nervous.

But at this moment, a servant's voice suddenly came from outside, saying that Jia Min had returned home and was waiting for Miss Lin in the house.

When Daiyu heard this, she couldn't help but sit still. He immediately said goodbye to the sisters with a smile, and rushed back to see Jia Min with Zijuan and Xueyan.

Ah, Lin...Sister Lin... Baoyu, who was sitting there, stretched out the hand that he had just clenched, and looked at the back of the figure who left happily, feeling depressed and lost for a moment that was difficult to express. He still had a lot of stories to tell. How his aunt came back was such a coincidence.

Shi Xiangyun couldn't help laughing when he saw his brother's stupid look. He teased Baochai and Tanchun beside him: I'm going to be stupid again, and I'm going to be stupid again.

This is the second master Bao of the Jia family. Tan Chun is not easy to comment on, so he can only make a silent comment. Baochai's smile did not diminish, so she filled Xiangyun's cup with more tea and teased her: No matter how much tea I drink, I can't stop your mouth.

During this period, Shi Xiangyun often played with Daiyu and learned new and interesting words. As soon as he rolled his eyes, he deliberately lowered his voice and said, I recently learned a new word, guess what it is?

Baoyu sat down in frustration and had no reaction to these words, just thinking blankly. Tanchun and others on the side knew that Xiangyun was up to something evil, and they didn't want to answer the conversation. Only Baochai said: You have no beginning and no end, how can I ask people to guess. You'd better tell me quickly.

When Shi Xiangyun reached this level, she immediately laughed and said, It's called 'King Xiang is interested, but the goddess is unintentional.' After saying this, she was laughing so much.

Everyone was also laughing, not because of the subtlety of his words, but because they were infected by Shi Xiangyun's hearty laughter. But considering the current situation in the house, it's hard to laugh out loud like this. Those who reacted quickly stopped talking and looked at the smiling Xiangyun with a hint of annoyance and amusement.

Where did you learn these words? Baochai was very curious. Shi Xiangyun had such a temper that he had to drink three glasses of wine to read two pages of the book. How could he remember these strange words?

Shi Xiangyun clapped his hands, spread the stall, and said with a smile: Sister Lin.

Ah... Jia Baoyu raised his head belatedly. He didn't know what the sisters in front of him were talking about. He only heard the word Lin and reacted subconsciously.

Seeing him like this, even Shi Xiangyun shook his head helplessly and sighed.

Crazy boy, crazy boy.

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Daiyu here returned home and happily walked in the door. She saw that Jia Min looked very good, and the raised corners of her mouth made people know the other person's good mood at a glance. She immediately threw the eight anise to Xue Yan, stepped forward quickly, and got into Jia Min's arms.

Mom, what good thing happened to you? Daiyu raised her head from Jia Min's arms, trying to be both obedient and flattering.

Although her daughter was acting stupid, Jia Min deliberately raised her hand and patted Daiyu on the arm as if she was complaining, Don't dirty my tea. This grandma of the Lin family hated the sight of cat hair flying around.

This is her own mother. How could Lin Daiyu be afraid of this? Instead, she deliberately twisted her body in Jia Min's arms and said in disobedience: My daughter also has a strange and cold fragrance on her body. How could she have soiled my mother's tea?

What strange words are you talking about? What strange fragrance and cold fragrance? Where did you hear the strange news? Jia Min shook his head in confusion. Seeing Daiyu also laughing in his arms, he knew that she must have heard some strange things from elsewhere, but She didn't care either.

In a few days, mother will take you out of the house.

Lin Daiyu blinked and said in surprise: But you are going to visit Sister Wei's house? This is the only place where the two of them go in the capital.

Jia Min smiled and pulled up the beautiful girl in his arms, but she was so pretentious, How old are you, and you still think of yourself as a child?

mother!

Seeing that her mother was trying to whet her appetite, Daiyu was so anxious that she immediately stamped her feet. Jia Min looked amused, but deliberately didn't say anything and kept laughing without saying a word.

After waiting for three days, Daiyu, who was full of curiosity, and Jia Min left the house in a sedan. The mother and daughter ordered the nanny, maid, and boy together, and fiercely rushed out from the back door of Rongguo Mansion.

Along the way, people avoided each other and horses stopped, and they all came to the house where the steward of the Wei family was looking for. The so-called landlord did not dare to show off in front of noble people. He only unlocked it and waited outside with the Wei family steward from a distance.

The sky is harmonious and illuminates the inside and outside of the small courtyard clearly. There is no one around here except for the Lin family's servants, who are surrounded by Jia Min and Daiyu in front, touring the scenery of the mansion together.

The architecture in the north does have its uniqueness. Its carved and painted buildings are all magnificent. Although the house lacks the scenery of small bridges and flowing water, there are also many rockeries, gardens and other objects, which shows the original owner's intentions.

Although this place is not as exquisite and luxurious as Rongguo Mansion, Lin Daiyu was only halfway through it and she was already filled with joy. He hurriedly said to Jia Min, Mom, is this our future home?

Jia Min didn't comment and just said, Let's use it as a resting place. I will have a convenient place to stay when I come to the capital in the future.

Lin Daiyu was annoyed and happy when she heard this. What's annoying is that I have to come again in the future. This time I went to Beijing, and the itinerary was promised for a month, but it was delayed until August, which made me feel powerless to resist.

Fortunately, this way, when I come back in the future, I don’t have to be stuck at my grandma’s house in a daze. It is much more convenient to go out, whether to play with Sister Wei or to invite Sister Wei to the house.

Lin Daiyu knew that Mrs. Jia was her grandmother. If there are any nonsense that will never come up in the future, it’s just a child’s temper.

The two of them continued to wander around a few places and found a nearby pavilion to sit leisurely. Jia Min had already seen her daughter's fond attitude, and immediately sent a servant to report to the Wei family manager and asked him to go with the owner of this house to handle the purchase and sale documents.

Lin Daiyu sat aside and her eyes widened immediately when she heard the high price of this house. I didn't expect that such a room would cost two to three thousand taels of silver.

The Lin family daughter was very surprised and immediately asked: Mom, did you bring so much money with you when you went out this time?

Jia Min laughed and shook her head, and also explained to her daughter: What's the problem? Ask my mother to borrow it.

Jia's mother did have a lot of money on hand, but she didn't know what Jia Min would do with it. Jia Min didn't elaborate. He planned to wait until everything was settled before telling the truth, which would be better than Jia's mother blocking it.

As for the embezzled money, just wait until Jia Min returns to Yangzhou and send a reliable and clever servant to deliver it. The old Lin family still has money on hand.

Lin Daiyu was also amused by Jia Min's words, but she didn't expect her mother to look like this. After laughing, she asked curiously: Can grandma agree?

Jia Min's expression changed, she raised her eyebrows and shook her head: Just as I can't help you, your grandmother can't help me.

Mom, where do I have it?

Okay, okay, don't act like a good boy at this time. Jia Min waved her hands. Seeing the innocence on her daughter's face, she finally felt heartbroken and looked at the servants around her. These servants immediately left the distance. .

Lin Daiyu knew that her mother had something to say, so she immediately straightened her posture and pretended to be obedient. Jia Min thought for a moment and then said: Yu'er, do you know why our family wants to move out?

Mom is worried, but because of the affairs in another house? Lin Daiyu was very smart. Although she was not allowed to attend by Jia Min, she still had a smart Zicuckoo in her hands.

This girl took Jia Min's errand and went out for a few rounds when she had something to do. Whenever I find out something interesting, I tell my lady about it. Naturally, the white affairs of Ningguo Mansion cannot be avoided. Zicuckoo only went out twice, and she asked Daiyu about the situation outside.

A hundred and eight Zen monks chanted sutras and practiced salvation, and the coffin ordered by Prince Yi Zhong was also brought to the Qin family envoy.

There is also a rumor that cousin Jia Zhen spent money on behalf of her son to buy a fifth-grade dragon forbidden captain. It's shocking and frightening to hear, and even more confusing to understand.

You know, with the Qin family's seniority, when they see Baoyu, they have to call him Uncle Bao. Needless to say, if they meet Jia Mu, just saying ancestor is not enough.

That's all. The houses of princes and nobles on the same street all sell Jia's face. Colorful sheds were erected on the roadside, banquets were held, music was played, and every family held a road festival.

All things considered, even if Lin Ruhai personally taught Daiyu, after listening to Zijuan's description, she still couldn't figure it out. Is it really a good idea to spend so much time on it?

Or are the rules of nobles and nobles different from the civil servants that dad said?

Seeing that her daughter could think of this, Jia Min couldn't help but nod. She has seen deeper than Daiyu. In the past two days, she learned from Mrs. Wei that the censor in the court did not mention anything about the Jia family. The court was peaceful, and everyone seemed to regard him as blind. .

This was an ominous sign, but there was nothing she could do. Although Jia Zhen is her junior, and the two houses are nominally from the same family, they still have their own lives behind closed doors. However, no matter who made the mistake in the two governments, the problem will be investigated at the same place.

The situation inside and outside is so torturous. As a result, even though she knew that the funeral ceremony was beyond the rules, Jia Mu could not comment on it, so she had to act like a deaf and mute family member. It’s hard to mention Jia’s mother, let alone Jia Min, a married daughter’s family.

What a useless thing, done in such a flamboyant and confusing way. Jia Min could only sigh, It's a disaster, not a blessing. After a while, she said again, I asked you to pay more attention to things in the house, did you follow it?

Yes. Daiyu blushed. She knew what her mother was talking about, so she just said, Second cousin, this is a bit ridiculous.

Not only is it ridiculous, now he eats it with men and women, and they know the taste of the marrow. Jia Min didn't mention it too much. The two mothers and daughters had met each other tacitly, so they directed the topic to the female relatives in the mansion.

Jia Min also took the opportunity to give Daiyu some tips on how to judge people, You sister Yingchun seems to be kind, but she is stupid, but she is weak at the same time. She has no opinion and is easy to avoid trouble. If she marries well in the future, husband and wife will treat each other as guests. , this kind of temperament can still be somewhat blessed. But her marriage is in the hands of her ignorant parents, and I am afraid it will be unpredictable.

After commenting on Tanchun and Xichun in sequence, Daiyu listened silently and realized that Jia Min was very busy on weekdays and was very familiar with the people and things in the house. Then he asked out of curiosity: What about Sister Bao?

She. Jia Min shook her head. She didn't want to talk more about the foreigners, but after hearing her daughter talk about her sister, she still said, She is someone else's abacus, so don't talk about it.

Lin Daiyu was startled when she heard this. I didn't expect that Sister Bao, who was usually harmonious, would have such difficulties. She thought for a while and suddenly said: Mom, I think Sister Bao seems to be interested in my second cousin?

What did you say? Jia Min was shocked. She had been busy looking at the house recently, and the house was in a mess, so she had no time to care about the rumors in the house.

Lin Daiyu hurriedly reached out and called Zicuckoo from a distance, asking her to tell Jia Min the rumors she had heard.

When Jia Min heard that Jia Baoyu went to Lixiangyuan and saw that Xue Baochai also had a piece of jade and wrote a letter: Never leave her and live forever, her face had become dark and restless.

I also heard from Zicuckoo that the news spread in the house for some reason. The servants all said that Miss Xue had a piece of jade around her neck, which was the same as the second master Bao in the family.

Jia Min's expression has changed drastically, and her beautiful eyebrows are slightly furrowed, making a sign of anger. The corners of his mouth seemed to be smiling but not smiling, mocking and resentful. Their family helped the second brother of the Xue family to block Baochai's way into the palace. Unexpectedly, the Wang family took advantage of the situation and decided to come to the Jia family.

Since this happened in Baochai's boudoir, only the servants of the Xue family knew about it. If Aunt Xue was not interested, the news would definitely not spread. Otherwise, a mistress of the house can't control the mouths of her servants? That’s not how the boss handles things.

The same goes for Mrs. Wang. Without her acquiescence, how could the Jia family's servants dare to spread the word in the house? The more Jia Min thought about it, the angrier she became, and her expression showed obvious anger.

It was the first time that Lin Daiyu saw Jia Min like this. Her mother had always been gentle and a bit stern in her eyes since she was a child. It's really rare to see such an angry, angry and mocking look.

She thought for a while and then persuaded her mother: Mom, if something is wrong, do you want to tell grandma?

Jia Min shook her head and said frankly: Your grandmother must know about it. It is rare to hide anything going on in the house from her. I'm afraid she is also powerless and has no choice.

What about our family?

It's okay. As long as your father is here, everything will be okay. Jia Min held her head against her head and didn't want to go back to Jia Mansion for a while.

If she hadn't left the court to get married, she would have been able to tell her mother to take charge of the family directly. Now that she is a family member, no matter what, there are so many ladies in the house, and it is impossible for Jia Min to come out and take care of things.

In a word, the female relatives of the Jia family also want face.

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In the Linjing Hall, Li Zhi reviewed the memorials as usual. Border affairs have been urgent recently, and the ministers in the DPRK are quarreling over whether to fight or peace.

There are only two points of contention, one is money and the other is food. Last year's severe drought was coupled with this year's floods. There are many disasters across the country, not to mention harvest shortages in many state capitals, and there are serious rumors of people dying of starvation.

The national treasury, which was not rich to begin with, spent a large amount of disaster relief funds on the left hand, and His Majesty on the right also issued an order to exempt many places from taxes. When these two items are added together, the national treasury becomes even more overwhelmed. As for the royal family's own treasury silver, it was still in the hands of the Supreme Emperor, and Li Zhi could not withdraw it.

There are big things going on at both ends right now, and even the Nine-Fifth Master is having a headache. Although Li Zhi had the idea of ​​​​pacifying the eighteen tribes of the grassland, it was difficult for a clever woman to make a meal without rice.

Picking up Jade Ruyi and tapping it lightly in the palm of his hand, the upright and middle-aged man closed his eyes slightly, trying to regain his composure. Outside, Xia Shouzhong came over to report that Mrs. Lin's wife had bought the house.

After hearing this, Li Zhi just nodded. Ruhai is not in Beijing now, so he obviously can't take care of anything. But now that I learned from Wei Yinghong that their family intended to set up another family, I was still happy.

However, Li Zhi did not pay attention to the location of the house. As long as he showed a little intention to do some things, someone would naturally do it for him.

Xia Shouzhong finished reporting the matter and was about to step aside. Li Zhi suddenly stopped the jade Ruyi in his hand and asked, Are the funerals of the Jia family still being held?

Xia Shouzhong didn't dare to hide it, so he leaned over and said respectfully: Your Majesty, I heard from outside that the Ningguo Mansion will be full for seventy-seven forty-nine days.

Li Zhi snorted and continued to ask: Who has gone?

The Duke of Zhen, Duke of Li, Duke of Qi, Duke of Zhi, Duke of Xiu, and Duke of Repair all sent their children there. There were also Prince Nan'an, the eldest son of Prince Xining, the second wife of Prince Dongping, and Prince Beijing. To. Xia Shouzhong answered cautiously, then raised his eyebrows to take a peek at His Majesty's expression, and heard Li Zhi spit out the word 'say'.

Xia Shouzhong, who was hesitant to speak, hurriedly knelt on the ground and said hurriedly: Master Dai Quandai from the palace has also been there. I asked Jia Rong of Ningguo Mansion and Zhao Tangguan of the Ministry of Household Affairs to find a dragon ban. Lieutenant.

Dai Quan was also an eunuch, and his rank was above Xia Shouzhong. He called the former Your Majesty as appropriate, but in front of Li Zhi, calling the Supreme Emperor's personal attendant this way also made people see that he was somewhat eager to replace him.

Dragon Guards, just by hearing this name, you will know that they are the guards who guard the palace gates. In the past, it was a place used by emperors to recruit noble disciples.

This is a common practice in the DPRK and a tacit understanding between the imperial power and the nobles. It is both a win-win and a comfort. Whichever family's children are selected into the palace represents His Majesty's trust and respect.

Although Long Jinwei's rank is not high, he does not manage many people. But he saw that the power in his hands was being used as wedding clothes. It was such an important position in the palace, and Li Zhi was furious.

Xia Shouzhong, who was lying on the ground, did not dare to look further. He knew His Majesty's temper and was even more afraid that he would become a fish in the pond.

For a long time, Li Zhi said nothing. After pondering for a moment, he struck the jade ruyi in his palm and asked about a person who seemed to have nothing to do with the matter.

Where is Wang Ziteng now?

Xia Shouzhong didn't dare to reply. Only then did Li Zhi react and secretly said that he was dizzy with anger. He had strict control over his eunuchs, and he could tolerate some minor problems out of loyalty, but he would not easily let the eunuchs know about the major events in the court.

Li Zhi had no choice but to sit up and find Wang Ziteng's share from the memorial. At first glance, Wang Ziteng, who had been away from Beijing for several months, had already patrolled Heilongjiang City, the capital of Nuergan. He thought for a moment and then ordered:

Go and ask Mr. Wei from the Ministry of Rites, Mr. Wen from the Ministry of Husbandry, and Mr. Shao from the Ministry of War to come see me quickly.

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The fifteenth moon is clear and quiet. Because it is the festive season, Chen Heng has been staying at home these days. In addition, the eldest sister's wedding is approaching, and the second sister's hairpin age is also coming soon, and the Chen family is becoming more and more lively every day.

There is naturally a lot of fun in family reunion days. During the dinner, only Gu, who had always been carefree, showed a hint of sadness, which the sharp-eyed Chen Heng noticed.

When the precious son quietly asked why, Mrs. Gu took him to the kitchen. While bringing some more food and wine to the family, he talked about the difficulties encountered outside.

It turns out that the objects made in the leather training workshop have not seen any movement for more than a month. Whether it is painstakingly crafted gold and silver jewelry or silk and satin clothing, no one comes to buy them after being put on the shelves for several days.

Chen Heng was surprised at first and asked: But because of the rain, there are fewer people coming?

Gu shook her head and explained to her son: The rain last month was heavier than now, and there were a lot of people coming.

Chen Heng nodded after hearing this, knowing that there was something wrong with this.

Mrs. Gu continued: They are all good things, of good quality and materials, but they can't be sold like this. I'm afraid I won't be able to get the wages for next month. I don't think that Manager Zhao looks like a wealthy person. If you can't find a way, you will sigh all day long.

Chen Heng's eyes lit up, and he asked why his mother, second aunt, and Xinda Niang were all taciturn. But Gu was used to being careless and couldn't hide things, so Chen Heng got the clues.

It's okay, Mom, I'll go find out about the situation tomorrow. Chen Heng said with a smile. He didn't say anything, but he vaguely felt in his heart that this matter must have something to do with Uncle Lin's refusal to complain about his illness.

Seeing her son going over, Mrs. Gu immediately became happy. She felt that a person as powerful as her son must be more capable than Manager Zhao. It didn't matter whether Chen Heng understood the secrets or not, he just walked out happily carrying the dishes.

The next day, Chen Heng went to the academy to finish his classes and was about to say goodbye to his friends and walk to Qiupu Street. Xue Biao suddenly took his hand: Brother Heng, my father wants to see you, please come home with me first.

Seeing Xue Biao's serious face, Chen Heng knew that Uncle Xue must have something important, so he immediately followed him to Xue's house.

In the Xue Mansion, Xue Ai also showed a rare expression of urgency. He stood in his study and kept circling, not knowing what difficult things he encountered that put him in such trouble.

I originally wanted to write you 8,000 words to make up for the 500 ranking. As a result, I was so hungry that I felt a little dizzy later on, so I stopped for a while and went to have dinner. If I can’t do it tomorrow, I’ll write to you on Saturday and Sunday.