The Bookish Scholar of the Red Mansion

After coming out of the Lin Mansion, Chen Heng went straight to the Xue family. Today's Qiupu Street is in a situation where time is tight and tasks are heavy. Workers in the workshop will be paid wages at the end of this month, and the impact will be immeasurable every night.

If you really can't pay out the money in the end, borrowing money from the government's treasury to move things around is the worst of the worst.

Chen Heng was aware of this situation and did not bother to go to the academy to greet Xue Biao. He went directly to visit the head of the Xue family. There are classes in the academy today, but my young master is not at home. The servants of the Xue family were a little surprised by the visit of the young master of the Chen family, so they quickly informed the family master for him.

Xue Ai was also strangely tight, so when she saw Chen Heng in the study, she led him to sit down and asked directly: Sit down first, what trouble has happened to my nephew?

Chen Heng came all the way but his mouth was dry. When the servant came up with tea, he took a sip and finally regained his composure.

Today, the Xue family’s tea is a rare local famous tea in Yangzhou - Green Yangchun. Although this tea is not as famous as West Lake Longjing and Suzhou Biluochun, it is very popular among the local people in Yangzhou. During his previous visits, Chen Heng drank famous teas such as Jinling’s Yuhua and Jintan Quetan at Xue’s house.

Close the tea lid to cover up the pure and lasting chestnut aroma. Chen Heng put down the tea cup, cupped his hands towards Xue Ai and said, I came to see my uncle today because there is indeed some trouble.

Hearing this, Xue Ai showed a friendly smile and signaled this junior to calm down and speak slowly. Although under the pressure of Li Bian recently, life at home has not been easy. But he admired his son's best friend very much and was willing to help the child solve some troublesome problems.

It's okay. If you have any difficulties, just tell your uncle. Xue Ai said immediately. Whether it was money or strength, he thought he could still be of some help.

With Uncle Xue's words, Chen Heng could not help but feel more confident. He also recounted what happened on Qiupu Street and what he said in the Lin Mansion.

However, it is different when communicating with Uncle Lin. Uncle Lin is a parent official, and when he talks, he cannot help but focus on describing the future prospects of Qiupu Street. Faced with a senior shopping mall veteran like Uncle Xue, Chen Heng focused more on practical aspects.

When it became clear that Chen Heng was going to open a store on Qiupu Street, he would go to negotiate with the weaving bureaus in Suzhou and Hangzhou in a private name. Xue Ai already knew it in his mind. He had traveled all over the country for so many years, and he could easily grasp the key points.

My nephew, do you want to use the help of the Weaving Bureau to first solve the labor shortage in Qiupu Street?

Recently there have been rumors in the city that the government office cannot afford to pay wages. Xue Ai also heard about it and could better understand the importance of Chen Heng's matter.

That's right. Chen Heng nodded. When chatting with people like Uncle Xue, he was straightforward and straightforward. He continued, In the first month, I want to sell a batch of cloth in the warehouse at a low price and only collect a small amount of leftovers. Goods. Once you save enough wages for your subordinates, you can slowly increase your transaction volume.

This was a mature and prudent judgment, and Xue Ai admired it very much. At such a young age, this kid can act in such a steady and steady manner, which suits him very well.

At present, Qiupu Street's wages are a problem. If you start to toss in changing technology and products, you will only make too big a step and stumble yourself. After Xue Ai laughed, he invited Chen Hengtong to drink a cup of tea, and asked curiously: Now that you have planned everything, what else can I do to help? You might as well say it boldly, and my uncle can help you.

Chen Heng showed a slightly embarrassed smile, and after pondering for a moment, he said, I want to borrow someone from my uncle.

Who to borrow?

My nephew wants to borrow Brother Xue's help. Chen Heng named someone who was also very surprised by Xue Ai.

Xue Ai has been managing the Xue family's royal merchant business for many years. Most of the people who came and went were the father-in-law of the inner court. The stewards of the Weaving Bureau were none other than these inner court father-in-laws. That is to say, Uncle Xue is currently being held up by the newspaper guild, otherwise it would be great to get him involved.

Hearing Chen Heng's words, Xue Ai frowned for the first time and remained silent for a long time.

…………

…………

Miss, miss.

When Chunyan ran into the house, Baoqin was working as a female worker. Seeing the maid snoring, Bao Qin glanced at her and then looked at the handkerchief on the shelf. What she embroidered today was Spring River Plumbing Duck Prophet. On the white cloth, there are flowers, trees, spring water, and two or three leisurely wild ducks.

What good things are happening outside? It makes you so happy. Baoqin's expression was as usual, the battle line in his hand did not stop, and he only asked lightly.

Xue's mother felt that as her daughter grew older, she needed to do some work on cultivating her character and calming her Qi. She could no longer be as free and carefree as before, so she often ordered Baoqin to stay in the boudoir and do embroidery all day long to pass the time.

Since the young lady cannot go out, Chunyan has to take on the task of asking for fun. She walked to Bao Qin and exclaimed: Miss, you don't know that the young master of the Chen family came to visit today.

What's strange about this, the Chen family's brother comes to visit not once or twice. Bao Qin shook his head with a smile and said strangely: Is this what you want to say?

That's right. Chunyan saw that Bao Qin didn't take it seriously and said quickly, In the past, Mr. Chen always came to our door when our uncle was at home. Today, the uncle is still studying in the academy. It's not strange for him to come to our door like this.

With this reminder from the maid, Bao Qin also remembered where her brother was. She frowned slightly and listened as Chun Yan continued: He asked the uncle to ask the young lady to accompany him on a trip to Qiupu Street, but there was no news at all afterwards. I thought it was just a normal outing, but I didn't expect that until today, I saw him come to the door. I think it was him who handled the matter, so I have some clues.

Liu Yemei slightly spread her eyebrows to both sides. Baoqin connected the events before and after, remembering Chen Heng's expression that day. He involuntarily stopped his sewing and seemed to be in a trance.

Wait until Chunyan shakes the lady's sleeves, calling back Baoqin's thoughts. The other party had already adjusted his expression, thought about it, stood up and said: Yan'er, come with me to have a look.

In her own home, Chun Yan was more courageous than outside, and she immediately said happily: Miss, when the master asks me later, what reason should we use to explain?

Just think about it slowly on the way. Baoqin pointed at Chunyan's forehead, who wanted to watch the excitement, and said with a smile: I know you are restless.

Miss, why are you just talking about me? You couldn't sit still as soon as you heard the news. Chunyan murmured in her heart and accompanied Baoqin out of the boudoir.

Two girls in underskirts rushed to the door of the study one after another. Their steps were light and they walked quietly, not disturbing the people inside.

When the two of them arrived, the room was silent. To the point that Baoqin almost thought that her father and Chen brother had changed the place of conversation.

The two eavesdropping masters and servants waited for a while before hearing a word from inside the house.

Uncle, what worries do you have?

Baoqin immediately raised his index finger to cover his lips. He signaled to the excited Chun Yan not to disturb the conversation inside.

…………

…………

Xue Ai is indeed a little worried. He has business talent and has been an imperial merchant for more than 20 years. Just listening to Chen Heng's description, I felt that this matter had great potential, and I also knew that it was a way to make money.

But is the Xue family short of money now? There is no shortage at all. After Jing'an Daily got on the right track, it has become a golden mountain that everyone can understand. As long as the second wife of the Xue family keeps it safe, it will be enough to bless generations of descendants.

What Xue Ai is worried about is the word 'shou'.

After their family moved to Yangzhou, although they did not formally leave the Xue family in Jinling, they did have less contact with Dafang. Outsiders don't know these things, but he himself knows them in his heart.

Anyone who does business knows some dirty tricks. The reason why those envious people outside did not attack the second wife of the Xue family was because they were more or less concerned about the Xue family's reputation.

This fragile connection will collapse on its own as long as Xue Biao gets married. He was just holding a bare flagpole and bluffing. It's okay to bluff outsiders, but when a few relatives come to Jinling's hometown and let some air out at the banquet, others will immediately be able to figure out the awkward relationship between the second room of the Xue family and the eldest room.

People without thought, he must worry about. First, Li Bian took the initiative and repeatedly forced the Jing'an Daily. Later, the big names in Yangzhou City secretly united to fight against Qiupu Street. These two incidents, especially the latter, made Xue Ai pay attention to his own problems.

The big families in Yangzhou are taboo about the name of the Xue family in Jinling. But for them to truly accept the second wife of the Xue family and accept that the Xue family has completely established a foothold in Yangzhou, they still have some resistance in private.

The doorway here cannot be settled by a grand scholar's banquet. Forging iron requires one's own hard work. Xue Ai hopes that Xue Biao can seize the opportunity to pass the exam and even become a Jinshi. Make a name for yourself and support the Xue family in Yangzhou.

Only by achieving this step can their family have the ability to defend Jinshan. Unlike Chen Heng who was barefoot and wearing shoes, the Xue family now behaves in a low-key and conservative manner. The former still needs to fight hard for opportunities, while the latter has already begun to consider the issue of maintaining success.

Xue Biao will be fifteen soon, and there won't be much time left for him to study peacefully. After getting married, what kind of virtue is a man who is new to human affairs? Xue Ai knew it very well, and he didn't want Xue Biao to be distracted from worldly affairs at this stage.

He hesitated for a long time, and finally said to Chen Heng: My nephew, look, uncle will support you with five thousand taels of silver, and then send a capable steward to help you, okay?

Xue Ai is not boasting. The stewards he teaches will only help Xue Biao in business, or even much more.

Chen Heng was a little dumbfounded when he heard this. I didn't expect that I would overturn the Xue family, which was the most reliable one. I couldn't help but asked in confusion: Uncle, do you think this matter is too risky?

Xue Ai shook his head, put his hands on the table and crossed each other, and said frankly: In business, it is normal to have losses and profits. I think my nephew's method is very safe. Even if you can't make money for a while, you will never lose money. It’s only a matter of time before Qiupu Street comes back to life.”

But what the Xue family lacks now is not money, but people who can keep the family business. Xue Ai couldn't express his pain, so he had to say, It's just that Zhu'er has just passed the examination as a scholar, and my uncle still wants him to continue to work hard. My nephew, I know that your matter is very important. I will add another three thousand taels. , what do you think about sending an extra big steward to help you?

Chen Heng heard what Xue Ai meant, and he was not bad at thinking. As soon as he related the recent events of the Xue family, he could vaguely guess the reason. The boy who woke up sighed slightly in his heart.

It was a coincidence that what he was short of now was not money. When it was difficult for the Yangzhou government to come forward, the reputation of the Xue family was the biggest card in his hand. The industry under the Xue family's name and the industry run by the Xue eldest son have different influence and persuasiveness on the Weaving Bureau.

Just imagine the father-in-law in charge of the Weaving Bureau. When he sees the Xue family, can he have the same attitude as the Xue family manager? The weaving bureau is the key to the overall situation, and it is also the point that Chen Heng cares about the most. Naturally, it must be foolproof and there must be no risk at all.

Xue Ai is now taking advantage of the shadow of the Xue family in Jinling to develop quickly. He can use this name to go out and show off his power.

This is how to do? Chen Heng was also in trouble for a while. To say that this happened was a coincidence. If it had been before Jing'an Daily, Xue Ai would have entered the event with his whole family without hesitation. If Li Bian hadn't been clinging to Jing'an Daily, Uncle Xue might have been able to do double duty with Chen Heng.

Just now and then, the Xue family now has the capital to stand firm. It is even more impossible to abandon the newspaper shop and concentrate on torturing Qiupu Street with me. Chen Heng didn't want to be a bad guest who showed kindness in return, as that would ruin his relationship with Xue Biao.

As for saying that without his own wonderful writing, the second wife of the Xue family would have gone into ruin and fallen into love just like the original book. There is no need to mention this kind of thing that has not happened yet.

Chen Heng helped the Xue family create newspapers, and the Xue family also reciprocated. Not only has Chen Heng not been asked to continue investing money in these years, but the dividends he deserves are still a lot. After all, it's hard to explain who still owes whom.

Seeing the junior's predicament, Xue Ai was also a little embarrassed. It's not like he didn't know that Master Lin and the government were behind this matter. But Mr. Lin didn't come forward to help him solve the problem of Jing'an Daily and Jiangnan Daily.

The Xue family is still struggling to support itself. Master Lin, who was waiting for his recovery, showed off his power and sent Li Bian away at once.

It's just an official matter, so it's troublesome to deal with it. Li Bian left, and Zhang Bian and Wang Bian came to the opposite side. The most fundamental solution is to pass Xue Biao’s high school exams and become a Jinshi.

Both of them wanted to understand this point, so they fell into the dilemma of not knowing how to speak.

My nephew...

Seeing that Uncle Xue was also in a dilemma, Chen Heng hurriedly stopped him and said, Don't worry, uncle. I will think of other solutions after I go back.

After saying this, Chen Heng had already calmed down. He only showed a relaxed look, but instead comforted Xue Ai and said: My nephew was not thoughtful and did not take into account my uncle's difficulties.

This has been the case throughout the ages. Everyone has ideas and ideas, but to really make it happen, we have to consider the actual situation and standpoint of the people involved.

Chen Heng was afraid that Xue Ai would feel sorry for him, so he smiled and said: Thank you uncle for the eight thousand taels of silver. With this money, it will be much easier to handle my nephew's matter.

These words are just empty words, just to make each other's faces look better. To be honest, these thousands of taels of silver sprinkled on Qiupu Street would not even make a splash. There are tens of thousands of female workers in the factory alone, not to mention Sannong and others.

The wages of these people range from one tael of silver to several taels of silver. It adds up to a terrifying figure of hundreds of thousands taels. The only people in Yangzhou who could spend so much money at once were salt merchants and others.

Hey. Xue Ai sighed. He wanted to help Chen Heng, but he couldn't conjure up a second son. It was really a headache.

Chen Heng was also speechless, knowing that staying would embarrass his uncle, so he was about to stand up and leave. The door to the study room was pushed open from the outside. I saw a familiar young master walking in wearing purple clothes, a white jade crown, and waving a paper fan.

Dad, since eldest brother has no time, why not let the child do this favor for eldest brother Chen.

Xue Baoqin, who was disguised as a man, led Chun Yan, who had changed her clothes at some point, and stood in front of Chen Heng and Xue Ai, with a hint of youthful energy in her brows.

Ah?! Chen Heng suddenly opened his mouth.

Qin'er, what are you dressed up like?! Xue Ai was also shocked and angry, not knowing when her daughter sneaked over.

Bao Qin ignored Xue Ai's shock, closed the paper fan, fiddled with the wrench with his index finger, and smiled at the dumbfounded Chen Heng, Brother Chen, I will have to change your name to call me second brother.

This... Chen Heng was speechless for a moment and subconsciously turned his head to look at Xue Ai.

…………

…………

That night, Chen Heng sat at home, thinking about the scene in the Xue family in the afternoon, and still felt incredible. The matter of Xue Baoqin stepping in for Xue Ai was finally decided by Xue Ai.

For Chen Heng, as long as someone from the Xue family comes forward, it doesn't matter whether it is Baoqin or Xue Biao. I didn't think about Bao Qin before, just because the other party was a girl, who could think of her all of a sudden.

Second brother, why are you giggling? Xinda opened the door and came in. He saw Chen Heng sitting in his seat, holding back a smile, and was a little confused.

Chen Heng shook his head, how could it be easy to talk about such a twists and turns. What's more, when he goes to Qiupu Street tomorrow to buy a store, Xinda will also bump into Baoqin and the others, so there is no need to say too much now.

Seeing that the second brother refused to say anything, Xinda ignored him and turned around to make the bed and prepare to rest for a while. Suddenly, the second uncle's voice came from downstairs, Heng'er, come down quickly, Brother Xue is looking for you!!

Chen Heng couldn't help but be stunned when he suddenly heard this shout. I thought strangely in my heart: Is this guy Xue Biao or Xue Baoqin?

Taking into account that the night was getting darker, he thought carefully and knew that the person coming must be Xue Biao who had received the message. He simply put on a single coat, held up an oil lamp and walked downstairs. As expected, Xue Zhu was waiting in the courtyard at night. When he saw Chen Heng, half of the anger on his face disappeared in the blink of an eye.

Brother Heng. Before Chen Heng could stand still, Xue Biao had already raised his hands in salute and said guiltily, I heard what happened during the day from my sister. It's really...

Don't talk nonsense. Chen Heng could even guess his purpose. He directly held up his friend with his hands and tried to persuade him, Uncle, I have the same difficulties as my uncle. If you really feel embarrassed, just study hard in the future.

Hey, I know. Xue Biao was blocked and began to scratch his head and head anxiously. He took a few steps before saying, Can I be counted as one in this matter?

Bao Qin, who was eavesdropping, only gave him a general explanation at night. Xue Biao himself didn't know much about it, so he had to ask Chen Heng apologetically about what he meant.

Hahaha. In order to appease his friend's mood, Chen Heng deliberately smiled and said, Really speaking, your sister may be more useful than you. Don't worry, if I need to use you in the future, I promise not to You’re welcome.”

When Xue Biao heard this, he nodded with peace of mind. He was in such a hurry that he had time to straighten his clothes, and the look on his face gradually relaxed.

Next time something like this happens, you can tell me first.

There were a few small stools in the courtyard. Chen Heng asked his friend to sit down and explained to Xue Biao with a smile: I have been doing things at home for the past few days. I didn't expect you to still be studying in the academy. It's not so much that I didn't expect it. It was said that Chen Heng never thought about the possibility that the Xue family would refuse.

At that time, he made an empirical mistake. I just thought that when everyone saw a reliable way to make money, they would be interested in getting involved, and they didn't even consider the Xue family's current situation.

With this little lesson, Chen Heng can see some things more thoroughly. After returning home today, he took out the original plan and made detailed modifications based on the information given by Uncle Lin.

The two chatted until late at night, and finally Xue Biao was coaxed by Chen Heng before he was willing to say goodbye and leave.

…………

…………

The next day, Chen Heng arrived at Qiupu Street ahead of Bao Qin. He took the sleepy-eyed Manager Zhao and selected a suitable store among the remaining shops on the street.

After all, the Xue family's sister is a woman disguised as a man. He can handle the outside affairs himself, so naturally it is difficult to leave it to the other party's hands. Bao Qin only needs to stand in front of the stage for him, acting as a facade that can be used at any time.

Chen Heng was already busy, while Bao Qin was still washing and dressing up under Chun Yan's service. There is no such vulgar thing as a bra wrap, but some covering is still indispensable. The two of them picked around before settling on the right clothes.

Miss, miss. Do we still have this bellyband?

This... better take it with you.

Hahaha, I can go out to play again.

Talk a lot, hurry up. Be careful and Mrs. Xue will come and stop us both. No one can leave by then.

Ah? Miss, why did you call Madam - 'Mrs. Xue'? Madam will be angry when she hears it.

If you keep nagging me, I'll change your name to Spring Bamboo Shoots. Come on, help me put on my hair crown.

Don't call it Spring Bamboo Shoots, it sounds awful.

After the master and servant finished chatting, they finally tidied up each other's clothes. There are more clothes in autumn than in summer. After Baoqin is dressed up, and his body is not yet developed, he can be regarded as a white-haired nobleman.

The Xue couple were very angry with their daughter. Fan had made a scene with Xue Ai last night, and the latter also had a sad face. But given the situation at that time, Xue Ai couldn't find a better way except to bite the bullet and agree. All I can say is that if I had known it would be like this, if Uncle Xue was given another chance, he would definitely not refuse Chen Heng's request to invite Xue Biao.

Mrs. Fan had no choice but to come over today to give her daughter more advice. Whose daughter would go out and run around like this? But when she arrived at her daughter's boudoir, Baoqin had already slipped out with Chunyan, leaving her unable to do anything but stamping her feet angrily.

On the carriage heading to Qiupu Street, the master and servant, who were eager to try, had been flirting with each other for a long time. Although Chunyan is older than Baoqin, he is much more playful. At this moment, he was pretending to his second master: Second master, have you thought about what kind of shop you want to buy?

Take a look and then talk. Bao Qin deliberately lowered his voice and cherished the words like gold, so he couldn't hear clearly for a while. Being taciturn is exactly how the second master of the Xue family will look to the outside world from now on.

The two pretenders immediately laughed and made a fuss. The laughter spread outside the carriage, and the steward who followed heard it, and felt extremely anxious in his heart. Last night, the master gave many instructions and asked him to take good care of the young lady. How dare he turn a deaf ear to this little steward.

Hey, let’s talk about it. Why was he so unlucky that he took on this unlucky job?

When Baoqin and his group met up with Chen Heng, accompanied by Director Zhao, they arrived at the shop that Chen Heng had selected in the morning. The location of the store cannot be said to be good or bad, only average.

After all, they entered the venue late, and the good spots on the street were bought out early, so the rest could be a good place. Such a location is not that expensive, and it was funded by Uncle Xue's 8,000 taels. Chen Heng didn't feel bad about it. Anyway, this shop and business were under Bao Qin's name, and Chen Heng had no intention of getting involved to take advantage of this.

It cost one hundred and fifty taels to buy the shop, and Mr. Zhao took care of all the paperwork and other trivial matters on the spot. He has received the notification from the government office, and now Chen Heng is the only one who follows suit. I just hope that the other party will have some Midas touch to quickly solve the mistakes I have made.

After deciding on a place, all that's left is decoration and appearance. There is no rush for the former, you can do it slowly. The latter is more important. How about hanging a store name plaque to make it more conspicuous? Who knows what this store sells.

The name of the store is easy to say. According to the current style, just call it Xue Family Clothing Store. Chen Heng wrote these words on the paper and gave it to the Xue family servants to make a plaque.

Baoqin needs to make the final decision on the remaining trivial matters. There was a steward standing next to her. When the steward asked, Baoqin would nod or shake his head, depending on what she wanted. After a while, piles of wood were moved into the store.

Seeing that there was nothing to worry about in the store, Chen Heng took Mr. Zhao to the workshop. At this end, many craftsmen in the workshop have begun to count the various inventories in the warehouse.

Three days later, after receiving the detailed data, Chen Heng immediately took Xinda, Liu Xianglian, and Bao Qin on a passenger ship to Suzhou.

Ah, let’s update early today. Hahahahaha, I started coding at one o'clock in the afternoon.