The Bookish Scholar of the Red Mansion

The next day, the sky was still dark and gray. The servants in the Lin Mansion were already busy lighting lamps. Today is a big day for the Lin family. There are two masters in the family who want to go to court together. This is a good thing worth bragging about in any house in the capital.

I once went to the steward in Shenzhou with Chen Heng and was worried that the young master would be late for his first court appearance. While preparing the carriage for the master's trip, he deliberately went around to the small courtyard on the west side and knocked on Chen Heng's door. He reminded: Master, it's time for you to prepare to go to court.

Well, Uncle Xu, I'm up. Chen Heng's voice came from inside the door, and the steward felt relieved and went back to the front to continue his work.

Hearing the retreating footsteps outside, Chen Heng stood in front of the dressing mirror and was letting Xinda do a final check on him. This boy specifically asked the house steward yesterday for advice on how to wear official robes, but he didn't know how to find out the details. When he was just getting dressed, he was very quick.

After finishing putting on the blue robe, Chen Heng fixed the shaking head with his hands. Xinda had already brought up a plain silver belt. There are various jade tablets on it, namely: Santai, Yuantao, Paifang and Thallium tail. There are a total of twenty jade plaques of different lengths and shapes, inlaid and engraved on a plain silver belt. They feel heavy just by holding them in your hand.

When Xinda helped tie the belt, Chen Heng had to hold it with one hand. Chen Heng, who kicked off his soap boots and felt energetic, looked at himself in the mirror again. On his blue official robe, there are embroidered patches of 㶉𫛶 with wings spread and playing in the water.

The young man has an upright and handsome appearance, dressed like this. Even Xinda was filled with admiration when he saw it: Second brother is still the most impressive when he wears official robes.

Chen Heng turned his gaze and looked at the beautiful expectations in Xinda's eyes. He stretched out his head and pushed back the hair tie on his chest. He couldn't help but laugh and said, It's the clothes that make a person. If someone else wears this official robe, he would look very impressive.

Xinda shook his head and smiled without saying a word. He knew that was not what he meant. Neither of them said much, they just walked out the door and arrived at the main hall of the Lin family, where Uncle Lin was already waiting with his wife and daughter.

The teachers and students had just met, and Lin Ruhai curled her lips again, nodded to the impressive student, and then said to Jia Min and Daiyu beside her: Remember to go back and catch up on some sleep.

Okay. Jia Min nodded. She was already very familiar with this rhythm of life. Lin Daiyu looked at Chen Heng in the hall again and again. Looking at her brother with a calm expression, she suddenly understood what Yuan Ting Yue Zhi and Kun Yu Qiu Shuang meant.

Heng'er, let's go.

Wearing a scarlet robe, Lin Ruhai looked solemnly, and his body began to exude the majesty of a second-grade official.

Yes. Chen Heng responded softly and followed the teacher's footsteps and left.

It was still dark, and on the path leading to the atrium, there were servants holding lanterns to guide the way. Jia Min and Daiyu stood guard at the door, only watching the two people's retreating figures. When they could no longer see each other, they looked at each other and smiled inexplicably.

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According to the regulations of the imperial court, only those who are above the second-grade courtyard in Beijing can ride horses or make sedan chairs. Level 3 and 4 can only ride horses. Officials below the fourth rank can only ride mules or donkeys to go to court.

Although Chen Heng was a seventh-grade official, he was quite relaxed and comfortable sitting in the carriage with Lin Ruhai's light on him. It's not a big deal, and the censor won't care much if he sees it. As long as you have a second-grade official in your family who is willing to take you along, who will argue with the predators in North Korea and China about right and wrong?

Along the way, neither teacher nor student spoke. They both have reserved temperaments, so when they arrive at the palace gate, someone will naturally talk about things that need to be mentioned. First, we dismounted at Daming Gate, then walked a thousand steps, passed Chengtian Gate and Duanmen, and could not rest until we reached the Meridian Gate. This road is also called Qianbu Corridor, and it is also the road that every local official is most fascinated by. I don’t know how many people in the world want to leave, but they haven’t had the chance yet.

When they arrived at the Meridian Gate, many officials had already gathered here. The one who comes the earliest will definitely stay the last. Most of them were officials in blue robes. Chen Heng waited here for a while before following Lin Ruhai to the civil service officer on duty to click the knot and verify the official badge.

There is no need to say much about the magnificent Meridian Gate, except for the verandahs on both sides, which are used to provide shelter from wind and rain when officials are waiting. Lin Ruhai led the students to the place on the left where the civil servants gathered. Pushing Chen Heng to a blue-robed official, he introduced: This is Mr. Fu from your sixth department.

Your Majesty. Chen Heng hurriedly took the initiative to salute. Although there is no distinction between superior and inferior among the six subjects, there is a difference between before and after. It is appropriate to be polite to seniors in the officialdom.

Fu Qingyuan is young, probably in his twenties. He also heard about Chen Heng yesterday and knew that this latecomer was a popular person in front of His Majesty. So far in this dynasty, there are really only a handful of people who can take charge of the matter as a juren. Therefore, he would not use his status as a senior to make trouble, and just said politely: I am a minister of the same palace, Master Chen does not need to be polite.

This area is not a place where second-grade officials should stay. Lin Ruhai introduced them to each other and turned directly to the front porch. That's where the Fei Pao officer should stay.

Chen Heng was honest and followed Fu Qingyuan, asking what he should pay attention to during the morning court. Such as the position of the station, the order of speaking, etc. There is no one to lead the way or provide detailed tips on these officialdom methods. You have to rely on yourself to slowly figure it out, and you will definitely make mistakes.

Among all the ministries and subjects, the number of people belonging to the six subjects is the least. Including Fu Qingyuan, a total of five and six subjects were given to Shi Zhongzai. Looking back at Hu Ke, there are more of them. In addition to the doctor, there are also many principals in green robes.

As more and more people came, there were gradually eighty or ninety people on the corridor. Today is the imperial court hearing that happens once every five days. When the sky becomes dim and bright, a loud sound of whips can be heard from the palace gate.

This is the signal to go to court. Chen Heng calmed down and followed closely behind Fu Qingyuan. There are three door openings on the front of the Meridian Gate. The middle one is reserved for the emperor, and the two next to it are for the princes. All other civil and military officials will pass through the Yemen on both sides in sequence according to the distribution of civil and military officials on the left and right.

After passing the Meridian Gate, you will find the spacious Fengtianmen Square. There are five Jinshui bridges on the square, and civil and military officials walked along their respective bridges. The leaders were Gu Zaiyong, the chief assistant, and Wang Ziteng, the commander-in-chief of the Fifth Army Governor's Mansion. Behind them were a group of officials wearing scarlet robes and blue robes. The most senior ministers, ministers of various ministries, etc.

Everyone arrived in front of Fengtian Gate in large numbers. Long Jinwei, who was responsible for maintaining order, had already reserved a place for the ministers to stand. Flags fluttered, and light pillars pierced the clouds and shone on the stone lions in front of Fengtian Gate. The stone lions are divided into male and female pairs. The male steps on the hydrangea and the female steps on the lion cub. It is easy to identify them.

Under Fu Qingyuan's eyes, Chen Heng found his position and stood. He quickly loosened his belt and held the wat board in both hands. Start looking at your nose with your eyes, and your mind with your nose, and assume the posture of an old monk entering concentration.

In the bleak autumn wind, when all the officials who were ready were silent for a moment, the sound of the beeswaxed whip sounded again, and Li Zhi also came from behind Fengtian Gate and sat on the throne.

After all the officials had paid their respects, Chen Heng's first court meeting began. However, he was slightly disappointed that nothing particularly useful was said at the meeting. Adhering to the Chinese people's consistent rules of small meetings on big things and big meetings on small things.

If you can get what was said at the meeting, or you have already figured out what to do, everyone goes through a process. Or it's too tricky, and everyone will continue to argue through the meeting. It also gives other colleagues and subordinates a sense of participation. But the meeting that actually makes the decision and comes up with the results must be done in Linjing Hall.

There are a lot of topics today. The first is to discuss the newly established yamen of the imperial court in charge of shipping. This matter has been decided and brought to the court meeting just to debate what to call it and which department should take charge of it. This matter was somewhat divided. First, the Ministry of Personnel quarreled with the Ministry of Household Affairs, and then the Ministry of Household Affairs quarreled with the Ministry of War.

Everyone has their own reasons. Officials like Chen Heng can just be spectators. If he went to court with someone from the Ministry of War today, he might have to say a few words at the end. Oh, no. The Ministry of War's written order, without additional instructions from the peak, is not qualified to go to the morning court. It's a pity.

However, Li Zhi had already communicated this matter clearly with several ministers yesterday. His decision came quickly. With a few words, the people from the Ministry of Household Affairs will fish him out alive. Sure enough, there are many people in the department, so it is still somewhat useful.

After that, each department reported on everything and explained the latest official affairs in the lower department. In the order of officials, households, rituals, soldiers, punishments, workers, and then the Inspectorate, Dali Temple and so on. As long as nothing happens, Liu Ke rarely speaks at this time.

The annoying censor is the most hateful. Every time at this time, I would focus on the faults of each department. They are different from the six departments. One is in charge of words and deeds, and the other is in charge of affairs. They were Li Zhi's two pairs of eyes, staring at the ministers in the court.

When the sun was shining, Chen Heng had been standing in front of Fengtian Gate for more than an hour. It's autumn now, and he can still withstand the scorching sun. In the dead of winter, just thinking about this scene makes me feel terrible.

After all matters were discussed, it was time to disperse. Then, Li Zhi left. The ministers of various ministries asked the left and right ministers to lead the children home, while they continued to rush to Linjing Hall to discuss the issues that had just been fruitless.

Without saying a word before and after, Chen Heng was about to follow everyone out in a daze when he was reminded by the kind-hearted Fu Qingyuan: Master Chen, where are you going?

Reply...oh, my fault, my fault. Chen Heng smiled and then he realized what he was doing. The duty room for the sixth subject is in the square of Fengtianmen.

Let's go, I'll take you there. Fu Qingyuan smiled and led the way.

Unlike many yamen located outside the palace gate, only the duty room of the Sixth Section, like the cabinet, is located inside the Meridian Gate. The cabinet room is called Wenyuan Pavilion, which is located at the front of the Wen Building. There are no names for the duty rooms in the sixth subject. Only a few rooms are named at the back for duty. This shows that Li Zhi attaches great importance to the six subjects.

After entering his new home, Chen Heng saw that there were a lot of vacant places here, so he asked Fu Qingyuan where anyone was, and then found an inconspicuous place inside and hid himself in the depths.

Including him, there are currently six people in the six subjects, corresponding to the six departments. The number of officials is really pitiful. However, the number of people in this yamen has always been small.

When it was first established in the Hongwu period of the former Ming Dynasty, there were only twelve people. Subsequent increases and decreases occurred. By the time of this dynasty, there were more than twenty people at most, and only about ten people at a younger time, all depending on the mood of the emperor.

It's September 23rd now, and in a few days it will be Li Zhi's good day. Officials from various ministries in the DPRK and the Central Government intended to report some happy events at this time. This is human nature, and people from the Sixth Section will not cause trouble for everyone at this time.

Chen Heng was new here, and when he came to Fang Yamen, he only served as a companion. While listening to Fu Qingyuan's introduction to various places in the government office, he slowly exchanged feelings with his colleagues.

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Arriving in front of the office, Lin Ruhai was packing up today's official duties in her room, when a light cough suddenly came from outside. Before he could answer, Wei Yinghong had already opened the door and walked in with a smile, and said kindly: Ruhai, I knew you haven't left yet.

Lin Ruhai raised his eyebrows. The Yamen of the Metropolitan Procuratorate was not close to the Ministry of Rites, and there was a chessboard street between them. After all, it was a friend who came to visit. The censor of Zuodu put down what he was holding and invited Wei Yinghong to the hall, where they sat together.

Brother Wei came here specially, but what's the important matter?

Hey, what you're saying is, why can't I come and sit here if you have nothing to do?

Wei Yinghong's words made Lin Ruhai dumbfounded. Which one of them is following which one? Wei Yinghong answered with irony, clearly asking for help.

Lin Ruhai was not in a hurry, and sat quietly with a teacup in his hand, chatting patiently with Wei Yinghong. When we got to the point, we saw that Wei Yinghong had not revealed anything yet. Lin Ruhai, who was in a hurry to go home, didn't want to wait any longer and was about to get up and leave.

I think the weather is nice today, and we haven't gone out for a walk together for a long time. How about taking advantage of today's free time, changing into casual clothes together, and going for a walk on Qipan Street? Wei Yinghong extended the invitation again.

Well, Lin Ruhai was afraid of being entangled the most, so he had to change into his regular clothes in the room and accompany Wei Yinghong out. After wandering around, the two of them came to Qipan Street.

This is one of the most popular shopping malls in the capital because it is surrounded by imperial offices and is very popular with small businessmen and hawkers. The two found a snack shop and sat down to chat while looking at the people passing by.

They all have the experience of being in charge of a political party, and they feel most at ease with this kind of market atmosphere. Wei Yinghong picked up a few topics from time to time and had a pleasant chat with Lin Ruhai. But when the latter saw that his friend was still reluctant to clarify his purpose, he finally couldn't hold back and asked, Brother Wei, just tell me.

Ah? What are you talking about? Wei Yinghong blinked. His appearance was not as handsome as Lin Ruhai's. He had the majesty unique to his square face. His dazed look of pretending to be stupid only made Lin Ruhai sneer at him. The censor of Zuodu said bluntly: Is it because of Heng'er that you kept me here again and again today?

Hahaha. As soon as the truth was revealed, Wei Yinghong hurriedly laughed and praised shamelessly, If you can have such a confidant like Hai, what can you ask for in this life? Before Lin Ruhai could say anything, Wei Yinghong pretended to be frowning and said, Hey, Ruhai, I won’t hide it from you. You know that I have a granddaughter who is an excellent handkerchief with your girl...

Lin Ruhai nodded, Wei Shu, he also knew about this child. Lively and generous temperament, decent and well-educated manners. Jia Min also praised her a lot.

She is getting older now and will soon be eighteen. Your sister-in-law and I are still worried about her life-long events. Wei Yinghong said about his difficulties. If Wei Qijun wasn't in the seniority, Wei Shu would have been the worst candidate to marry Du Yunjing. Suitable and so on.

When his mouth and tongue were getting dry, Wei Yinghong took the time to drink a cup of tea and secretly looked at Lin Ruhai's expression. Seeing that he was still unmoved, he looked helpless. Wei Yinghong was also surprised and asked: Ruhai, I really need your help with this matter.

Ah?! Lin Ruhai deliberately opened his mouth, imitating the other party's previous act of pretending to be stupid.

No, are you, the Lin family, so narrow-minded? Wei Yinghong was stunned and simply said frankly and honestly: Chixing is your student. His parents are not in the capital. Why don't you help me ask him what he thinks. If he is interested, you can bring him to my house as a guest tomorrow. Let him and Shu'er meet quietly and look at each other.

He used this method to tie up Du Yunjing.

The more Lin Ruhai listened, the more she wanted to laugh, and she deliberately teased: On the Double Ninth Festival, our two families have just moved together. What reason should I use this time?

Wei Yinghong glared at his friend and said hurriedly: Look at what you said, our two families are very close. What other reason do you have for coming to my house? In my opinion, just say come to my house to enjoy the chrysanthemums.

Yeah. Lin Ruhai couldn't help but nodded, and agreed, It's okay to come and admire the chrysanthemums. But regarding Heng'er, Brother Wei, as a teacher, I can't do anything about it.

Why do you say that? Wei Yinghong was very curious. He rolled up his sleeves and crossed his chest and asked, Is it possible that this boy hasn't had feelings for a man and a woman yet?

He also grew from boy to man. I know that teenagers are the most energetic and adventurous people. To say that they only care about playing is a nice thing to say. It is better to say that the colorful world is gradually becoming more charming. At Chen Heng's age, Wei Yinghong wouldn't be surprised if he didn't know the benefits of marrying a wife for a while.

Hahaha. Lin Ruhai finally couldn't hold it in anymore and let out a hearty laugh. She raised her hand and patted Wei Yinghong's shoulder and said, Brother Wei, have you ever heard a sentence?

What? Wei Yinghong felt something was wrong.

A gentleman never takes what others like. Lin Ruhai winked proudly, I have also fallen in love with this kid Heng'er for a long time.

Good luck to you, Lin Ruhai. Wei Yinghong finally realized that he had done something stupid like seeking skin from a tiger. He had a dumbfounded look on his face, and after thinking about it, he blamed himself for not thinking carefully. His family has Wei Shu who is waiting to be married, and the Lin family also has a daughter of the right age.

He shook his head and said with a hint of helplessness, If I had known this, I wouldn't have come to tell you. I would have done it in private first.

Lin Ruhai narrowed his eyes and looked even more proud. I was on guard against you long before Heng'er came to Beijing. Otherwise, why would you think Heng'er went to your house so rarely?

Wei Yinghong was not stupid either. He drank a cup of tea helplessly, looked at the other person's posture, and suddenly asked: Did you tell Chi Xing to stop hanging around my house?

I'm not afraid that his meat bun will beat the dog - he will never come back.

Hmph, it's obviously your own fault. Since the fence posts were erected long ago, why didn't you let any news out? Wei Yinghong also convinced his friend. Eye poison is also a real poison. When we were in Yangzhou, Chi Xing wasn't even a scholar. Why did you, Lin Ruhai, catch his eye and take this young man under his wing so early?

Wei Yinghong was wrong about this. Lin Ruhai really didn't have this idea when she accepted Chen Heng as her student. All I can say is that everything happened by chance, and it was just a matter of smooth flow.

Brother Wei, don't worry, there are many talented people in the world. I will only choose Heng'er, and I will leave the rest to you.

Then I'll trade them with you. Wei Yinghong's father-in-law looked at his new brother-in-law, and the more he thought about it, the more he thought Chen Heng was good. Seeing that he was about to miss it, he was even more upset. Chen Heng should be tied up and married quickly before Lin Ruhai went to Beijing.

Lin Ruhai didn't even bother to pay attention to Wei Yinghong's complaints, so he stood up and left.

Are you kidding me, the little piglet I raised so hard. Seeing that he is about to enter his own cabbage patch, can he still pick it up for free?

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Lin Ruhai returned home. Before he could sit down, he bumped into Jia Min coming to the study to look for him. As soon as the lady said that the sister-in-law of the Wei family was visiting today, all she talked about and asked during the dinner was Chen Heng. Lin Ruhai laughed even more and told Wei Yinghong why he came to block her.

The couple got together, half shaking their heads and half sighing, it's true that people are afraid of being famous and pigs are afraid of being strong. This was already the case before Heng'er passed the Jinshi examination. When it really comes down to it, will it be worth it?

or……

Jia Min just opened her mouth when news of Chen Heng's return suddenly came from outside.

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