The Bookish Scholar of the Red Mansion

When Chen Heng returned home, he went to his room to change into his regular clothes. Seeing that he was in a hurry, Xinda knew that the other party had something important to do.

Second brother, are you going out?

After all, he is someone close to him, so it is not difficult for him to be guessed. Chen Heng smiled and nodded, Du Yunjing, do you remember? I made appointments with him several times, and this time I finally got free. I was thinking of going out for a meal tonight...

He and Du Yunjing, one was in the Ministry of War and the other was in the Hanlin Academy, and they were busy with their own affairs every day. If this time hadn't coincided with his promotion and transfer to the department, he might not have been released from office so early.

Okay. Xinda quickly started to pack himself up and prepared to go out with his brother.

After changing his clothes, Chen Heng took the lead and went to greet the two elders. He also said that he would not be at home for dinner.

When the children grow up, they have their own social circle. Lin Ruhai naturally wouldn't stop him, not even telling him to drink. I just told the young man to have fun.

Remember to take the carriage there. Jia Min was more cautious, thinking that although Xinda had some strength, if Chen Heng was drunk outside and there would be inconvenience on the way back, he would let the child go out in his own car.

Chen Heng accepted the kindness and gave gifts to the two elders. Fu hurried out again, and not far away, he bumped into Daiyu who came after hearing the sound. This girl has been so depressed at home recently that she often misses the freedom of Yangzhou. When I heard that my brother was going out to meet guests, I couldn't help but feel envious.

Women in this era really need a good attitude, otherwise how can they resist the daily depression of being a housewife. Chen Heng saw Daiyu reluctantly sending him out and guessed what his sister was thinking.

Sister... The young man stopped on the door rail, taking one step out and one step inside the door. Lin Daiyu held her breath and looked at her brother's deep eyes that were as dark as paint with a bit of joy in her eyes that moved with the sound.

Would you like to go out with me?

Ah?! Daiyu was startled, and her mind immediately became confused. In just a moment, she already wanted to fly out with her brother, but thinking of Su Ri Jia Min's control, she hesitated and said, I'm afraid it's not good.

After all, this place is not Yangzhou. There are many rules in the capital and there are many things to consider about face.

Wouldn't it be better to dress up as a man? Chen Heng didn't know what happened today, and he repeatedly beguiled the girl, Staying at home every day, I'm afraid you won't be able to bear the pain.

The brother's gentle words touched the girl's heart. Daiyu was also bold, and thinking of her father's support behind her, she immediately said: Brother, go to the car and wait for me.

No matter how nice this house was, she still felt tired and irritated after looking at it day after day. Female workers and playing the piano were not her favorites. Poems, calligraphy and ink were also read over and over again.

Yeah. Chen Heng curled his lips and said nothing more. He only led Xinda out of the door first, then waved away the servants who were about to come up to drive the carriage, leaving this job to his younger brother.

They waited in the car for a long time before Daiyu, who had left and returned, slipped into the car wearing a green dress and a small hat. It is rare to do something of great courage in her life. Before Daiyu even sat down, she had already urged: Brother, hurry up, hurry up...

Sister Lin was afraid that Jia Min would get the message and send someone to chase her back.

Xinda. Chen Heng also said with a smile.

Hey. There was a response from outside, and then the sound of whips sounded.

As soon as they drove away, the grandmother beside Jia Min chased them out. Seeing that there was no trace of the young master and young lady at the door. Then he reluctantly went back to find his mistress.

Hey. When Jia Min learned about this, her eyebrows became even more sad. Heng'er is usually a calm child, why is he so arrogant today?

Lin Ruhai was a little unconcerned. He already regarded Chen Heng as half a son-in-law, and he didn't want to pay attention to the junior's nonsense. It's okay to go out for a walk. Yu'er is bored at home all day long, so she needs someone to play with her.

You, father and daughter, are very much in tune with each other.

Hahaha, in my opinion, I can't say that Heng'er has awakened. Madam, let's wait and see for a few more days. I guess he will have to hold back some bad things. Lin Ruhai thought that Chen Heng was going to see Du Yunjing today, so he had to take all this with him. Going up to Yu'er, maybe he was using this to express his feelings to himself and Jia Min, and at the same time, he was also testing the intentions of the two elders.

The little slippery boy actually used what he taught him on the venerable master. Lin Ruhai laughed heartily a few times and took Jia Min to eat with her son.

…………

…………

As soon as she left home, Daiyu's mood was like a nightingale flying on a spring branch, giggling from beginning to end. She hadn't gone out alone for a long time, and today she didn't have Jia Min to restrain her, and she had Chen Heng as an excellent companion.

Don't you want to lift the curtain and take a look? Chen Heng saw that she kept covering her mouth and snickering, so he couldn't help but encourage her.

Okay. Lin Daiyu responded happily, like a child, lifting the corner of the car curtain and quietly peeking at the world outside.

Needless to say about the scenery along the way. The sunset is still on the horizon, in the tiles on the street corners, in the ragged clothes of passers-by, and in the chatter and laughter carried by the wind. Chen Heng already knew a lot of places, so he sat opposite his sister, pointing at a few shops and talking about the fun and delicious ones.

Cinda is such a smart brother who knows the importance of driving slowly. Listening to the laughter and laughter in the car, the young man driving the car couldn't help but show a bit of joy.

After slowly arriving at the party location, Chen Heng led Daiyu out of the car. The two of them walked side by side to the restaurant, and when they got upstairs, they saw Du Yunjing waving at them.

Who is this? Du Yunjing hesitated and looked at Daiyu, who was disguised as a man.

She. Chen Heng smiled and said, She is my... confidant. Just call her Brother Lin. Turning around, he introduced the two of them to Daiyu, This This is Brother Du Yunjing, and this is Brother Cui Youdao.

Du Yunjing nodded, although he didn't know the deeper meaning of Chen Heng's bringing people here. But since the other person is said to be his confidant, he must be an extremely good friend.

The four of them sat at the same table, and Chen Heng was also a little surprised that Du Yunjing would entertain Cui Youdao at a banquet. Cui Youdao was very silent today and didn't pay much attention to Lin Daiyu's appearance. He only tilted his head and glanced at Chen Heng a few more times.

After finishing some small talk before getting down to business, Du Yunjing couldn't help but hold the wine glass and said to Chen Heng: Chixing, I invite you here today because I want you to help me persuade Brother Cui.

Brother Cui? ! When did the relationship between these two people become so good? When they were studying in the academy, they didn't deal with each other. Chen Heng was confused, and Lin Daiyu was even more puzzled. She had also heard her brother talk about the conflict between Cui and Du.

Brother Cui, did you run into some trouble?

Chen Heng asked cautiously. He knew that Cui Youdao was arrogant and never allowed others to look down on him easily.

Because Daiyu, an outsider, was present, Cui Youdao looked very embarrassed and seemed unwilling to talk more. Du Yunjing, however, was very righteous and righteous, and said directly on behalf of the other party: I heard from my colleagues last time that he went to the Mid-Autumn Festival Banquet of the Royal Palace with Hanlin, who was in the previous department.

Chen Heng was stunned for a moment, not expecting Cui Youdao to do such a thing. Du Yunjing poured wine for several people while talking about Cui Youdao's situation. Nowadays, all the good seats in the imperial court are reserved early. Cui Youdao is a second-ranked Jinshi, so his talent and ability are naturally good.

But in officialdom, one's butt determines one's head. The bastard Cai Jing completely tore open the fig leaf of civil servants all over the world by saying, It is necessary to be both a good person and a high-ranking official. How can there be such a beautiful thing in the world?

Du Yunjing always spoke quickly and urgently, and did not pay attention to Cui Youdao's expression change at all. The former had just finished speaking, and Chen Heng didn't even have time to speak. The latter already wanted to get up and leave.

The two people in front of him were his classmates who were suppressed by him in the academy. Now one has entered the house of the Minister of Rites, and the other has received special treatment from His Majesty. When Chen Heng and Yao Ziran went to Linjing Hall to see the saint for the first time, Cui Youdao was the living man that day.

He heard with his own ears that Li Zhi addressed Chen Heng as Chen Qing, Chi Xing, etc. in private. Cui Youdao thought about himself again. The Imperial Academy had been dormant for three years, but His Majesty didn't even know his name. How could he not be annoyed or anxious?

Seeing Cui Youdao sitting back and about to leave, Du Yunjing slammed the table angrily and said: Cui Youdao, if you dare to leave today, we will be enemies from now on.

He is worthy of being the son-in-law of the Minister of Rites. The way he talks now is different. How could Cui Youdao be afraid of him? He immediately showed a bit of sarcasm on his face. Feeling overwhelmed, he was about to turn around.

We just met, why are we leaving? Chen Heng quickly reached out and grabbed Cui Youdao's sleeve, although he didn't know Du Yunjing's intention of inviting him here. But after all, the three of them are fellow villagers and even classmates. Even if their relationship was not good in the past, how could Chen Heng sit back and watch the two of them become enemies.

After all the good and bad words, it turns out that I can’t reach out and hit the smiling person. After Chen Heng persuaded him several times, Cui Youdao reluctantly sat down and drank.

Do you think I'm here to help you out of kindness? Du Yunjing was still merciless when he spoke, You overpowered me in the provincial examination and took away the position of Jie Yuan that I longed for. If you don't pass well, you will succeed. I have become a guard dog wagging its tail in front of someone else's door. I'm afraid I don't know how happy I feel...

But you really want to do this? How can you deserve my three years of study abroad? Du Yunjing said bitterly, Do you know how I got through those three years? Cui Youdao, I'm afraid you can't understand it.

Every day when I want to relax and have fun, I think of you being so proud at the Deer Ming Banquet. You... Du Yunjing sighed, You are the Jieyuan of our subject, why are you here? Don't you feel sad? ?Don’t you regret it?”

You just entered the capital, and you don't know what officialdom is. Cui Youdao said in an impatient tone, arguing for himself, If you watch more of the struggle between the two parties, you will know that if you want to gain a foothold in officialdom, you can only rely on talent, learning, and ambition. It's of no use at all. There must be someone above you. If there is no one, you will be on pins and needles, unable to move. Do you want me to waste my time in the local area, holding on to the idea of ​​​​asking for life for the people, and spending the rest of my life in confusion?

After all, Cui Youdao was holding back his anger. Until now, after failing the exam, several of his favorite positions were taken away from him. Seeing that several of his colleagues who were inferior to him in the past were all taking advantage of him. How he is not impatient and impatient.

Chen Heng had been listening silently. He did not judge Cui Youdao's thoughts in a condescending manner. The theory sounds nice, but if you think about it, can people really not forget their original intentions and keep the beginning and end in the face of reality?

Do you think I don't want to be upright? Cui Youdao's tone gradually rose, full of anger, But who among them has ever looked at me, and who cares about what I think? Where did I come from? What is my name?

So you just want to join the nobles? Du Yunjing became angrier as he listened. Ever since he entered Leyi Academy, he had regarded Cui Youdao as his target to catch up with. Now that he is about to spread his wings and fly high, why would Cui Youdao surrender?

Okay, both of you, stop for a moment. Chen Heng advised. He is now the one with the highest official position among the three. This time, the other two people had to stop bickering.

Chen Heng paused for a moment and knew that Cui Youdao was now at a crossroads in life. Every young man full of ideals confronts reality. There are generally four stages to go through: ‘do something’, ‘do nothing’, ‘do nothing’ and ‘do nothing’.

No one can help Cui Youdao with this crux. Chen Heng deeply understood the importance of what he said next. If you speak poorly, you will only be left behind by Cui Youdao. Look, don't you just rely on someone's appreciation to be able to be so easily condescending?

Brother Cui... Chen Heng said cautiously, Do you still remember your ambition to study?

Naturally, I help the country and the people, Cui Youdao said proudly. He was once a proud man of heaven and a leader among his peers who saw all the flowers in Yangzhou in one day.

Then this ambition must be achieved by becoming a high official?

Does Chi Xing want to argue with me about the sage's way of 'having enough heart and not seeking outside'? Cui Youdao looked a little disdainful. When it comes to being eloquent, Cui Youdao has never been afraid of anyone.

Chen Heng shook his head and said: Brother Cui is unparalleled in eloquence, I know it very well. It's just... Chen Heng looked at Cui Youdao deeply, Brother Cui, when your hair is gray and your temples are full, it will be because you didn't take care of yourself. Is it regretful that you have reached a high official position, or is it regretful that you have not realized your ambition?

Cui Youdao is a very talented young man. For such a person, Chen Heng knows that there is no need to talk too much. Cui Youdao can figure out the principles of the world by himself. Chen Heng stopped talking and brought the topic to a calmer place.

No matter what choice you make, it doesn't hurt to go to the palace and make friends with some distinguished ministers. Li Taibai and Wang Mojie also want to write poems and music for Princess Yuzhen. They are half covered in mud, and it is difficult to travel. Chen Hengwen's gentle and sincere tone resonated. In Cui Youdao's ears. The latter was also listening, and his expression gradually calmed down.

Zhixing, you... Du Yunjing invited Chen Heng here because he wanted him to accompany him as a lobbyist. Why did he defend Cui Youdao?

Chen Heng shook his head at him and continued, Brother Cui just needs to think clearly whether he is committed to the sake of the people or whether he is sacrificing himself for the sake of high-ranking officials and rich salaries. Understanding this is far more important than what you are discussing about the palace.

Cui Youdao actually already had the answer in his mind. He was already in his twenties and had visited the two most famous cities in the world, but he asked knowingly: Is there any difference between the two?

Hu Zongxian can still be regarded as a famous minister. Even if Yan Song passes a hundred years later, he will not be able to turn around in the history of Zhaozhao. Chen Heng answered loudly.

How could Cui Youdao, who had read history books, not know the names and lives of these two people? He sighed and said, I know.

Posthumous fame is the biggest thing for scholars in the world.

If given a choice, who would want to bear the infamy of the ages and be reviled by the world?

…………

…………

This meal in the restaurant was very unpleasant. Cui Youdao sat for a while, then stood up and left. Du Yunjing is not even a good chatter. Chen Heng ate for a while and then took Daiyu to leave.

After bidding farewell to the worried Du Yunjing, Chen and Lin wandered around the streets of the capital. Just after eating, taking a walk to digest food is a good way to maintain health. You can also grab some delicious snacks along the way. Due to the previous quarrel in the restaurant, Chen Heng tried his best to talk to Daiyu at this time to make her relax.

Along the way, the pair couldn't help but continue talking about Cui You. It was at the shops on the street that all kinds of lanterns were hung. Daiyu followed closely beside her brother with her hands folded, sighing: Today I know how difficult it is for men.

Yes. Chen Heng also sighed, Brother Cui is a talented person and should not be trapped here by the current situation. I just hope he can make the choice he wants.

Before leaving, Chen Heng recommended two places for Cui Youdao to serve as officials. One place is a green mud puddle that is waiting to be renovated. As long as the shipping goes smoothly, I don’t know how many high-ranking officials will come out of this place. But now we have to hibernate and cultivate deeply, and we have to do what the predecessors planted trees and future generations enjoy the shade.

The second one is Guangzhou. After the provincial examination next year, the governor here will be promoted. There will be changes within the officialdom soon, and there will be trees planted by predecessors. As long as it passes, within a few years, he can ride on the trend of maritime transport and return to the capital to serve.

But his political achievements in Guangzhou are definitely not as impressive as those in Qingniwa. The latter is to raise a tall building from the ground. As long as it is completed, it can be regarded as a great achievement. If it is beautiful enough, it will last a lifetime.

Brother, what do you think Brother Cui will choose? Lin Daiyu took small steps, the light shining on her face. Chen Heng glanced at her and quickly looked away, I don't know either.

Lin Daiyu chuckled, then put her feet together and jumped forward a little. The light body jumped out of the arc. The girl asked again, Brother, if you were in his situation, what would you choose?

Chen Heng guessed that his sister would ask this question. He looked up at the night scene on the streets of the capital. After taking a step forward and thinking, he said: If you can help the people of a county, then help the people of a county. If you can help a prefecture, then help a prefecture.

At this point, the meaning that should be conveyed has been conveyed. Chen Hengsha smiled and said: If you really have bad luck, you can become a seventh-grade county magistrate. There is no harm in watching over your wife and children to settle down.

I thought...my brother was full of ambitions. When Sister Lin said this, her face turned red, and she didn't know if it was because of the cold wind.

Chen Heng tilted his head and suddenly said quietly: If there are beautiful mountains and rivers, there will naturally be willow branches above the moon.

Lin Daiyu stopped for the first time and looked at the young man under the red light. The other party's gaze was like a sharp knife piercing her heart, and then turned into the spring breeze of March, sneaking into the night with the wind.

Brother... The blush on Daiyu's face became even heavier, and she was still a little unbelievable. For a moment, I thought I had heard something wrong. My brother, a dull idiot, could actually have enlightenment. After hesitating for a moment, he said in a panic, It's really strange that the iron tree can also bloom.

Chen Heng also understood, and he felt excited for a moment. The second brother really didn't lie to him. Sister Lin really had herself in mind. I was about to say a thousand words, but my heart was beating fast at this moment. It really makes people lose their lips and tongue, and they can't even say a single word.

The two walked forward in silence for a moment, enjoying the inexplicable atmosphere surrounding them. Chen Heng burst out laughing. Daiyu thought her brother was laughing at her, and immediately scolded her: What are you laughing at, brother?

I was thinking about what should I use to describe the word iron tree blossoms.

What's so difficult about this? Daiyu rolled her eyes, already thinking about it, I thought...

Before she finished speaking, Daiyu herself had lost her voice and didn't know how to say it.

Chen Heng took her words and said, What my sister is thinking of is the end of the world.

That's not true. For some reason, Daiyu quickly ran in front of Chen Heng, turned around and made a face. He smiled and asked, Why can't it be eachother?

…………

…………

The Liuke yamen, like the Hanlin Academy, had a very conspicuous advantage, that is, it was often summoned to the imperial court by Li Zhi for questioning. However, most of the Hanlin officials were engaged in daily clerical affairs, and only officials in the Sixth Section could often show their faces in front of Li Zhi.

Recently, few of the high-ranking officials in the court have troubled Li Zhi. Knowing that this was the official's wish, Li Zhi smiled and accepted it. After today's small court meeting, Li Zhi rarely had free time, so he summoned Chen Heng to the garden.

I heard that Chi Xing's chess master studied under Lin Qing?

Chen Heng panicked and continued nervously: You can't talk about being a disciple? It's just a matter of learning a little bit. Wei Chen's chess skills cannot be compared to the teacher. It would be very embarrassing to tell anyone.

It's okay to come and chat with me. Li Zhi was in a good mood and strongly invited Chen Heng to take a seat. The latter couldn't refuse, so he turned around cautiously, sat on the stone bench in the pavilion, took the white piece and started thinking about the chess move.

It should be said or not, depending on the level of some people. Only after playing chess can you have a real sense of reality. Chen Heng actually felt that he had a back-and-forth with Li Zhi. I wasn't sure for a while whether my chess skills had improved greatly.

It was probably the way Chen Heng thought about every step that made Li Zhi feel so enjoyable for the first time. The two played a game or two before Li Zhi inquired about his minister's life, asking him how he was doing and whether he had encountered any difficulties.

Chen Heng secretly sighed that the opportunity had come so well, it really took no effort at all, and he hurriedly said: I really have something to ask for from His Majesty.

Oh? Li Zhi raised his eyebrows and said with a smile, If there is anything else that your teacher can't solve, you need to ask me for help. He put down the black piece in his hand and asked, Zhixing, just tell me.

I haven't had a good rest these past two days. I feel like my uncle is here. When I reached four or five thousand words, I started to have a headache. How distressing. I'm going to take a break today and drink some wine to help me sleep.