The Bookish Scholar of the Red Mansion

On the long river, there are golden waves, sails are coming one after another, and one or two bird songs are mixed with the fishermen's trumpets. The cuckoo's voice is best recognized. Most of them are hidden in the branches on both sides of the bank, carefully watching the bustle of the world. The legless birds skim shallowly across the water to avoid the swifts flying overhead.

Swifts are the most abundant birds in the capital, and September every year is the last season for viewing swifts in the capital. After autumn, they will fly elsewhere in groups. No one knows where they will go. They only know that they will gradually fly back at the end of February the following year.

Standing on the pier, Chen Heng could still feel the last warmth of the autumn wind. He raised his eyes and looked around, but he had not yet seen the shadow of the boat coming from Yangzhou. I could only look around boredly. Among the green mountains in the distance, a pagoda emerged, and the golden tiles reflected a beeswax-like oily color in the sun.

Great rivers, great beauty. His jumping eyes faithfully recorded everything around him. Chen Heng was still in a daze when a familiar call suddenly came from behind him.

Master Chen.

Chen Heng and Xinda looked back and realized it was Baoqin's maid Chun Yan. Looking behind him, he saw that the Xue family's carriage was parked not far away. In the car, the curtain was slightly lifted, and Baoqin's smile showed slightly behind it. The curtains were lowered again, covering and separating the inside and outside.

Are you here? Chen Heng nodded to Chunyan. Today is the day when Xue Ai's family goes to Beijing, and he knows that Bao Qin will definitely come.

Chun Yan glanced at Chen Heng one more time and realized that the clothes he wore out today were picked out by Dai Yu herself. The color and shape are the azure blue robe that Chen Heng rarely wears. On it is a white crane that sings and shines, flying from the hem of the leg to the waist.

Master, would you like to sit over there? Chun Yan pointed to the driving position of the carriage, where there was still an empty seat. Chen Heng smiled and neither agreed nor refused. He only led Xinda to the side of the carriage, stood there, and greeted the people in the carriage: My second brother came late.

When you go out to dress up, you always have to put some thought into it. Bao Qin leaned against the car wall and chuckled. Today she came to pick up her father, but she didn't dare to continue pretending to be a man. Listening to the deep and powerful voice outside, she teased again, Unlike big brother, you don't even have to think about what to wear when you go out now.

Ha. Chen Heng laughed awkwardly, accepted the other party's teasing shamelessly, and said with a smile, Can you tell?

According to your own taste, you come and go in just a few sets of Tsing Yi. A clear voice came from the car, joking, This one is still eye-catching for Shu Ya. Sure enough, only Sister Lin can control you.

Chen Heng shook his head and defended himself: The clothes can be worn, and it is enough to keep them warm. He felt that his aesthetic taste was not bad, but he had a lot of things to do on weekdays and rarely thought about dressing up. He just wanted to be relaxed and comfortable.

Whatever the eldest brother says is whatever it is. Bao Qinzuo smiled and said, It's a rare holiday. Don't you plan to take Sister Lin out for some fun?

Of course I want it. Chen Heng admitted generously. Tomorrow is Li Zhi's birthday, and the court specially gave him a three-day holiday. First of all, there have been a lot of good things recently, and Li Zhi himself is also happy. Secondly, it is to relax the tense nerves of officials at all levels who have less money and more to do.

Thinking about it this way, it would be great if Li Zhi celebrated his birthday once every month. Chen Heng smacked his lips twice and took a break every eighth day of the month, which was not enough for the leisure and entertainment of Beijing officials.

Where are you going to take Sister Lin?

Go to Xiangshan Temple to see the maple leaves.

This place is quite nice. It's really comfortable to enjoy flower arrangements in autumn.

Haha, I'm smart.

The two people chatted without saying a word. It happened that this time the Wucheng Army and Horses Division came over again, and it was Lu Yingxiong who knew the name. As soon as this person saw Chen Heng, he came up with a smile and held his hands. He said happily: What a fate. Every time I come to the dock, I can meet Mr. Chen. I have not yet congratulated Mr. Chen on his promotion to the sixth subject.

From the eighth-grade book-making order of the Ministry of War, to the seventh-grade work of the sixth department. Although the difference is only one grade, the changes inside and outside are a difference in terms of promotion. That's a Sky Monkey on the butt - lawlessness. Lu Yingxiong was really surprised to see it, and he deeply felt the benefits of having someone above him.

Chen Heng was not surprised, after all, it was a Yangzhou ship that came this time. He nodded, stopped chatting with Bao Qin, and said with a smile: Master Lu is here for the official ship in Yangzhou.

Exactly. Lu Yingxiong laughed and asked curiously, Master Chen, who is here this time?

It's better to pick people up. Chen Heng also laughed. Hearing this, Lu Yingxiong glanced at the carriage beside Chen Heng and said hurriedly: In that case, I won't disturb Mr. Chen's reunion with his family.

He cupped his hands and left before Chen Hengduo could explain. The latter had no choice but to explain to the people in the car: It caused some misunderstandings for my second brother.

It's all trivial, it doesn't matter. Bao Qin said lightly, then smiled and found a way for the other party to say, The eldest brother and the elder brother are as close as brothers, and they can only be said to be relatives.

This is correct. Chen Heng accepted it calmly. His friendship with Xue Biao did not need to be said much.

After waiting for a while, the three official ships heading north from Yangzhou directly occupied the gap between the civilian ships and stood on the dock domineeringly. The officers and soldiers of the Military and Horse Division swarmed up like a school of fish, and while examining the crowd around them, they carried down the tax money sent from Yangzhou one by one.

After the group finished their work and left, the figures including Xue Biao and Xue Ai walked out of the cabin. They easily took the official ship, and the journey north did not experience many storms.

Zhixing. When Xue Biao saw Chen Heng, he didn't even care about his sister. He jumped over the board in a few steps, rushed to his friend, and held his arms.

Hahahaha, Brother Xue. Chen Heng also laughed and held the other person's arm tightly. The two have not seen each other for more than a year, and their feelings of longing can only be conveyed through letters. But it was troublesome to send letters in ancient times. When they were most diligent, they only corresponded once a month.

That's great, that's great. Xue Biao said happily, looking at Chen Heng up and down, Why is he taller again? He looks more impressive.

Brother Xue is as charming and suave as before. Chen Heng looked at Mr. Yu in front of him and asked curiously, Why are you so dark?

I've been living by Bao'an Lake for the last month, and I've been comparing techniques with several painters from Huizhou. Xue Biao said proudly, but Xue Ai, who didn't know when he came, hummed in displeasure. The provincial examination is coming next year, but this son is still out of tune, which really worries his old father.

When the two juniors saw him, they stopped thinking for a long time. Chen Heng saluted and said, Uncle Xue.

When saying hello, Chen Heng couldn't help but feel uneasy. With just a few words, I tricked my uncle's precious daughter into transporting her to Shenzhou. She had to transport her by sea and by land. After all the hard work, I couldn't bear to look directly at Uncle Xue's expression.

Xue Ai glanced at the two people standing side by side, looked at Chen Heng again, and suddenly said in an unusually kind manner: Well, it's hard for you and Bao Qin to stay here for a long time.

As he said this, Chen Heng thought that Xue Ai was going to secretly poison him. Busy and scared, he said: This is what my nephew should do. Uncle, the journey went smoothly. Are you tired at all?

Everything is fine, everything is fine. Xue Ai replied with a smile, and patted Chen Heng on the shoulder very affectionately, You are now serving in the imperial court. Come here today, so I won't delay your official business.

Chen Heng shook his head and mentioned the court's holiday for officials. Bao Qin in the car continued what Chen Heng said and added: Dad, if you have anything to say, why don't you go back to the inn and talk about it.

Hearing the voice of his beloved daughter, Xue Ai's face inevitably showed excitement and longing, and he kept saying, Good boy, I will listen to you. After he finished speaking, he pulled his wife into Bao Qin's carriage.

The driver had his own choice. Chen Heng and Xue Biao were walking slowly behind. The former said suspiciously: Why do I feel that something is wrong with your father?

No way. Xue Biao shook his head and joked, Are you afraid now? When you asked Xinda to come to find my sister, weren't you very bold?

When Chen Heng heard this, he turned around and looked behind him. Only then did Xinda realize that the secrets he had done had been accidentally leaked by the unscrupulous young master of the Xue family. When Chen Heng asked him to take the letter to Yangzhou to invite people, Director Zhao recommended Baoqin at that time. Said that no one can handle this except her. Because Xinda didn't want to delay his second brother's divorce, he sneaked into Xue's house to discuss countermeasures with Xue Biao under the guise of delivering a letter to Xue Biao.

Giving Xinda a look that said, Be careful when you go back. Chen Heng couldn't help but think wildly: If that's the case, why didn't Uncle Xue say anything to him?

Chen Heng asked this question to Xue Biao, who couldn't figure it out either. He just explained: I guess the business of the store is not bad, and the previous academic administrator left Yangzhou again. My father has been in a better mood recently, which is normal.

In this regard, Chen Heng decided not to comment too much, but to take one step at a time before speaking.

…………

…………

Accompanying the Xue family to the inn where they were staying, Chen Heng did not stay long. Once the Xue family is reunited, talking is indispensable. Secondly, I have something to do with the Lin family and I need to go back by myself. Chen Heng made an appointment with Xue Biao to meet again on another day, so Chen Heng paid no attention to them and the congratulatory gifts that came with them.

Riding light and fast horses all the way, Chen Heng led Xinda back to Lin Mansion. It was lunch time at home, because I was thinking of going to Jia's house for a banquet in the evening. Jia Min didn't ask the chef to prepare any heavy dishes, but only picked some light flavors to prevent everyone from losing their appetite at night.

When Daiyu saw Chen Heng rushing back, she was a little surprised and a little surprised. She hurriedly asked in a low voice: Brother Xue family didn't leave you to eat?

The two elders were talking about Lin Jue. Seeing that they had no time to pay attention, Chen Heng also turned sideways and responded in a low voice: They eat as a family, so it's not troublesome for me to have one more person.

That's the truth. Daiyu nodded and told Chen Heng that it was rare for him to come to the capital. When we go out to play tomorrow and the day after tomorrow, remember to call the Xue brothers and sisters together.

Okay, I saved it. Chen Heng responded happily. Lin Ruhai saw his obedient look, and a faint sneer flashed in his heart. This is what your kid will do when he gets married.

Are all the birthday gifts prepared by the people of Yangzhou at the Xue family? Lin Ruhai asked aloud.

Yes. Chen Heng stopped his chopsticks and replied, I guess it will be sent to the palace tomorrow or the day after. Chen Heng did not ask any more questions about this matter. Xue Ai used to be an imperial merchant, and he didn't know the way to deliver gifts to the palace, even Master Chen and Lin, together, were not as clear as the other party.

Seeing Lin Ruhai, she wanted to ask more questions, Dad, you are still eating. Lin Daiyu protested in a low voice, how could anyone ask about things while eating.

Lin Ruhai is also angry, oh? You are only allowed to hold Heng'er and talk, but I am not allowed to ask a few questions.

Hahaha, it's okay. Chen Heng hurriedly smoothed things over. Jia Min looked at the father and daughter and smiled secretly, saying: After dinner, we are going to see your grandmother. Remember to change into some nicer clothes.

It was rare for Chen Heng to have a day off, and Lin Daiyu didn't want to go. As a result, several relatives came to the Jia family, and the old lady said that she had been tired recently and often felt unwell.

Jia Min had no choice but to ask someone to tell Chen Heng in the morning that he would accompany him back to Jia's mansion in the afternoon. Getting rid of Chen Heng is equivalent to getting rid of Daiyu. Jia Min told Daiyu about this, and Daiyu nodded in agreement.

After the family had eaten and tidied up briefly, they got into the carriage from the door. It was the same two cars as before. Lin Jue learned the lesson and squeezed into a car with his father and brother instead of leaning towards his sister.

After arriving at Jia's Mansion, their family got out of the car and felt that Jia's Mansion was a little different today. There were four or five carriages parked at the door, and it looked like a big battle. I don't know who the distinguished guest is in front of me, so people can't help but guess.

Lin Ruhai frowned when he saw this scene. Jia Min was even more surprised. She thought it was just an ordinary family dinner. But it is no longer appropriate to turn around and walk away now. The couple looked at each other, didn't say much, and just darkened their faces in tacit understanding.

The two leading elders both had the same expression. How could Chen Heng and Dai Yu not see something different? Lin Jue is still ignorant and feels that everything is fresh and interesting.

Chen Heng saw the stupid look of his younger brother and quickly gave Daiyu a look. Sister Lin understood, walked to Lin Jue, and gave him a squeeze. The latter was quite smart. Although he was in pain, he didn't scream. He only turned his head and looked at his sister in confusion.

Daiyu didn't say a word, she just winked at her parents. Lin Jue saw it and understood immediately. He straightened up his expression immediately, pretending to be harmless to humans and animals, and followed closely behind Chen Heng.

Brother, you have to protect me.

Shhh.

Lin Ruhai led the family up the steps, and Jia She had already led several people out to greet them. Chen Heng looked again, but only recognized Jia Lian, Jia Baoyu and Xue Pan. There were two other teenagers who I really couldn't recognize, they just didn't look very friendly.

Brother-in-law, I'm just waiting for your family. Jia She came up with a very affectionate tone.

Lin Ruhai smiled faintly. He didn't recognize the two juniors who suddenly appeared, so he simply took a second look. The two of them were also smart, and they immediately understood Lin Ruhai's eyes, Uncle Lin, this is Wang Ren, and this is my younger brother Wang Yi.

His surname was Wang. Lin Ruhai smiled again and nodded without replying to these two boys. If a second-grade official wants to show off, he has to accept it.

Jia Lian smiled and said, Dad, if you have anything to say, let's wait until my uncle's family comes in. The old lady has been talking about her younger brothers and sisters since she woke up this morning. She has been counting the hours this day.

Jia She just smiled and said: That's right, brother-in-law, please come with me to see your mother.

As everyone entered, there was not much chatter on the way. Jia Lian said cheerfully, saying that a few more relatives came to the house, including Li Wen and Li Qi from the second sister-in-law's family. There is Mrs. Dafang’s natal relative and her daughter Xing Xiuyan. Old Mrs. Jia likes to be lively, and she deliberately wants everyone to bump into each other, so that they will not know each other if they meet on the road in the future.

Chen Heng listened carefully and thought to himself that if Xue Biao hadn't done it because of him, the two of them might have met here for the first time today.

With a little more emotion in his heart, Chen Heng followed everyone and walked into Jia's house again. Wu pressed through the crowd and rushed directly to Rongqing Hall. First they saw Mrs. Jia sitting high up, and then a group of juniors came up to discuss the order of teeth.

Mrs. Jia was most happy to see her precious daughter and granddaughter come together. She didn't care about the men saying goodbye and left. She just took Jia Min and Daiyu and introduced Li Wen, Li Qi and Xing Xiuyan.

…………

…………

What happened next was unclear after Chen Heng left. He just followed Lin Ruhai all the way to the Hall of Rongxi, where he met Wang Ziteng, whom he had met once before.

The latter has been very leisurely recently. Today he only wore unassuming regular clothes. When he saw Jia She leading Lin Ruhai in, he had already stood up and said with a smile: It's a coincidence today. I didn't expect to meet Brother Lin. It's really great. fate.

Brother Wang, you're welcome. I just met him in Linjing Hall yesterday. Lin Ruhai smiled faintly, her tone sounded like a joke, and it was difficult for people to think carefully.

Wang Ziteng raised his eyebrows, glanced at Chen Heng very gracefully, and said with a smile: Is this your favorite disciple? I always feel that he looks familiar.

Seeing Wang Ziteng's surprised look, Chen Heng was also secretly surprised. They had met each other before during the duel in Linjing Hall. He didn't know why Wang Ziteng meant to say they looked familiar. Chen Heng was in Shenzhou that day. Although he was with Li An, he was more like a follower. He didn't expect that Wang Ziteng would also write it down.

He didn't know how to act properly, so he just followed Lin Ruhai and showed a smile that was neither too far nor too close. This Wang Ziteng had a very good memory. He remembered it immediately and said immediately: Are you an official who went to Shenzhou with Prince Zhongshun?

That's right. Chen Heng bowed politely.

In fact, Wang Ziteng had known about Chen Heng's origins for a long time, but today was the first time they met in private, so he deliberately talked about Chen Heng. Sure enough, Wang Ziteng grabbed Qiao and said a few words, You are to be feared later in life. Then, under Jia She's guidance, he and Lin Ruhai sat on the left and right sides.

This scene is a bit funny. As the host, Jia She felt like he was sitting on pins and needles in the hall. Below is a first-grade nobleman, and a second-grade civil servant. The two of them picked up the tea cups together and began to swallow slowly in tacit understanding. Behind them are another group of juniors from various families. Chen Heng and Jia Lian sat closely behind, leading others to act as guests.

It was already very difficult for Jia She to chat with someone. How could he resist when Zhu Lin and Wang arrived at the same time? Jia Lian was also weak and couldn't exert his energy. He said a lot of words, and the two of them responded in a moderate way.

That's all, Jia Lian thought, he couldn't get in front of these two Bodhisattvas. Let dad worry about his worries. Although he is not familiar with court affairs, he knows how to deal with the world. The uncle saw that he was waiting for the uncle. If these two people got into a fight, it would be difficult to help anyone, so he had better retreat quickly.

Jia Lian glanced at Baoyu. He was the best to speak to this demon king here, so he just happened to lend him a head. Baoyu understood the idea and stood up and said that he would take his peers out to play.

Wang Ziteng, who was ready to discuss the matter, naturally agreed quickly and told Wang Ren and Wang Yi to be more careful. When Baoyu was about to lead everyone out to leave space for Wang and Lin, Wang Yi suddenly pointed at Chen Heng, who was still sitting upright, and said, Brother, won't you come with us?

Wang Yi is smart and knows that Wang Ziteng must have official affairs when he blocks Lin Ruhai in private. These two are talking about serious things, and you, a young boy, are standing next to you. How unsightly are you?

Hearing the impatient tone of the other party, Chen Hengsha smiled and didn't wait to speak. Wang Ziteng already said: Don't be rude, Chi Xing is already an official of the imperial court, and is on duty in the Sixth Section. Yi'er, do you think everyone is as careless as you? He paused and said, From now on, when you see Chi Xing, you will either call me brother or Master Chen.

Wang Yi felt deeply humiliated after being scolded by his own father. He took another look at Chen Heng who was calm and composed. The latter didn't even look at him seriously. He only looked at Lin Ruhai beside him and said, The person in front is a little tired. Teacher, I want to sit down and take a rest.

As the saying goes, when a father and his son go into battle, they fight like brothers. At this time, leave Uncle Lin here alone. Wasn’t that Lin Ruhai’s teachings in vain?

Lin Ruhai was deeply relieved, curled up his lips, and said to Chen Heng affectionately: If you don't want to move, just sit down and accompany me. He then told Lin Jue, Go and have fun with your cousin.

Oh. Lin Jue got the order and stood up cautiously.

Today is Monday Syndrome, so I’ll write 6,000 words to get my meaning. Brothers, watch it first and ask for your votes. Tomorrow is the last day of the month. Let me see if I can write 8,000 words, hahahahahaha. Thanks in advance.