The Bookish Scholar of the Red Mansion

From the Yamen of Liuke to Linjing Hall, you must pass through Fengtian Square. It has been more than two hundred years since the Ming Dynasty Emperor Chengzu moved the capital to the capital, and the majestic palace city was built. As a giant structure that can be ranked at the forefront in the entire history, Fengtian Palace stands in the vast palace city. It is enough to be said to be in the center of the world, and you can see the tranquility in all directions.

Needless to say, there is no need to talk about the aesthetics of the predecessors. When you pass by Fengtian Temple, you only need to take a peek and you will be shocked by its magnificence. The golden light pours down at noon. There are carved jade pillars on the hall and bright pearl couplets on the walls. In front of the hall, the rainbow is flying, the clouds are embracing, and the golden water is melting. Nothing is beautiful and nothing is strange.

When you are in it, you can not only feel the heritage of the ancient country, but also discover the aesthetics of the Chinese people. Some things are the inherent wealth of the people living on this land. Chen Heng glanced at Fengtian Palace lustfully, followed closely behind the eunuch, and walked into Linjing Palace with Fu Qingyuan.

There were many people in the hall, mostly officials from the Ministry of Rites, Military Affairs, and Household Affairs. In addition to the chiefs of the three departments, Gu Zaiyong, Wang Ziteng and others were seated here.

When Chen Heng and Fu Qingyuan came in, Yao Ziran happened to see them and winked and nodded at them. Chen and Fu stepped forward and bowed, then stood aside politely and continued to listen to the big bosses' meeting.

Listening to their words, the newly arrived two people gradually figured out the whole story. It turns out that the British sent a message through the officials of Honglu Temple, hoping to establish closer business ties with Dayong.

At first glance, this sounds like an ordinary thing. In previous years, caravans from various countries often went to Suzhou, Hangzhou, Guangzhou and other places to purchase. Foreign businessmen who come here enthusiastically with capital are also an important part of the national finance.

But this time, the British suddenly made a request for the exclusive purchase rights of Yangzhou's future. They are so embarrassed to say that they actually want to achieve a June 4th cooperation model without spending any money, just by blowing rainbow farts to the country.

Chen Heng found it unbelievable and even more furious. Just because the officials in the imperial court felt that this matter had great potential. First of all, the foreign trade in Qiupu Street has not yet been expanded and there is no improvement. This time, letting the British come forward to do it for them not only saves labor costs, but also does not have to bear the risks of shipping. Let the latter come forward on his behalf and communicate with other businessmen, and it will be even more wonderful to sit back and enjoy the success.

Secondly, the two countries have had diplomatic relations for a long time, and this time the barbarian envoy spoke sincerely. He also promised that even if the cargo ship capsized at sea, he would pay for Dayong's losses out of his own pocket. His attitude was full of sincerity. In addition, the British people have been indispensable in paying tribute and congratulations in recent years. Taking into account the dignity of both countries, the officials headed by Gu Zaiyong were inclined to agree.

Chen Heng felt dizzy and speechless as he listened to them repeating words such as the country is dignified, the two countries have had deep relations for a long time, and the heart of the barbarian country is toward the heaven.

But he knew that just sulking would not help. Directly speaking out against it at this time will ruin your excuse for intervening in the future. I had no choice but to hold back my temper, secretly remember the adults' words in my heart, and think about my own countermeasures.

If Li Zhi could specifically call him to come, he would have to play the right match in private. The key is how to convince His Majesty and what His Majesty thinks. After all, national affairs depend on Li Zhi's thoughts. Chen Heng was like a calm hunter, dormant quietly in the palace.

The ministers talked for about half an hour and gradually showed signs of reaching agreement. Li Zhi's mentality is the funniest thing to say. In fact, he didn't care about the British people's thoughts and intentions. Instead, he cared more about the performance of the ministers.

Perhaps it was due to his own rebellious thoughts that he was not in the right position. When Li Zhi saw the civil servants reaching a consensus, he always used some imperial tricks and wanted to show the fact that he was the emperor all the time.

Having this kind of thought is something I have to hold back over time. Li Zhi deliberately suppressed the matter and discussed it in the long term. Naturally, the civil servants would not object, and only a few of them guessed what Li Zhi was thinking, knowing that His Majesty did not want to see a tacit understanding among the civil servants.

Heart ailments still need heart medicine. Even if the emperor takes off his dragon robe, he is just an ordinary person eating whole grains. Those who guessed Li Zhi's idea did not want to waste time on the affairs of the British people, and it would not affect their promotion and wealth.

When everyone stood up to leave, Chen Heng silently fell behind the team, eager to attract Li Zhi's attention. But when he stepped out of the palace gate, Li Zhi didn't say anything to save anyone. After walking a dozen steps outside the palace and scattering with his colleagues, Chen Heng was caught up by the eunuchs and called back into the palace.

His Majesty.

Entering the palace again, Chen Heng bowed to Fu Qingyuan, and when he stood up, he saw Li Zhi's tired look. The latter waved his hand, indicating that the two ministers did not need to be polite, and said straight to the point: Chen Qing, you and Lin Qing are closely involved in the affairs of Yangzhou. What do you think of this matter?

This is the advantage of the six subjects compared to the Hanlin Academy. Compared with Hanlin, who is devoted to literary affairs, the Sixth Section obviously has more say in practical matters.

When Chen Heng heard this, he immediately bowed and said, Your Majesty, please forgive me for my rudeness.

As soon as Li Zhi heard this, he knew that his minister had different ideas. He immediately said happily: Yes.

Your Majesty, I sincerely invite you. I wonder what your Majesty wants? Questions are always the best way to attack people's minds, and they are also the best way to stimulate other people's thoughts. After Chen Heng finished speaking, he held his breath and lowered his head, and immediately bowed his head to apologize for being rude.

Li Zhi frowned slightly. What this boy Chen Heng said was unbecoming of an official. But seeing the respectful expression on the young man's face, he didn't think much about it. He just said: You continue to talk.

Chen Hengtu saw it and said: When I was among the people, I often heard the principle of shopping around. Tomorrow and the next day, the envoys of Hongmao Fan and Franji will come to the palace to congratulate you. Your Majesty, you might as well ask the officials of Honglu Temple to Reveal this to them. Let’s see their reactions, and your Majesty will understand clearly.”

He thought about it for a long time in the palace, and felt that no matter what method he used, it would be difficult for him to argue with the superior officials in terms of justice. In this case, we might as well muddy the situation and get Hongmaofan and Franji into the water together. As long as the latter knew what the British were thinking, Chen Heng did not believe that they would not come out to disrupt the situation.

You must know that today's Britain has just finished the battle for maritime supremacy with the Francons, and is now competing with the Red Haired Fans for maritime trade. Calculating the time, it should be not long after the Second Anglo-Dutch Naval Battle that I learned about in high school textbooks.

With such hatred, Chen Heng did not believe that they would sit back and watch the British monopolize Dayong's trade, leaving himself at a disadvantage in this ocean battle.

Li Zhi didn't think otherwise, he was just interested in different opinions. The emperor, who firmly believed that listening and listening would lead to enlightenment, aspired to achieve great achievements that were not inferior to those of the Wu and Tang sects of the Han Dynasty.

Seeing that Li Zhi immediately agreed to the matter, Chen Heng knew that the matter had been completed. Some things seem complicated and difficult, but as long as you step out of the immediate situation and stand from an outsider's perspective, it will be much easier to deal with.

Returning to the Yamen with Fu Qingyuan, Chen Heng sat down leisurely. His position was in the corner, a little far away from the window, but facing the Fengtian Temple.

The ancient palace seems to be a giant that has walked through the long river of time, standing quietly on the earth.

Chen Heng didn't say much, he just silently withdrew his gaze and buried his head in the file.

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That night, Chen Heng returned home and did not forget to see Daiyu. The family had just finished eating, and my sister had already taken the initiative to lead Zicuckoo to the door.

I also said that I would go see you after taking a rest. Chen Heng's sudden visit to Daiyu was a bit unexpected, but very pleasantly surprised.

While eating, I saw that my brother was worried. Daiyu chuckled and asked with concern, But did you encounter something difficult in the palace today?

The beauty wanted to resolve it, but with such tenderness, how could Chen Heng not be moved by it. He hurriedly led Daiyu to his seat, took the initiative to pour tea, and gave a cup to his sister. He then said: It's not difficult, I just feel that fate is really wonderful.

Seeing Daiyu's expression of curiosity, Chen Heng told her what happened during the day. The two of them are both smart and have a relationship that will help each other in the future. Chen Heng spoke in detail, and also pointed out some of the difficulties that were difficult to disclose to outsiders.

Lin Daiyu has been listening silently. She also has deep feelings for Yangzhou. When she heard that the British people wanted to help the Yangzhou people do business, she was very happy.

But after listening to Chen Heng explain the cause and effect, she couldn't help but exclaimed: Brother, are you worried that the British will use the power of Yong to dominate overseas?

Yes and no. Chen Heng smiled and expressed his worries again. Nowadays, Dayong is struggling internally and externally, and there is really no time to covet the sea. If you take too big steps, you will really pull your balls.

But if the British are allowed to take over the resources at sea too easily. In the future, when Dayong calms down and then thinks about freeing up his hands to deploy at sea, he will inevitably miss the best opportunity.

The competition between countries has always been a good place for alliances. Dayong has a vast territory, several times the size of Britain. Although there is no dominant naval force at the moment, the hard work of tens of millions of people within the territory makes Dayong enough to become a force that affects the world's current situation.

Su embroidery, Hangzhou embroidery, Shu embroidery, Yang embroidery, Ru kiln, Guan kiln, Ge kiln, etc. are all worth the hard currency. The people of foreign countries all look up to the grace of the Celestial Empire and seek for a treasure but cannot get it.

With so many treasures in hand, as long as they are used properly, they will not only benefit the country and the people, but also strengthen the country and the people. Chen Heng was really unwilling to let the British people get the opportunity in vain.

Brother, are you worried that the British people will become enemies of Dayong in the future? Daiyu is really smart. She can hear Chen Heng's worries from just a few words.

It's hard for Chen Heng to explain this kind of future thing clearly. He just said indifferently: How can your wealth and life be tied to other people's thoughts?

Daiyu immediately understood what her brother was thinking. She put herself in his shoes and felt even more regretful: But when it comes to the court, my brother's remarks must be ignored and there are only a few like-minded people.

If given the choice, Chen Heng would not want to be a lonely traveler. But he finally came to this world and learned this skill. In the future, I will get married and start a business here, and my children will be born and raised here.

In this case, then be a bell-ringer who goes forward without hesitation. Chen Heng smiled and said in an unusually hearty and open tone: Let's do our best.

It may be the perseverance of Foolish Old Man who moved mountains, or the overconfidence of Jingwei's ability to fill the sea. Some things must be done before you can feel guilty.

Chen Heng thought this in his heart, and the smile on his face became more magnanimous, which made Daiyu look even more attracted to him.

If her brother were discouraged by this incident, he would lose his grace. If you only know how to talk, it will make people feel more frivolous. This is the only thing that Daiyu can't help but like about her.

A conversation with his sister not only relieved Chen Heng's worries, but also helped him gradually clarify his thoughts. He thought about how to deal with it tomorrow and then turned his attention to the unfinished business yesterday.

Sister, have you written down your tips? he asked with a smile.

This guy, why does the subject change whenever it changes? Daiyu couldn't help but blush, nodded again, and then silently took out the kit. Chen Heng took this thing and was about to explain the matter clearly first. The latter didn't want to hear words that made people blush. He just stretched out his hand and stopped it on the other person's lips.

Brother, let's open the bag first.

Seeing his sister looking so embarrassed but eager to speak, Chen Heng felt weird in his heart. Following the beauty's wishes, he lowered his head to open the brocade bag and took out a folded white paper. Chen Heng opened it and saw a pair of birds flying side by side on the paper.

He laughed quickly and said, Okay, okay, now I owe my sister something.

Why, brother is unwilling? Daiyu pursed her lips and turned her head arrogantly.

How could Chen Heng agree to this? He even smiled and said: Don't say just one thing, I can promise my sister ten or a hundred things.

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The day after tomorrow, Chen Heng spent half a day in the yamen. Before even finishing the food sent by the palace, Fu Qingyuan ran to his table happily and said, Zhi Xing, you really hit the mark.

What? What did Chi Xing guess? The colleagues nearby gathered around him. Everyone was wondering: There hasn't been any major events in the palace recently, so why should Fu Qingyuan be so happy?

It's the envoy from the Red Kingdom! I heard that they are dragging the Franco people to quarrel with the British people in front of the emperor. Fu Qingyuan laughed, There is a lot of quarrel in the Fengtian Palace. The Ministry of Rites and Hong Kong All the officials of Lu Temple are gone.

They are not qualified to go to court to meet with foreign envoys. I can only hang around here, make noises, and entertain myself. Chen Heng couldn't help but put down his chopsticks. He was only half full after eating, but he had lost his appetite. Thinking that Li Zhi would call him in soon, he decided to eat only as much as possible to avoid being too full and becoming sluggish.

After waiting in this way until Shen Shi, Li Zhi ordered someone to summon Chen Heng to the pavilion in the imperial garden. The weather has cooled down significantly in the past few days. When Chen Heng arrived, he saw that Li Zhi was still wearing single clothes and couldn't help but express some concern for Li Zhi's health.

My health is very good. Li Zhi smiled happily, probably recalling the scene in Fengtian Palace today, and he said excitedly to his ministers, Chen Qing, you really should see what they look like as the envoys of the Three Kingdoms.

Maybe he thought this scene was too interesting. Li Zhi also asked Xia Shouzhong to come forward and explain it to Chen Heng. I heard that Hong Maofan was willing to offer one million taels of silver in exchange for the purchase rights of Yangzhou for the next five years. Chen Heng also frowned. These Dutch people seemed to be doing business.

But after hearing it again, the other party agreed to pay in installments. Chen Heng couldn't help but laugh again, good guy, he still tried to deceive Dayong officials as fools.

After Xia Shouzhong finished speaking, Li Zhi couldn't wait to ask Chen Heng what he meant. Now, he already trusts the other party's judgment on this matter. Chen Heng's words caused the envoys from the Three Kingdoms to make a fuss. How could Li Zhi continue to ignore his favorite ministers before ordering people to invite the envoys from various countries back to Honglu Temple? He couldn't wait to call Chen Heng to report.

Your Majesty, please forgive me for having the courage to ask again. What does Your Majesty want?

Because there was precedent, Li Zhi began to seriously think about the implication of Chen Heng's words this time. He has been in battle for a long time, and now all the preparations of the Yong Dynasty are to prepare for the decisive battle with Jianguo. This enemy is Dayong's confidant. If it is not defeated, the country will be unrest.

Li Zhi narrowed his eyes, looked at Chen Heng who was bowing and said, Get up. Chi Xing, who do you think among them can be our help?

Your Majesty. Chen Heng said in a clear and clear tone, like a crane in the wind, I would like to request a general map of the world under the Ministry of War.

There is no need to trouble the Ministry of War. Li Zhi immediately said to Xia Shouzhong, Order someone to go to the imperial study. He thought about something, and then paused, Call the prince here too.

Yes. Xia Shouzhong got the order and ran out of the pavilion. After a long time, Map and the prince came to the pavilion together. What's surprising is that the grandson, whom he hasn't seen for a long time, is also here. Li Zhi laughed and scolded this boy for not studying hard, and ordered his children and grandchildren to sit beside him, and said to Chen Heng: If Chen Qing wants to say something, just say it. Only a few of us know what happened today.

As soon as Xia Shouzhong heard this, he took a few steps out of the pavilion and ordered the palace guards everywhere to step back a dozen steps. Chen Heng took a deep breath, stood in front of his grandfather and grandson, pointed to a certain place on the map held by the palace servant, and said: Your Majesty, this is Britain.

Chen Heng glanced around the pavilion and saw that the food box he used to play chess with Li Zhi was still on the stone table. He took out a sunspot and placed it on it, marking the locations of Fran Ji and Hong Mao Fan.

This map is a secret between the DPRK and China. Looking at the world, there are only a few people who can see it. This was the first time Li Jun saw it, and when he learned about the fighting relationship between the three families from Chen Heng, he couldn't help but say it was wonderful.

It was also the first time that Li Zhi heard how the British defeated the Francons, and now he was deeply involved in the battle between the French and French. He has led troops and even fought in battles himself. How could I not know how to take advantage of the contradictory relationship inside? I was blinded by the glory of the heavenly kingdom before.

At this moment, Chen Heng made it clear in a few words, and Li Zhi became even more interested and asked: Chen Qing, who do you think is more suitable for us to win over?

This is good for people who have been soldiers. Speak simply and directly. It is not easy to be bound by red tape, and it saves Chen Heng the effort of persuasion. The latter immediately said: Hong Mao Fan.

Before Li Zhi could ask, Chen Heng took the initiative to explain: Now that the British are powerful, our help is just the icing on the cake. If he is to be Dayong's helper, he must win over and persuade. The exchange of host and guest will inevitably lead to being dependent on others and being controlled by others.

Hearing this, Li Zhi nodded secretly. You really can't afford to shame that person by asking him to lose face.

What's more, we have to hand over the benefits of Yangzhou. With this help, Britain will become more powerful and will become a big trouble. By then, the ships on the sea will come and go like the wind. Both advance and retreat are in the hands of the enemy. If they are passive, they will inevitably fall into a disadvantage.

The Hong Mao Fan has lost two battles now and is in need of strong support. Chen Heng paused. With our help, he has room to continue fighting with the Britons, and it also intensifies the conflicts between them. Britannia. People will never sit back and watch the red-haired fan come back to life. The two countries are at war with each other, so the red-haired fan will not have two minds.

Li Xiandao: Master Chen, according to what you said before. The red-haired fan country is small. If it is still defeated in the end, wouldn't it mean that Dayong and Britain would become enemies.

Frankly speaking, such concerns are correct. But between countries, if they only want to take care of themselves, it is not impossible for the two countries to help each other. But the first premise is that the sword in your hand must be sharp enough.

Chen Heng said in a deep voice: Your Highness is right to worry. Just wait until the British defeat the Red-haired Fan and dominate the world. Who will its next opponent be?

Li Xian was immediately at a loss for words. He was still just the crown prince, and he would not use his own future and reputation to vouch for the British until he had made a decision on major national affairs.

Li Zhi wanted to be famous and go down in history. When he heard this, he immediately said angrily: How can we allow others to sleep peacefully on the side of the bed? There is no need to say more about this matter. Chen Qing, when you get back, write a note and submit it tomorrow.

The reason why Li Zhi decided so quickly was because there was a red-haired fan willing to spend one million taels. Hong Maofan, an old thief, may not really want to accomplish this. But they will not allow the British to benefit. They cannot afford such a price.

The Hongmao fan offered one million taels as soon as he opened his mouth, allowing Li Zhi to see a wider room for negotiation. He needs money, his Yong needs money, and his soldiers and horses need money even more.

I'm late, hahahaha, brothers, don't blame me, I have a lot of work to do at the beginning of the month. Tomorrow Monday, a little adjustment. The outbreak began on Tuesday.