The Bookish Scholar of the Red Mansion

Because of Li Zhi's words, when Chen Heng left the palace today, he was holding a batch of files urgently transferred from Honglu Temple. Most of them contain records of Dayong's interactions with Britain, Hongmaofan and other countries after the founding of the country.

The imperial court lacked professional research talents in this area, and most officials' understanding of the Western Fan was still limited to the inherent impression of barbarians. This is no one’s fault. The image of a great nation from all over the world has been rooted in the memory of Chinese people since the Tang Dynasty.

People in this land have been born hearing the oral traditions passed down by their ancestors. Asking them to bother asking about poor people living far apart would be more satisfying than burying their heads in reading a few more books by sages.

Xinda, who was waiting outside Daming Gate, was surprised to see his second brother coming out with so many things. After he stepped forward to help take over the case, he asked: What kind of errand has the second brother taken on?

After all, it was inconvenient to talk here, so Chen Heng smiled and said perfunctorily, We'll talk about it when we get home. As soon as the two of them packed their things, Chen Heng saw a very familiar horseman driving a carriage under the archway. He took a few more glances and immediately recognized him as a servant of the Xue family, but he couldn't remember his name.

Chen Heng stepped forward slowly, but the other party recognized Chen Heng. He immediately jumped off the carriage and raised his hands: Master Chen, what a coincidence that I can meet you here.

Chen Heng nodded and asked, But Uncle Xue and Brother Xue went to the palace to handle business?

Young Master Chen, you are not our master. The man laughed and explained, It is our wife and young lady who were fortunate enough to receive the imperial edict from the palace empress and were able to enter the palace today to see you.

It's the Queen. Chen Heng nodded. He knew that it was time for him to ask for a reward for Bao Qin, and he had an idea.

I started worrying about things in August or September, but I only got the chance to meet today. Chen Heng laughed secretly in his heart and didn't say much on his face. He only glanced at Xinda and told him to drive and wait in the distance. Today there was such a coincidence that he had something to trouble his second brother.

Not long after waiting under the archway of the palace gate, Chen Heng saw two mothers and daughters in gorgeous clothes walking from a distance. When the other person got closer, Chen Heng immediately recognized him as his second brother who rarely wore women's clothing.

It’s been a long time since I’ve seen Baoqin like this. Wearing a crown of gold and jade hairpins, one inch of the eyebrows are dotted with flower buds, shaped like plum blossoms. Wearing a blue sky-colored costume, pale pink ribbons hung on both sides like flowing clouds. Her hands are clasped, and her thin white wrists are adorned with jade and gold bracelets.

The girl's steps are graceful and smokey, like the most graceful peony flower under the bright sun.

Even Chen Heng didn't dare to look at such a breathtaking beauty. He only dared to glance at it and lowered his gaze to his toes. Just waiting for the other party to come forward and shout with a slight smile. Brother.

Such a call was funny. Chen Heng shook his head lightly, then raised his head to look at Fan and Bao Qin, and saluted: Hello, aunt, second... hello, sister of the Xue family.

It was so dangerous, I almost said second brother and had to shout out. Chen Heng looked a little guilty in Bao Qin's playful gaze. However, Mrs. Fan looked at Chen Heng again and again. At such an age, he was already wearing a blue robe. It was really hard not to admire and envy him.

It's a coincidence that I can meet you here. Fan laughed and chatted with Chen Heng, a junior, for a few words before boarding the car. At the end of her words, she looked at her daughter again and signaled the other party to talk about things quickly and don't forget that they had to go home in a hurry.

This Fan thought that Chen Heng and others were here because of Bao Qin's invitation. Because she had just received a reward from the palace, the lady was in a very transcendent mood. He also knew that what happened today was Chen Heng's request for the Xue family, and he didn't want to let the other party lose face in person.

Seeing that the elder got into the car first, Bao Qin smiled, squinted his eyes, and looked at Chen Heng. Brother, I'm waiting here specially. I'm afraid he has something important to do.

There are indeed two. Chen Heng nodded. The sunset shone from behind him, clearly illuminating Baoqin's appearance. As soon as he came up, he just talked about things. After all, it was too businesslike. He first changed his words, What reward did Sister Xue receive from the empress?

Bao Qin smiled and said, Fortunately, I have been praised by the empress, and now my sister is also a businessman according to the order.

Chen Heng was overjoyed: Is this true?!

Seeing his sincerely happy look, Bao Qin was moved and said, How can you tell a lie? Your Majesty said that at my age, I can take care of my father's worries and do some good things for the people of Yangzhou. It's really rare. I specially gave him this gift. He gave me an imperial edict. From now on, if I get tired of wearing men's clothes and change my clothes and go out, no one else will dare to say anything.

Hahaha, okay, okay. Chen Heng's laughter never stopped. With this decree, Baoqin's future situation will definitely be much better than before. After all, not all state capitals in the world are as open and tolerant to women going out as Yangzhou.

Brother hasn't said anything about himself yet. Joy flashed through his heart, Bao Qin blinked and looked at the person in front of him with his eyebrows stretched.

Sister Xue, do you know that there are several famous firms and merchants in the capital now?

Seeing Chen Heng asking about this, Xue Baoqin thought for a moment and said: There are people from the Cao family in Shanxi merchants, the Wang family in Huizhou, and the Wang family. Why do you ask me this?

It may be useful in a few days... Chen Heng thought for a moment and then said, If Sister Xue is free, you might as well bring a message to them for me. If you can call a few more people from Guangdong and Fujian merchants, , it’s the best.”

This is a small matter. I will help eldest brother deliver the message when I get back. Bao Qin nodded and smiled. She was now very outgoing and asked directly, What good things do eldest brother have at hand? Don't forget us old friends in Yangzhou. One side is water and one side is music, and we are close relatives after leaving our hometown.

As expected of people who are doing business everywhere, they always talk in the same way, making people unable to reject them.

It's hard to say right now. Chen Heng shook his head and smiled again, Maybe I'll make you work in vain.

It doesn't matter. Bao Qin waved his hand proudly and winked mischievously, You won't know until you play a few shots whether it's a jujube or not. Let me first thank Mr. Chen on behalf of my father and fellow villagers.

Go, go. Chen Heng also waved his hand, turning a deaf ear to Bao Qin's joke, and said hurriedly, If you are free tonight, please ask Sister Xue to ask someone to send me the newly made fabrics from Yangzhou.

Okay. Baoqin agreed simply, with a bright and hearty smile on his face.

It was soon time for the officials to leave the office. Chen Heng hurriedly explained a few words and hurriedly asked Bao Qin to get in the car and go ahead.

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After returning home with Xinda, Chen Heng took him and Daiyu to help him organize the files of Honglu Temple. These things are not confidential matters, and Honglu Temple doesn't even bother to prepare copies. When Chen Heng asked for it, he threw the original scroll over without worrying about it being worn or lost.

When I opened the file and looked at it, the most visible content was the record of envoys from various parties who could receive gold, silver, silk and satin from the imperial court by paying random tributes. The number of them was so large that the three of them looked at them with pity.

It's simply unreasonable. The Zhenzhen Kingdom only paid tribute to ivory and rhinoceros horns, so they gave them ten thousand taels of gold and silver and five thousand pieces of palace cloth. Daiyu is not a person who doesn't eat the fireworks of the world. After seeing such a record, , it is really a pity and lamentable.

Who told the superior not to be a family member and not to know that oil and rice are expensive? Everything is a matter of honor for the Heavenly Kingdom. Chen Heng also shook his head after hearing this, and could only say: This is the custom, sister, please don't be angry.

Just as he was talking, Zicuckoo had already come in carrying a food box. Jia Min knew that these people were busy with business, so he specially asked someone to prepare some side dishes for them, which also saved Chen Heng from having to go out again.

The three of them had just finished dinner when Bao Qin came over to visit. When the two beauties met, it was natural that they couldn't stop talking. Bao Qin heard what Chen Heng was busy with and volunteered to stay to help.

With the extra free labor, the work obviously speeds up a lot. Before Xu Shi arrived, the information was almost sorted. After thanking Er Mei for his help, after they got up and left, Chen Heng locked himself in the study again, thinking about the cloth and copywriting sent by Bao Qin.

That night, the lights in his room stayed on until court time. Chen Heng, who finally finished writing the memorial, stood in front of the study window and saw the misty sky in the east, feeling a sudden sense of relief and joy in his heart.

Second brother, drink this cup of ginseng tea first, and then go to court. Xinda came in with a bowl, urging his brother to hurry up.

When did you have such meticulous thoughts? Chen Heng turned sideways and looked back. He saw Xinda running out the door in a hurry. He didn't pay attention to what the other party was doing. He didn't expect that he was getting this thing for himself.

Xinda smiled and explained: How can I have such thoughts? Miss Lin ordered someone to prepare it last night. The second brother must not thank the wrong good person and let the younger brother accept this favor in vain.

Just talkative.

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There is no court meeting in the palace today, but the envoys from the three countries have repeatedly stated that they want to see them. Li Zhi had no choice but to appoint a few important officials to accompany him and watch them bickering in the Fengtian Palace.

Chen Heng was sitting in the Yamen, and he was summoned by Li Zhi only after he was sitting there. This time the location was changed to Linjing Hall. After Chen Heng handed over the documents he made last night, he quietly waited there. Li Zhi, the emperor, looked at it again and again before asking in confusion: Chen Qing, according to your method, you can really escape from the hands of the red-haired fan...

Probably because I felt that those three words were really unpleasant to say. Li Zhi stopped talking here, but Chen Heng understood it and said: It's just a matter of words. You won't know if it works until you try it. Your Majesty, please allow me to do it easily.

Indeed, you won’t suffer any loss if you try it. Li Zhi nodded, agreeing to the minister's recommendation. He also said: I will send an order to Honglu Temple for this matter. Just go ahead and do it. If you have any difficulties, come back and report to me.

Thank you, Your Majesty. Chen Heng seized the opportunity to make a request, If I want to complete this matter, I will need the assistance of several officials from the Sixth Ministry.

What kind of requirement is this? Li Zhi waved his hand and directly ordered Chen Hengsu to handle it, Just go and order someone.

After receiving this oral instruction, Chen Heng immediately turned around and rushed to Honglu Temple. Honglu Temple is located next to the Ministry of War, sandwiched between the Ministry of Works and the Qintian Prison. Considering the need to entertain foreign guests and envoys, the appearance of Honglu Temple is the most outstanding one among the row of yamen, and it is not far behind the Hanlin Academy.

With Li Zhi's support behind him, Chen Heng's contacts with the officials of Honglu Temple went smoothly. After meeting the Minister of Honglu Temple, Chen Heng met with the left and right Shaoqing and the chief registrars of various departments under the recommendation of the other party.

The official who followed Chen Heng on errands at Honglu Temple was the head of the Registrar's Office. This is also in line with Dayong's consistent national conditions. Several senior officials in the yamen decide the general direction and make decisions, while specific affairs are left to middle- and lower-level officials with outstanding abilities to complete.

The chief minister of Honglu Temple, whose surname is Ruan, was a civil servant during the Wenhe period. He was in his early thirties and had a dignified appearance that the court liked most. With the help of Zuo Shaoqing, Chen Heng met with the British delegation in the hall of Honglu Temple.

At this time, most people who can come to Dayong as envoys can speak fluent Mandarin. What? You don’t even know how to speak official Chinese? A barbarian cannot even enter the gate of Honglu Temple.

It was not difficult for Chen Heng to communicate with him. Zuo Shaoqing said to the British envoy, This is Mr. Chen sent by your Majesty to discuss business in Yangzhou. If Mr. Cha has anything to say, just tell Mr. Chen directly.

Charles was the envoy who got his Han name. Seeing Chen Heng's young age, he couldn't help but feel unhappy. But thinking that the emperor of Dayong must have despised this matter when he sent such a young official, and he immediately became happy again.

When Zuo Shaoqing stood up and left, the blond-haired, blue-eyed Charles was still looking at Chen Heng. He was thinking about what words to start with in order to calm the other party and seize the initiative in this conversation. According to convention, saying some words and phrases about the prosperity of the Celestial Dynasty is the most suitable scene for transition. Dayong's territory is so vast that even the Britons, who dominate the sea, have to spend more time dealing with it.

Seeing that the other party refused to take the initiative to speak, Chen Heng took the tea cup with a smile, took a sip first, and then calmly said: Master Zha, I have something to say first. I have made an appointment with Master Fan, and I will be here with you in half an hour. He meets.”

Mr. Fan is the envoy of the Hongmao Fan. There is the character Fan in the middle of his name. It can be seen that the surnames of the Han people also have the character Fan. He took it as his Chinese surname and named it Fan Zhicheng.

Charles was shocked when he heard this and said anxiously: Master Chen, this is not the way to treat guests. When did Dayong have a precedent of meeting envoys from two countries at the same time in one day?

This person is actually a great Yongtong? Chen Heng put down his tea cup with a smile, Master Zha is wrong, it is not two countries, but three countries. I will also meet Master Wanfan, the envoy of Franji.

Chen Heng paused and then said, Moreover, what we are discussing this time is the trade between your country and Dayong, so it is not considered a violation of etiquette. If Mr. Zha wants to discuss the foreign affairs etiquette of his country with me, you may wish to come to me. Lord Ruan beside me, he must be more proficient in this than me.

Chief Ruan immediately spoke up and said, According to the etiquette, Mr. Cha should go back to bathe and burn incense and wait for three days. Only after reporting your wishes to the emperor and receiving the order can the trip be carried out and enter the palace to pay homage.

How could Charles be willing to go back like this? He really had to wait until three days later. Who knows what kind of negotiation Dayong would have with the Dutch. He took a troubled look at Chen and Ruan, who were busy with business, and suddenly felt that these young officials were a little harder to deal with than their superiors.

The British people immediately laughed and said: The matter of trade is so important, Mr. Chen and Mr. Ruan, we'd better take matters into consideration.

Chen Heng, who took the lead, smiled and nodded. By this time, he was not in a hurry and only glanced at the clock in the main register hall. This was a tribute item from Xifan. There were several original pieces, and all of them were included in the imperial palace. Only one piece was left for Honglu Temple as a facade, hanging on the wall of the main registration hall.

A few people had just talked nonsense, and seven or eight minutes had passed on the clock on the wall. Chen Heng's meaning is self-evident, not only to remind the other party that time is precious, but also to imply that the other party will not wait when it is too late.

Don’t you Dayong people always pay attention to treating guests with courtesy? Charles couldn't help but frown, but he also knew that he couldn't spend any more time, so he said directly: Master Chen, we are definitely more sincere than the Dutch when it comes to Yangzhou trade. British sails are traveling all over the world...

After some boasting, Challis focused on the British navy, implying that the strength of his motherland meant that even the Dutch had to avoid its edge.

Of course what Challis said was not a lie. Chen Heng knew even better than him that in another hundred years, an equally huge empire would rise from the other side of the sea.

But this is not in the interests of Dayong people.

After silently listening to Challis' bragging, Chen Heng said with a smile: If there is a chance in the future, I will ask Your Majesty to invite your country's navy to come to Dayong so that the people of Dayong can take a look.

The words sounded good, but Charles felt more and more awkward as he listened. The technological revolution has not yet occurred. How can the ocean-going fleet come just as soon as it is announced? A round trip to Dayong takes more than several months. Not to mention that there are Dutch people watching at the doorstep, ready to regain the lost glory at any time.

Regardless of what Charlis said, the fact before us is that Britain's fleet can only hang around in front of home.

However, this British envoy is not easy to deal with. He directly retorted: If there is this opportunity, it will definitely be a grand event for the navies of the two countries.

Chen Heng curled his lips and smiled to understand what Charles was saying. Now Dayong has a shitty navy, and the few finances it has are used to maintain border wars. The invincible fleet of the Yongle period of the former Ming Dynasty had long lost its former glory by the Yong Dynasty. It's really a pity to say it out loud.

Since it is a grand event, we should invite more people. I think the fleets of the Red-haired Fans and the Franco-Flanjis must also be interested in participating. Chen Heng said quietly, and in a few words he pointed out the situation of the British people.

If Charles wanted to keep talking to him in official style, Chen Heng would naturally be happy to do so. In this matter, the initiative is completely in Dayong's hands. The most urgent ones are Hongmaofan and Britain. This fisherman is a sure bet for Dayong people.

Aha, aha, Monday syndrome.