The Bookish Scholar of the Red Mansion

The Huai River has three thousand rivers and its waves are long. The warm midday sun shines from the right side of the boat, reflecting the surging river waves. The golden scales are layer upon layer, like thousands of fish leaping out of the water. The spring breeze carried the sound of sails and oars to the willow embankments on both sides of the bank, where catkins danced together. Looking around at the vastness of the river and the sea, looking up at the vastness of the heaven and earth, my eyes are filled with emotion, but my heart is filled with fear.

The official ship sailed on the canal for several days and was now very close to Yangzhou. Chen Heng read in the room for half a day, and finally couldn't help but walk to the bow of the ship and look into the distance.

Today he wore a blue and white long-sleeved robe with a green cloak on top, which was exactly what he would wear for a long trip in early spring. The wind in the river was blowing suddenly and slowly, and the young man's thoughts kept rising and falling.

The four words cowardice of being close to home didn't make any sense to me when I read it before. Now that I have been there, I know how difficult it is to be a wanderer at the end of the world. Chen Heng narrowed his eyes slightly, and a bunch of the scholar's hairband behind him was blown to the front of his sight. It was like a hand transformed from his hometown, guiding him in the direction.

Second brother.

Seeing Chen Heng standing at the bow of the boat for a long time, Xinda subconsciously walked to his brother's side.

It's been more than three years since we left...

When they left, it was late autumn in October when the provincial examination was over, but now they came back in April when the general examination was over. It can also be said that autumn has passed and spring has returned.

Chen Heng did not turn his head, still looking at the river in front of him. The sound of the tide keeps coming, and after listening to this sound for several days, it makes people get used to it.

Yes. Xinda nodded. He followed his brother to Beijing and had not been back home for more than three years. Thinking of his mother at home, Xinda's concern was changing at this moment. It was really strange.

Chen Heng said no more, and there has been no shortage of letters from home over the years. His parents often said that his grandpa and grandma were always in good health. Chen Heng felt more melancholy than worried.

But where and why this melancholy comes from is hard to explain.

I can only sigh: time flies by, and time passes by.

Liu Xianglian couldn't care less about the two Yangzhou people's shyness about their hometown. He had always been a tireless bird in the wind. He was currently looking up from the second-floor boat, looking forward to seeing the lively and fun Yangzhou as soon as possible.

Soon, Liu Xianglian slapped the railing and shouted: Hold on, hold on. Hahaha, I saw Yangzhou.

Chen Heng's pupils couldn't help but shrink, and he subconsciously looked into the distance. On the small pier, there were not many river boats and only a few vaguely visible figures standing there.

Jia Yucun and Xu Pingzhi, who were assigned by the prefect Zhang Shangxian, were still drinking tea under the pergola. Suddenly, Jia Yucun's doorman came up quickly, stood beside him and said, Sir, you can see the sails of the No. 1 Scholar.

Are you sure? Jia Yucun asked one more question. It was hard to make a mistake, otherwise the arrogance would have been in vain.

The fisherman who came to report the news has already asked, and it is Chen Zhuangyuan and his party on the boat. Menzi is attentive and has been very considerate in dealing with people since he followed Jia Yucun.

Jia Yucun and Xu Pingzhi nodded, put down their tea cups and walked towards the pier together. As soon as the Xunyan Censor and the Fuguo County Magistrate arrived, the musicians on the dock began to play music. Some applauding officials picked up a bunch of firecrackers with bamboo poles and set them off to show their joy. A pair of lion dancers competed for the hydrangea amid the exclamations of the people joining in the fun.

Jia Yucun saw this scene and was deeply moved. The person who came here was his former student, but now he was the number one scholar who won six yuan in a row. No courtesy from a villager is too much, and even he himself would come to celebrate on behalf of the prefect today.

Xu Pingzhi had the same idea. His political achievements in recent years were not bad, but his shortcomings were in his reputation as a candidate. I tried to move up several times, but there was no clear news from the official department. It's hard to believe that he is still a small seventh-grade county magistrate. In the blink of an eye, the former peasant boy has become a sixth-grade Hanlin Academy scholar.

Although the official position is only half a rank, there are county magistrates of the seventh grade everywhere, and the Imperial Academy only produces one every three years. How can one not be moved by the flow of fate and not be surprised?

The planks of the boat were lowered amidst the sound of firecrackers. Only when the old Chen family got off the boat were they frightened by the scene in front of them. Chen Qi and Gu, who were supposed to be walking in front, pushed their son tacitly and pushed Chen Heng to the front line.

Chen Heng couldn't laugh or cry, and he couldn't help it, knowing that his parents were not suitable for such an occasion. He led Xinda and Liu Xianglian in front. Three steps followed by two steps, the two parties finally met on the dock.

Studying politics, Brother Xu. I owe you two long-term princes for your service. I, the younger generation, deserve it.

As soon as they met, Chen Heng set the tone of the conversation. The three of them only talked about their old friendship today, not their official positions. Otherwise, if we really want to talk about official positions, Hanlin, who is a noble official in the capital, would not be able to salute the two of them as juniors.

His actions brought a smile to Jia Yucun's face, and Xu Pingzhi also said repeatedly: I can wait for the number one scholar to win six yuan in a row. When I go home at night, I can also brag to my youngest son. I am lucky enough to meet you today. Guo Wenquxing.

Everyone carried the sedan chair, and Chen Heng politely gave in. Jia and Xu responded with more dignity, and Chen Heng returned the favor with humility. After a while, everyone was chatting on the dock.

Xue Biao, Bao Qin and others still felt that everything in the dock was fresh, and they were quietly gathering together, pulling Jiang Yuanbai and talking non-stop. The street must have been swept, and the willow branches seemed to have been pruned. There were eighteen musicians and three hundred firecrackers were set off. Only this dragon and lion dance would probably cost a lot of money. The title of Number One Scholar is really useful.

Amidst the noisy noise, Xu Pingzhi and Jia Yucun also saw that the Number One Scholar was eager to return home, so they only left a door sticker for Zhang Shangxian saying that they would meet in a few days, and then sent the Number One Scholar to the carriage prepared by the government office.

Xue Biao, Master Qian and others will naturally not join Chen Heng. They all had their own things to do, and everyone immediately parted ways at the dock. Chen Heng couldn't wait to urge Xinda to drive, saying hurry several times.

Only on the way back, the sound of musicians and cannons continued. Even if the people along the way didn't want to know, they learned from their neighbors that the top scholar of the old Chen family was back.

After returning home in such a lively manner, Xinda only lifted half of the curtain, and Chen Heng had already jumped out. He jumped out of the carriage in two steps. Before anyone could stand still, they were already looking at the waiting family.

My grandparents look much older, but my uncle and aunt have not changed much. On the contrary, the eldest sister and the second sister were holding two children and standing beside the two brothers-in-law, which was surprising. The two younger brothers have grown up, with shy smiles on their faces and surprises in their eyes.

Heng'er.

younger brother.

Brother.

The voice of a relative rang in his ears. Chen Heng could not control his mood. He stepped forward and rushed towards Chen Bei Shan, Grandpa, grandma.

When Mrs. Zhou heard her eldest grandson's call, she couldn't wait any longer. She hugged Chen Heng directly in her arms and said with tears: My son, my son. You are finally back. Grandma said more and more , crying louder, If you don't come back, grandma will think she can't see you anymore, my son.

Over the past three years, grandma's body has become much more stooped. Before leaving home, grandma could still stand on her shoulders. Seeing each other again today, Chen Heng reached out and hugged him into his arms. Old Zhou even managed to reach his chest.

Grandma, I'm back, my grandson is back. Chen Heng hugged Mr. Zhou tightly and couldn't help but shed tears. At this moment, all the fame and wealth were gone. Chen Heng only regretted that he had not been able to spend time with his family in the past three years.

Mrs. Zhou was so excited that she could only caress her grandson's face with her hands. She squinted hard, as if she wanted to see through his grandson's appearance. Three years later, her grandson is taller and more grown-up.

So good, so good. Mrs. Zhou sighed repeatedly in her heart.

When Chen Qi and Gu got off the carriage, the old Chen family gathered together, closed the door silently, and enjoyed a moment of reunion.

…………

…………

On this day, the old Chen family chatted until the end of Youshi, when they remembered that their eldest grandson hadn't eaten yet. Mrs. Zhou had to cook a lot herself. Chen Heng said earlier that when he was in the capital, he missed his grandma’s cooking the most. The old man who just listened was so itchy that he wanted to make some dishes that his grandson would like to eat.

In the lobby of the home, only a group of men remained for the time being. Second uncle Chen Huaijin was still much the same as before, pulling Chen Qi and Chen Heng to inquire about the appearance of the capital. After listening to it too much, Chen Gaishan felt that his youngest son talked too much and made a lot of noise. It affected him to talk to his grandson, so he simply found an excuse, scolded Chen Huaijin, and then pulled Chen Heng to his side for a closer look.

Okay, getting more and more... Chen Gaishan thought for a long time, but couldn't think of any suitable words, so he had to change his words, Better than Dad.

Chen Heng laughed, took a peek at Chen Qi's darkened face, and hurriedly explained for his father: Grandpa, my eyes still look like my father's.

You are like me. Chen Gaishan sneered and called Xinda over again, Good boy, you have worked hard these past few years.

Xinda had just returned from his mother's house, and she didn't know what she had said. Her eyes were red at the moment. After hearing what Chen Gaishan said, Xinda replied: Second Grandpa, it's nothing hard. Second brother treats me very well, and I have gained a lot of knowledge.

Okay, okay. Chen Gaishan was still at a loss for words and patted the back of Xinda's hand. Just tell your grandma what you want to eat tonight.

Hey. Xinda responded and couldn't help but look at Chen Heng and smile. The questions from the family are nothing more than eating and drinking. But when I heard it, my heart was soothed by the wind and dust of seven or eight days. Moreover, the hard work of the past three years also disappeared at this time.

The fun after dinner is left to the family to sit under the pergola and have family fun. The eldest sister Chen Qing and her eldest brother-in-law Hu Xiangheng have always been in love. Now they have a three-year-old daughter, temporarily named Yuanyuan. The eldest sister, Chen Qing, said that the child was conceived the year her uncle passed the exam, so the nickname was just right.

Three-year-old Yuanyuan talked a lot. Under Chen Heng's teasing, he called out uncle in a crisp voice, making Chen Heng smile. After finishing the meal, he ran around the house with Yuanyuan in his arms.

Chen Heng was the most unexpected choice for the second brother-in-law. It turned out to be Ye Guangchao, whom he had met once before in the academy. I don't know how he and his second sister formed a bond. Now they have given birth to a son for the first time. He is not yet one year old, and he has not yet decided what to name him.

This child was a little afraid of strangers. When Chen Heng wanted to hug him, he cried. Seeing this, Chen Heng had no choice but to hold Yuanyuan in his arms and sit in the yard with his younger brothers to chat.

Chen Qingyue now has a reputation as a scholar. If it were not for his eldest brother Zhuyu who was a fifteen-year-old scholar, speaking out would be a matter of honor. Chen Yincai was thirteen years old and had just passed the county and government examinations. He was a young boy who had just taken his first step in the imperial examination. It can only be said that it is ordinary for a boy student to pass the exam at this age, neither early nor late.

These two people are now studying at Leyi Academy, so Chen Heng naturally has many topics to talk to them about. The three brothers chatted for a while, and the feeling of long-lasting unfamiliarity immediately disappeared.

Brother, if you don't say anything and get the first prize, my third brother and I will be in trouble. Chen Qingyue never knew what it meant to be shy in front of his family.

What's wrong? Chen Heng laughed and looked at Chen Qingyue and then at Chen Yin. These two brothers are growing up so fast. Although Yindi is still young, his appearance is already extraordinary. Chen Yin was born at a good time, when his family was getting rich. This child has never experienced hardship since he was a child, and even his skin is incredibly white.

Every time the second brother makes a mistake in the exam, the master will teach him a lesson. When your eldest brother was in the academy, he never did so poorly in the exam. Are you his brother? Chen Yin suppressed a smile, and Chen Qingyue was annoyed. He fired back: I'm just trying my best. I won't give my best until next year's college exam.

Yuanyuan was sitting in his uncle's arms, playing with his hair tie. Chen Heng let the little girl play by herself, and only turned the topic to Chen Qingyue, Since we plan to take the college entrance examination next year - that's good, you can write some articles for me to read in the next few days.

Ah?! Chen Qingyue looked at Chen Heng who was smiling, and immediately shook his head wildly, pretending to be distressed and said, Brother has just come back, why are you so tired? You should stay at home and take good care of yourself. As for reading the article, No rush, no hurry...

How can you be tired after reading an article? What's tiring is the person who wrote the article. Chen Heng said with a smile, Qingyue, you can't escape.

This boy has been watched by him since he was a child. When Chen Heng saw Qingyue's attitude, he guessed that the other party wanted to fish in troubled waters. How could he, his elder brother, let him get what he wanted.

When Chen Qingyue heard this, he immediately remembered the fear of being dominated in the past few years, and his expression was full of sorrow.

After scaring Chen Qingyue, Chen Heng looked at Chen Yin again, Third brother, you are the same.

Brother, that's exactly what I meant. Chen Yin nodded, allowing the current number one scholar to read the article, which no one could ask for.

The first night back home was spent in such peace. But on the second day, enthusiastic Yangzhou people sent greeting cards to the Chen family one after another. The number of them is really jaw-dropping. What’s even more surprising is that these people always come to the door with gifts in their hands.

Chen Heng was worried that his family could not handle these matters well, so he left Xinda to help take care of it. He took Qingyue and Chen Yin to the academy together.

This was an itinerary planned from the beginning. After going to the academy to visit his mentors, Chen Heng would formally handle other matters.

…………

…………

Leyi Academy has not changed much, except that the place is larger than when Chen Heng studied, and there are many more flowers and plants in the atrium.

The three brothers of the Chen family came hand in hand, and Leyi Academy also gave them a lot of face. Not only was the middle gate wide open, but there were also scholars lined the streets to welcome them. As soon as Chen Heng walked past the screen wall, he heard one after another Senior brother, do you remember me? Senior brother, it's me and Meet the number one scholar.

Although they were not familiar with each other, they had friendships with each other from the academy. Chen Heng did not pretend to be the top scholar, and only responded to them all with a smile. After being surrounded by everyone and walking through the atrium, Chen Heng arrived in front of the lecture hall. The couplets on the doorpost are still hanging here. Fan Gong's quatrains will refresh people's spirits no matter when and where they are read.

Xu Jinhou, who has been the mountain chief for a long time, had been waiting here with Wang Xianming early. Beside these two mentors were other teachers from the academy, including Master Jin and others. In order for Chen Heng to come to visit today, the master of the academy specially stopped classes for half a day. So that students can remember the elegance of the number one scholar and study hard in the future.

Inviting the two masters to sit down in the center of the lecture hall, Chen Heng took the tea cup brought by Qing Yue, saluted Master Xu and Master Wang and said, Student Chen Hengdian won the first prize in the examination. Today I come here to thank my teacher for his teachings.

Lord of Heaven and Earth, dear master, at this time, no gift is too great. Among them, Wang Xianming is also Chen Heng’s mentor, and he has the deepest feelings for him. After Xu Jinhou finished drinking tea, he looked at the other party and motioned for Wang Xianming to take charge. The latter couldn't resist the mountain chief's kindness, so he stretched out his arm to hold Chen Heng, who was bent over, and said: I just taught you something that everyone can teach. You can only rely on yourself to get the top prize.

Well, you are a little old man, your students have become prosperous, and you want to distance yourself from each other, right? Chen Heng held Wang Xianming's hands in his hands and said, Teacher, you might as well go back and talk to the teacher's wife. When the time comes when the teacher's wife gets angry, don't blame the students for only helping the teacher's wife.

Seeing that Chen Heng's words were not much different from what he said before winning the first prize, Wang Xianming felt greatly comforted. As a young boy, he couldn't help but feel frightened when he faced the first six-yuan winner in the Yong Dynasty. Power, fame, and wealth are things that the person involved cannot see, but others can feel them differently.

Chen Heng saw the little old man's restraint, and looked at the scholars surrounding him, and knew it was not the time to speak. He had no choice but to hold Wang Xianming's arm forcefully and invite him to sit down in the hall, while he stood behind him, trying to hide his sharpness.

Xu Jinhou guessed Chen Heng's focus on Wang Xianming, looked around, and drove out all the scholars watching the fun, leaving only the three Chen brothers and the two of them. At this point, Wang Xianming's spirit relaxed a little.

Teacher is in good health.

As soon as Chen Heng took Wang Xianming's arm, he felt that the old man was getting thinner, and he couldn't help but feel a little worried.

Okay, I'm fine. Wang Xianming couldn't help but nodded, and began to complain to the students, It's just winter, I got a little cold, so I asked your wife to say a few words.

They say old kids, old kids. As this man gets older, his temperament will be very different from before.

Xu Jinhou laughed at the side and said: Years ago, our academy expanded a children's class and admitted many students from the city. After they knew that Brother Wang's disciple was Duke Jie Yuangong, they all asked to worship under Brother Wang's disciples. , and then I got sick from exhaustion.

Not tired, not tired. Wang Xianming was afraid of causing trouble to the academy, so he hurriedly explained to his students, It's just that these children are not as smart as you back then, and it is really hard for me to teach them. But if you can do something, it is good. I am better than you Grandpa needs to be strong, he is at home every day now and can do nothing but tease his great-grandson.

Chen Heng chuckled when he heard this and just kept the matter in his heart. He chatted with the masters for a few more words, and then asked tentatively: Is the mountain chief still in Yangzhou?

When he asked this question, Chen Heng was a little worried. For such a big deal as his coming back, whenever Pei Huaizhen was in Yangzhou, he would at least send someone to deliver a message to him. Or teachers and students can have a reunion directly in the academy.

As a result, Chen Heng looked for a long time and saw no trace of the mountain leader. He was really worried and couldn't help but ask. Xu Jinhou knows this matter best. The latter said: Last year in autumn, Lao Shan got seriously ill, and the younger generation in his family couldn't bear to worry about it. They took him back to his hometown and took good care of him.

When Chen Heng heard this, he screamed in his heart that it was terrible. Pei Huaizhen's hometown is in Jiangxi, the same place as Ouyang Xiu. The journey from Yangzhou is filled with thousands of mountains and rivers.

While he was feeling sad in his heart, Xu Jinhou took out a letter from his arms and said, This letter was left by the mountain chief for you before he left. He said that he can just give it to you to read on the day you come back.

Chen Heng nodded and took the letter carefully. His schedule today is simple. He will have a casual meal with the teachers in the academy at noon. In the evening, I went to Wang Xianming's house to have a drink with my wife and wife.

There was no urgent matter on either side, so Chen Heng sat in the lecture hall and chatted with the two masters at ease. After chatting like this for a while, Chen Heng found a gap and couldn't wait to walk to the back of the lecture hall. He wanted to read the letter left for him by the mountain leader.

Declining everyone's offer of company, Chen Heng stood alone in front of the Chongren Hall. Although there were many calligraphy, paintings and calligraphy inside, most of them were still the same as in the old days. He walked half a circle in the museum, counting the past years, and finally came to the peach tree unconsciously.

Under the spring breeze, there were few paper cranes on the branches. The remaining paper cranes have also lost their color and are just in their normal shape. But I don’t know which student was the first to tie a long red ribbon on the branch.

Hundreds or thousands of red ribbons fluttering in the wind make people feel a little trance-like. Chen Heng smiled and took out Pei Huaizhen's letter from his arms. In the scattered sunlight and shadow of the trees, I took out the letter and read it. The spots fell off the paper, and the handwriting was familiar.

Pei Huaizhen didn't say much, except that he knew the reason why Chen Heng resigned. He was very happy for Chen Heng's decision and hoped that Chen Heng would not be discouraged. When people are proud, they will naturally be frustrated. All kinds of experiences are God's arrangements, and the rest must not forget the original intention and keep working hard.

At the end of the speech, Pei Huaizhen wrote: My life also has a limit, but I know it has no limit. Isn't it wonderful to have a limit to follow the limitless!

This is a famous saying by Zhuangzi, but my teacher changed the last sentence from danger to self to happy to death. The meaning of Yin Yin's teaching can be seen just from the lines.

After all, I didn’t hide it from my mentor. Chen Heng sighed. After he resigned, he never dared to return to his hometown because he was afraid that his family would be worried about it. He held his breath and worked hard in the capital. But because of this, I missed the meeting with my mentor. How could I not feel sorry for the fate and how I feel about it?

Hey. Chen Heng shook his head, carefully collected the letter, and put it on his chest for safekeeping. I looked at the colorful ribbons and scattered paper cranes under the tree, and fell into deep thought for a long time.

…………

…………

Some people look back on the past with sadness. Naturally, there are people who add icing on the cake to build friendship. Although Chen Heng was not at home, there were many people at the door of the Chen family. The guests kept coming and going, and the gifts kept coming.

These people didn't know where they were connected, so they came to the door and said that they were old acquaintances with Chen Heng. Just giving gifts is pretty good, and many people wrap the money in cloth or hide it in a box. Hearing that Chen Heng was not at home, he was not anxious, so he put down the gifts and name cards and ran away.

Xinda had some training in the capital and was busy arranging for his family to register the original owner of the good things. He knew that Chen Heng would definitely not accept these things, and would have to return them the same way afterwards.

In the afternoon, the official from the government office came to the door together with the Bao Zhang. They came to deliver twenty taels of archway silver. He passed the Jinshi examination and became the number one scholar in Yangzhou. The money was used for the Chen family to build a sign and a monument at the street entrance.

When it comes to this matter, Chen Gaishan has something to say. Now Chen Heng is getting married soon, and there are many grandsons-in-law in his family. There will be marriages for several grandchildren in the future. The family was about to be unable to live in the house, so he had plans to move and choose a new home.

The official's servant waved his hand, he just came to give money. The people of Lao Chen's family, where they want to live and where they want to build the memorial arch, are all their own family affairs.

The security guard in charge of this street is anxious. The Zhuangyuan Gong family wants to move away. What should we do? He repeatedly advised Chen Gaishan not to be impatient and to stay in the workshop and not to leave, while he would figure out a solution for the house.

After leaving these words, the security guard hurriedly stood up and left without waiting for Chen Gaishan to understand the meaning. At ten o'clock in the sunset that day, Chen Hengshang was drinking with his mentor at Wang Xianming's home. The security chief had already led several nearby owners to come to the door and said so.

Brother Chen, don't leave. Don't leave your family. These people's houses are about to be sold. I've seen it. If the walls of their houses are demolished, they can be connected with your house. Renovate It’s very convenient to get up...

Chen Gaishan has lived here for several years, so he doesn't know whether the houses nearby are for sale. He was sure that the chief security officer came up with this method because he wanted to keep customers. Then he asked these people about the prices they quoted.

Some say fifty taels, some say one hundred taels. The price is not just a steal, it's like giving it away for free. Chen Gaishan shook his head hurriedly after hearing this, saying that since his grandson was not at home, he couldn't make the decision alone, so he politely sent the guest away.

I'm really speechless. Halfway through typing, my keyboard failed. I never thought that this day would come to me.

Yesterday, a book friend rewarded me with ten thousand updates and promised to add more updates. I will write 7,000 words today, and then 8,000 to 10,000 words tomorrow. Don’t worry, brothers.

Later, I will give my long-awaited month-end message, go out to buy a keyboard, and then have dinner.