The Bookish Scholar of the Red Mansion

The lanterns enter the night, and the stars and moon set over the river. The gentle tone of words in Jia's house is still being played out scene after scene. If you follow the sound and search for traces, you can find the dim place. Here is a section of the wall that cannot be seen from the light, and the sound of opera is the loudest. As the singing slowed down, the eavesdropping servant looked up and saw the inside of the black wall. Red, yellow, blue, colorful candlelight is woven into a cloth of light, cast from the interlaced shadows of the trees. Reflected an inch, lit up all night.

Xinda had listened to a section before, but found it uninteresting, so he turned around and returned to the carriage. At this moment, he was looking at the food box sent by Pan Youan. With the things Pan Youan had carefully prepared, there was nothing wrong with them. But it was because there was nothing wrong that Xinda found it even more strange.

These snacks and dried fruits showed no signs of being touched. Xinda turned his head subconsciously and saw the man who had just put down the food box and left. He was continuing to deliver food boxes to other servants.

After a while, when Pan An finished his work and quietly disappeared into the darkness, Xinda suppressed the weirdness in his heart. Could it be that he was overthinking? He didn't move his chopsticks, just put the snacks back into the food box and hid them under the curtain. Whether it is intentional or not, you will know once you try it.

After waiting for a while, Xinda closed his eyes to rest, and then he opened his eyes when he suddenly heard the sound of Manager Chen. The person coming in front of me was naturally Pan Youan, who had gone and returned. Xinda smiled unsurprisingly, and Pan Youan also smiled. The latter took out a pair of candles from his arms and said: There will be singing in the house for a while. I see that Steward Chen's lantern is erratic, so I should use this.

When Xinda heard this, he looked up and saw that the brightness of the candles in the two lanterns on the corners of the carriage was slightly dimmer than before. Replacement candles are naturally kept in the hidden compartment in the car. However, Xinda became interested in the thoughtful Pan An again and said, Put it down. What do you call this brother?

Pan You'an perked up and said quickly, My surname is Pan, and my nickname is You'an. After saying this, the man smiled and said, If Manager Chen is happy, just call me Xiao Pan.

Although the lights around him were dim, it didn't stop Xinda from taking a good look at Pan You'an. Seeing that he was about the same age as himself, he said, Let's call you Brother Pan.

I can't do it, I can't do it. Pan You'an waved his hands repeatedly, How can a villain have such a fate to be brothers with Manager Chen, Brother Chen.

Xinda smiled and said nothing, just hugged one knee and sat by the car. It was a long night, and I just chatted casually with Pan Youan. He wanted to see what the other party's plan was, but Pan You'an didn't reveal his intentions until the end.

The conversation between the two of them kept going around, inevitably involving Chen Heng. This Pan Youan is even more interesting, and he expresses his admiration for Chen Heng outspokenly. Chen Xinda was even more confused after hearing this. When will the people of the Jia family appreciate my second brother?

After chatting for a while, guests who left early appeared at the gate of Jia Mansion. Seeing this, Pan Youan took the initiative to resign before Xinda could say anything. Before parting, he repeatedly asked Xinda not to forget to add fuel to the fire, but he said nothing about the food box he put in Xinda.

Xinda tacitly concealed the matter, jumped off the carriage, walked quickly, and waited at the gatehouse with the Lin family's coachman. It took another while before Chen Heng, Daiyu and others came out.

Holding a guiding lantern in his hand, Xinda walked to Chen Heng and asked quietly: Second brother, are you going home directly?

Chen Heng looked at the sky and estimated that his uncle had gone home by now, so he said to Xinda: Send my mother-in-law back first.

Xinda nodded and waited for Chen Heng and Lin Jue to sit down. He immediately waved the whip rope and rushed in the direction of Lin Mansion. The road was not far before they reached the end of the field. Chen Heng asked the Lin family's concierge and learned that Lin Ruhai had been back for some time.

Leaving Daiyu to chat with Jia Min, Chen Heng rushed to the study and saw Lin Ruhai sitting on a rocking chair with her legs crossed, drinking tea.

Father-in-law. Chen Heng greeted, closed the door with his backhand, and came to sit in front of Lin Ruhai. The latter seemed not surprised that Chen Heng would come, and only showed a bit of surprise after the other party told him about Wang Ziteng.

He is very calculating. Lin Ruhai commented and asked her son-in-law, Heng'er, what do you think?

Chen Heng thought for a while and decided to tell him frankly what he thought on the road. Lin Ruhai nodded while listening. After a long time, he said, Do you think he wants to ease the relationship?

The problem should still lie with the Maritime Affairs Department. Chen Heng's idea did not come up suddenly. In this major case, more than half of the nobles in the capital are involved. Chen Heng paused, The number of people is so large, As a leader, Mr. Wang is both emotional and rational, so he should take some remedial measures for the people below.

Lin Ruhai was still half leaning on the rocking chair. He would not tell his son-in-law about matters related to the Maritime Affairs Department, nor would his son-in-law ask. In order to avoid suspicion, he didn't even go to Jia's birthday party today. Chen Heng still has some political acumen.

I understand. Lin Ruhai nodded, neither agreeing nor objecting. He also wanted to think carefully about Wang Ziteng's thoughts.

When two armies confront each other, one should think of the other's actions as more complex or simpler. The sense of proportion and certainty cannot be explained in just a few words. But when considering everything, there will be a foothold.

What benefit does this matter have to His Majesty and the New Party? As long as you hold your ground, many problems in the world will be solved.

I will report this matter to Your Majesty, Lin Ruhai said, implying that Chen Heng would not have to worry about it. The latter nodded. He knew that his father-in-law was now unwilling to involve himself too much in party disputes.

I estimate that in September, your appointment will come. Lin Ruhai glanced at his son-in-law and warned with worry, When you get to the place, don't forget the livelihood of the people and encourage them to change.

Yes. Chen Heng stood up and returned calmly. Then he asked playfully, Why did the decree come so quickly? I thought it would allow me to spend the New Year in the capital.

Hey. Lin Ruhai let out a long sigh and told a shocking news, There is another movement at the border. I'm afraid there will be another war.

Chen Heng was shocked when he heard this. He had just walked out of the bustling Jia Mansion in the prosperous age, and now he heard about such man-made disasters. It really makes people sigh that the world of Red Mansion is indeed full of disasters.

The two sons-in-law were silent for a while, and then shared their experience of taking up the post by candlelight. Strangely enough, Lin Ruhai was talking about how to balance the relationships between various yamen as a prefect. After listening to some teachings, Chen Heng became energetic. If they weren't a newlywed couple and couldn't keep an empty bed in the first month, Chen Heng really wanted to rest directly at the Lin family.

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On the way back home, Chen Heng was still digesting the news revealed by Lin Ruhai. He recalled the past events and estimated the days in his mind. You can probably guess that this battle is the battle to decide Tanchun's marriage. Calculating Tanchun's age, he should be about the same age.

With a plan in mind, Chen Heng is slowly improving his plan to take up his post. Daiyu, who was sitting in the same car, was also silent and full of thoughts.

Chen Heng thought for a while and realized something was wrong with his beloved wife. He expressed concern: Yu'er, are you worried?

Daiyu didn't expect that her secret was revealed, and she was surprised. Then she thought about changing the topic, and saw Chen Heng holding her hand with a smile. Okay, okay, no wonder my mother often calls daddy her enemy in private. With such a person by my side, there are some things that I might not be able to hide even if I want to from now on.

Daiyu tilted her head and rested it on her husband's shoulder. Tell Xichun and Xiangyun’s requests clearly one by one. After hearing this, Chen Heng was not surprised. I was just curious and asked what was bothering the lady.

Sister Lin bit her lip and said frankly: Husband, tell me, are the sisters unintentional, or...

Upon hearing this, Chen Heng understood Daiyu's worries. He chuckled lightly, stretched out his hand and took Daiyu's arm from behind. After thinking about it, he said: Yu'er, we are not children anymore.

Upon hearing Chen Heng's words, Daiyu immediately understood what the other person meant.

That……

It's okay. Chen Heng shook his head and agreed with a smile, I'm just asking about a person's trivial matters, which is easy to handle. He patted Daiyu's body gently with his hand and said with a smile, After all, women in this world are not as comfortable as men. .You don’t have to blame them, and you don’t have to feel that the friendship between you has changed.

After a short pause, Chen Heng gave an overview of the affairs of the Maritime Department. Caixiao asked: You have always been as smart as me. Let's take a guess. Do you think Xichun knows the meaning of this inquiry, or does he not?

Being teased by him like this, Daiyu's mind did not linger on the sentimentality for much longer. She turned her head and thought for a while, then said: Sister Xichun has always been clever and fun-loving, and she is as simple as a child at heart. I'm afraid if someone just comes and talks to her, she will have to rush to inquire.

Chen Heng smiled and asked about his little wife again, Then who do you think said it?

Daiyu rolled her eyes, she was always smart. Lin Ruhai and Chen Heng also teach from time to time, so they are no stranger to outside thoughts and strategies. It only took a moment to figure out the personalities of everyone in the Jia family, and she said: It should be the second sister-in-law Lian.

This judgment is the same as mine. Chen Heng nodded. His former colleagues in the Sixth Department had already given him news. When it comes to the Maritime Affairs Department, although Jia Lian and Wang Xifeng did not personally deal with the matter, they did a lot of work as lobbyists in the middle.

It's the kind of person who doesn't contribute any effort and just takes money.

The Jia family's face is indeed precious.

Daiyu continued: I'm afraid it's hard to tell sister Xiangyun. I don't know if it's her family's intention or hers.

Chen Heng knew who Daiyu was talking about and thought about Xue Baochai's fate and future. He shook his head and decided not to care. He just hugged his beloved wife and said, In a few days, it will be the Mid-Autumn Festival.

Yes. Daiyu was also surprised when she heard this. I obviously thought I got married yesterday, but it was already the Mid-Autumn Festival in the blink of an eye. Time passes by, it’s really amazing.

This is our family's first Mid-Autumn Festival, how are you going to spend it? Chen Heng blinked, his eyes full of teasing and ridicule to his wife.

Daiyu couldn't care less about the aftertaste, she put her hand directly on Chen Heng's waist and said with a smile: If my husband is not afraid, I will make a big and round moon cake for you to eat.

When Chen Heng heard this, he quickly shook his head and said nervously: If I take leave because of this matter and delay my work, people will laugh if word gets out.

Daiyu could bear it no longer, so she straightened her eyebrows and stood on her head, and began to exert force on her hands. Chen Heng dodged and chuckled softly.

Outside the car, Xinda couldn't hold back a smile when he heard what his brother and sister-in-law were saying. He whipped his horse and galloped towards home.

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After entering the house, Zijuan led Qingwen and Xueyan to pick up the master and his wife. After the couple talked for a while, Chen Heng went to the study room first. He has the habit of reading every day, and this habit will not disappear just because he wins the first prize in the exam.

After reading a book in the house for a while, Xinda suddenly walked in and talked about himself and Pan Youan. Chen Heng was surprised to hear that, how could he not remember Pan Youan. This was the only man he admired in the Red Mansion, but he had never had the chance to get to know him before.

Si Qi is a man of fierce temper. But the way she looks at men is first-rate. Although Pan Youan, her cousin, had an affair with her, it was not in line with etiquette. But after Pan Youan was exposed, he ran out of Jia's house and concentrated on his career outside.

After becoming rich, Si Qi, who was still waiting for her, returned directly to Jia's house to propose marriage. The only pity is that their marriage was rejected by Si Qi's mother. In a rage, Si Qi hit the wall and destroyed himself.

When Pan Youan learned about Si Qi's death, he didn't say a word. Neither sad nor angry. He just calmly bought two coffins, came to Si Qi's side, drew his sword and killed himself, giving up all the family property he had earned.

It is such an infatuated man who is worthy of Wang Xifeng's words: How can there be such a silly girl, but she met this silly boy.

Compared with Pan You'an, there are few men in the Jia family in the original book who can beat him.

Chen Heng admired this person from the bottom of his heart. After hearing the news from Xinda, he hurriedly said: Next time you meet him, you might as well chat more.

Xinda was surprised. He didn't expect his second brother to make such an arrangement. Although he didn't know what Pan Youan's strengths were, he could catch his second brother's eye. Credible never refuses Chen Heng's wishes. He always listens to what the second brother says.

okay, I get it.

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The fifth day of August is a good day for Cui Huan, who is second in the list. In the season of catching a son-in-law, marriage leave is indispensable. Cao Tingshou, the chief official of the Hanlin Academy, also expressed his understanding. When the results of his subject were released, more Jinshi were arrested. As a senior and officer, Chen Heng only told Chen Heng to drink less and then let these Hanlin people go out to join in the fun.

There is no need to mention the excitement of a wedding. Only Chen Heng was in a dilemma with Du Yunjing. His wife and his bride were in love with each other. He and the groom are both Jinshi in the same ranking. Being so stuck on both sides makes it really difficult to go either way.

Later, Daiyu had more ideas, so she went to Wei Shu's place and asked her husband to help Cui Huan. The couple sat on opposite sides, and in the evening, they returned home and shared their experiences and anecdotes.

After a pleasant chat in the middle of the night, I returned to the Hanlin Academy for duty the next day. When I arrived at the office, my colleagues from the Ministry of War finally asked someone to find Chen Heng. As soon as the two met outside, the other party said: Zhi Xing, the person you asked me to inquire about has found out.

The person who spoke looked serious. Chen Heng hurriedly invited him to a restaurant on Qipan Street, found a secluded place, and asked about Sun Shaozu.

It turns out that Sun Shaozu has been waiting for a job in the Ministry of War of the capital. His family also has some connections with the Ministry of War, but unfortunately these connections are not strong enough. They are all local friendships and are completely useless when he comes to the capital.

Sun Shaozu was unwilling to start from a low level. He only wanted to rise to heaven one step at a time and become a master. With such thoughts, Sun Shaozu made many friends in the capital and got to know many noble people. Among them are Feng Ziying, Wei Ruolan and others.

He was also involved in the Maritime Affairs Department incident this time. The matter of the joint trial of the three divisions has not yet been announced to the public. Many of the relevant criminals have not yet been detained and brought to justice. Colleagues in the Ministry of War also did not know the extent of Sun Shaozu's involvement.

He only told Chen Heng: I can't take this matter lightly. Although this man surnamed Sun is nominally from our military department, he doesn't even have anyone he can rely on behind him. Zhixing, no matter who asks you to do this, I advise you not to get too involved with him.

Chen Heng was unwilling to get involved that day, and the person who tied the bell had to be untied. The Yingchun wedding is in Jia She's hands, and Sun Shaozu can save the other party even if he solves it himself.

Chen Hengchong repeatedly expressed his gratitude to his concerned colleagues. The other party didn't take it seriously and just nagged: Don't talk to me about these useless things. After you were admitted to the Jinshi, you haven't had a drink with us for a long time. Chen Zhuangyuan, could it be that you learned the behavior of a bride after your wedding and began to recognize born?

Chen Heng laughed and explained while apologizing: If I hadn't waited specially, how could I look like the number one scholar?

When meeting friends, I can still joke as before. This person also laughed, Everyone has said that your wedding banquet is not our small gathering. This time, I have to eat you up.

Chen Heng nodded hurriedly, Okay, I think it's better to choose a different day, so let's take a break this time. I'll prepare a banquet at home, just ask everyone to come.

It's a deal. The man smiled and then stood up and left.

Chen Heng returned home and hurriedly told Daiyu about the incident. Mrs. Chen knew that she was hosting guests for the first time in her family, so she responded with a smile. After Chen Heng went to court the next day, she ordered Xinda to take Zicuckoo out to buy things.

Hahahaha, I feel like I’m a bit unmotivated in coding today. I counted, and it turned out that the last few days were basically 8,000 words per day. Brothers and sisters, let me take a breath today. I'll update it normally and see if it breaks out tomorrow.

Thanks to the book friend It's the breeze that blows into my breathless eyes for the reward. Compare your feelings.