The Bookish Scholar of the Red Mansion

Before it gets dark, the good-hearted people set off fireworks and firecrackers in the city. The noise was so noisy that the officials in the county government were distracted from their work. Chen Heng could naturally see it. Although these people are still sitting in their seats, their thoughts may have already flown far away.

In this case, it is better to be an adult and beautiful An Le Gong. The parents' official of Huating County made a decision. As soon as they arrived in Shenshi, they announced that everyone would be released from office and go home as soon as possible to be with their families.

Your Excellency is wise!

A group of middle-aged men cheered, and when Chen Heng turned to leave, they couldn't wait to get up and run out of the courtroom. Therefore, it is beneficial to study more and compare with them. The military officers headed by Liu Xianglian are still patrolling the streets in the cold wind.

There is nothing we can do about this. Today, the whole city, young and old, is out in force. The north of the city is under the jurisdiction of Lou County, and Chen Heng cannot control it. In the south of the city, he would never allow a fire to occur or a child to be lost.

Since we cannot wrong the people, we can only work hard as government officials. But for Liu Xianglian, it may not be a bad thing. He was free and easy by nature, but now he is weighed down by worldly affairs. After the initial discomfort, I am now doing well.

In addition to the officers in the county government office, the security guards and men in each street also had to obey Liu Xianglian's orders. In terms of majesty, Liu Xianglian, who has been hanging out all year round, is much more famous than ordinary officials in the county government. The people in the city all know that there is a class leader in the Huating County government office, who is more beautiful than Pan An and similar to Xie Yu in appearance.

After leading Xinda and Pan Youan around the county government office, Chen Heng found a secluded corridor and admired the falling snow last night. After the civil servants left, there was rarely such a quiet moment in the county government office. As I sat there, the cold wind passed by, and I could occasionally hear the plop of snow falling from the branches.

The sound of firecrackers from far to near carries a strong flavor of the New Year. Enjoy the scenery and relax. Chen Heng suddenly turned his head and said to Xinda and Pan Youan: Have you ever had a snowball fight?

Second brother, why are you going back as you live longer? Xinda rolled his eyes and said solemnly: Sir, I have to go to the City God's Temple to worship and pray for blessings during the Xu period.

Chen Heng looked down at his brand new official robe and couldn't help but muttered disappointment. Pan You'an came from Rongguo Mansion. In his early years, he had a problem with serving others. After thinking about it, he carefully replied: Why don't you go to the snow and play for the adults?

Hahaha. Chen Heng laughed and shook his head to reject Pan Youan's kindness. He waved his hands repeatedly and said: No, no, no, no one can bully people like this. I just thought about it casually. He thought for a moment and asked Pan Youan again. He asked, Can you swim again?

Sir, this little guy really doesn't know how to do this.

Chen Heng nodded and then led the way towards the county government's back house.

When the weather gets warmer, you can find a river beach to practice.

Hearing the adult's frivolous words, Pan You'an stood there dumbfounded. How could he properly ask people to learn this?

Before he could react, Xinda, who was chasing after Chen Heng, whispered congratulations as he walked past him. Only then did Pan Youan realize that it was Mr. Chen who had decided where to go.

Chen Heng, who had already walked to the front, turned to one side and saw Pan Youan dancing on the corridor. He glanced at the silent Xinda strangely, and then scolded Pan You'an: Why are you silly? Why don't you catch up.

Yes, sir.

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Probably because he had done too many things in Huating County at the end of the year, Chen Heng and Daiyu discussed it and decided that he would attend the evening ceremony alone.

This is our family's first year in Songjiang. If I go with my husband, I will definitely have to entertain guests. Daiyu has already thought about her words, When the time comes, I won't answer the questions in the temple. It's up to me. It's not a good idea to leave. We can't neglect the big families in the city, nor can we delay the people from offering incense and worshiping gods.

She took a bright red cloak from Zijuan and put it on Chen Heng. A pair of jade hands stopped on Xianggong's chest, twisting two ribbons to tie them tightly, There will be times when we have to deal with each other in the future, so there is no need to cause trouble to the people tonight.

Madam, what you said makes sense. Chen Heng couldn't help but nod his head, and felt extraordinary pride in his heart. My wife, I am very measured in matters of right and wrong. Tonight can be said to be the first time that the county magistrate's wife appears, and the female relatives of various wealthy families must be indispensable in complimenting her. It's really admirable that Daiyu can still turn a blind eye to such a prominent moment in the limelight.

Then I will come back immediately after worshiping God. Tonight, we will keep vigil together. Did Zicuckoo buy the horse tag?

I bought it. Daiyu pursed her lips and smiled, then smoothed her husband's clothes. Chen Heng's mind was a little distracted. He looked around the room for a while and saw a half-opened book on the table. After his wife confirmed that his clothes were correct, he walked to the table in a few steps, picked up the book and read through it. After a while, he smiled and said, Madam, are you looking at ancient rituals?

Mrs. Chen's wife, who was the head of the family for the first time and had to preside over New Year events, looked a little shy. He said slowly: Although my mother sent me to cook, I can't understand anything. If there are any mistakes, it won't make people laugh if they spread the word.

The contents of the ancient books are exactly the etiquette for new years and festivals, starting from the Tang Dynasty and continuing to the Song Dynasty and Ming Dynasty. There were many customs in various dynasties and places, and Chen Heng also wanted to read them.

Who dares? Chen Heng raised his eyebrows and chuckled again, As long as we are comfortable ourselves, we don't have to care about what others say.

Okay, okay, just follow what my husband said.

But this book is good. When you finish reading it, let me take it and have a look. Chen Heng turned over a few pages and put the book down while mumbling.

Perhaps when the festive season arrived, Daiyu suddenly felt a bit like a dream when she saw her husband, who was wearing a red robe and looking majestic. Last year on this day, I was still sitting in front of my parents at home in the capital. When I turned around again, I was already married to someone else's housewife.

Chen Heng's intuition has always been sharp. When his wife didn't reply, he immediately sensed Daiyu's emotional changes. He stepped forward and took Daiyu into his arms, feeling the tenderness at this moment. He said softly: My father-in-law and mother-in-law must be thinking of us too.

Daiyu, who was about to complain about getting her clothes messed up, immediately became quiet after hearing this. She couldn't help but rest her head on her husband's shoulder, Yeah.

Wait until I come back. Chen Heng comforted Daiyu. Xinda and Pan You'an had been waiting at the door for a long time, but he couldn't delay them.

Okay, my husband will leave early and come back early. My sister and I will wait for you at home.

After hearing this, Chen Heng had already returned home before he left the house.

There is indeed a person and a place in this world, waiting for him to go back.

This feels really good.

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In front of the Chenghuang Temple, there was already a sea of ​​people. The Town God's Temple in Huating is not far from the Town God's Temple in Lou County. The people in the south and north of the city also worshiped in their own temples. However, Huating County is the first among Songjiang counties, and the regulations of this City God's Temple are actually much more grand than those of the later-built Lou County City God's Temple.

When Chen Heng arrived, the place was already crowded. Even the county government's carriage could only park far away. He was escorted by Liu Xianglian and Xinda as he moved forward. When he came to the door, Xiao Ping was already here with the squire, Miao Zhu and others from the south of the city.

Seeing that the people around him were separated by the guards, Chen Heng saw this and hurriedly said to the people greeting him: You don't need to be polite, let's go in first.

The worship service started at the time of Lixu, and there was still some time. Under the guidance of Miao Zhu, Chen Heng and a group of people quickly passed through the screen wall and went to the main hall. Seeing her master entering the temple, Liu Xianglian hurriedly went outside to remove the government officials, so that the people could enter the temple gallery and start worshiping various gods on the outside.

Your Excellency, you don't know. The vase in the lower left corner of the mural has three halberds in it, which means 'promoting to the third level'. Miao Zhu was still introducing the mural on the wall, which was left over from the Tang and Song Dynasties. Antiquities. But it’s nothing strange, there are a lot of them in this land.

Hearing the compliment from Miao Zhu, Chen Heng smiled softly. There is no need to embarrass others to highlight your own nobility. He responded to the situation and joked: So, there is a monkey standing on the big tree with a seal in the northwest corner. Does it mean 'hanging a seal to seal a prince'?

That's right. Miao Zhu nodded repeatedly. On this good day, there is no need to be polite when talking about auspicious words.

Among the squires following closely behind him, someone said, Sir, after following your instructions, I can understand the painting in the upper left corner. The man pondered for a moment and then said, The mouth of a phoenix Holding a scroll in one's mouth must mean consecrating the heavenly book.

Ha, brother, you are a native of Songjiang. Chen Heng smiled at him, then turned to the temple and motioned for him to continue showing him around the main hall. There are colorful paintings on the gallery, and the contents of the paintings are mostly familiar stories. For example, Xue Rengui fixed the Tianshan Mountain with three arrows, and also visited the thatched cottage three times, erecting a tree as a letter, etc.

After wandering around like this, it was almost time for the ritual to begin. The temple Zhu apologized and left first, then called over a proud disciple to continue to guide Chen Heng.

Within a short time, the hall was filled with bells ringing continuously. Seeing that the time was almost up, the little Taoist priest hurriedly led the magistrate and everyone to the front of the temple. The previous temple blessings had already changed into bright-colored Taoist robes, and they stood in front of the altar and muttered words.

In the temple, the statue of the god sits high on the altar. Wearing golden clothes and holding magic weapons. His face is solemn and solemn, which makes people feel awe upon seeing him. The county government had arranged everything that needed to be done, and all that was left for Chen Heng was to kneel down and offer incense.

During the chanting of temple blessings, Chen Heng led everyone in the temple to salute accompanied by drum music and scriptures. After three bows and three kowtows, the scriptures praying for good weather and a few drops of sacred water should be put into the brazier to express the petition to the Emperor and Queen.

After the ceremony is completed, the temple blessings should be kept and the scriptures continued to be recited until the first day of the new year. Chen Heng decided to change his route and head to the gate to watch the dragon and lion dance performance. After the Southern Lion came to him with the colorful ball in his mouth, he accepted it. This ceremony is also completed.

This colorful ball also has some interesting stories about Dayong people. Afterwards, the little Taoist priests in the temple will hang the colorful balls on bamboo poles, and only children under the age of fifteen are allowed to throw pebbles at them. Whoever can win the lottery indicates that the child will have a good future.

Although it may not be reliable, it can not only win the favor of pilgrims, but also attract more people to come and offer incense. Why not?

Chen Heng took out a few copper coins and stuffed them into the colorful balls to add a bit of joy, and then handed them to the Taoist priest on the side. After chatting for a few words with the squire who was following him, he set off and hurried home.

The people outside the temple have been delayed for too long, and it would be disrespectful to stay any longer.

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Back at the county government office, Daiyu had already arranged a quiet room for ancestor worship. In the room, portraits of the great ancestors and great ancestors were hung in the center. An incense burner was lit on the table, and there were four colors of cakes and four colors of dried fruits. Holly, cypress branches, and ingots cut from red paper should also be placed in the dishes to symbolize evergreen, wealth, and peace.

As soon as the master returns home, the things he should take care of will begin immediately. Chen Heng was in the middle, leading Daiyu, Yinglian and others to worship their ancestors and pray for God's love and blessing for family reunion.

After finishing the business, it is inevitable to have a meal. There were four tables left outside the county government office, just for Liu Xianglian who had finished patrolling the streets. Chen Heng went over for a glass of wine on the way, and soon returned to the backyard to play horse hanging with the two ladies and spend the last night of the fourth year of Jianping together.

Among the family, Xueyan has the worst skills but the best luck at poker. First Qingwen lost completely, then Zijuan and Yinglian soon followed. Seeing that there were more and more copper coins in front of Xueyan, Chen Heng, who refused to admit defeat, took another handful of coins and gave them to Qingwen and Zijuan, asking them to accompany them to continue the fierce battle.

They were enjoying the fight when they suddenly heard fireworks outside, and the sound of firecrackers was mixed with the long and deep ringing of bells. Colorful beams of light shine into the house through the screen windows. The flashing colors reflected the different expressions of everyone. There are expectations for the coming year, longing for family, and cherishment of the current peace and happiness.

Everyone smiled at each other and said their first New Year greetings to each other. Daiyu had already prepared gift money for several maids, one for each of them, so no one was left behind.

She sent Qingwen, Zijuan, and Xueyan away, while she pulled Yinglian to Chen Heng. The latter pretended to be happy and said, Am I also a part of it? Madam treats me really well.

What do you think, Mr. Xian? Daiyu rolled her eyes at him, then spread her hands and said with a smile, Mr. Xian, don't hide your secrets, everyone has a share.

Isn't all my money in your hands? Chen Heng shrugged, feeling helpless.

Don't tell me, sir, I don't have any private money...

Seeing Daiyu's eyes moving around, Chen Heng had no choice but to raise his hands in surrender. He took out two prepared red envelopes from his arms and said helplessly: I just saved up this little money this year, and I gave it all to you two.

Hahaha. Yinglian laughed, took over the message rather embarrassedly, and said, Who said your husband is the head of the family?

Hearing this, Chen Heng smiled widely and nodded repeatedly, That's right, that's right.

Seeing his proud look, Daiyu was so amused that she whispered something into Yinglian's ear again, making the two of them laugh again.

But no matter what, the first day of the fifth year of Jianping finally came. The three of them faced each other, and they all knew the future path of life, and they wanted to keep walking.

On the first day of the first lunar month, when the cock crows, people dress up and worship heaven, earth and ancestors. The second time is to visit neighbors and relatives. What kind of neighbors can there be next to the county government? Most people don't dare to be worshiped by the boss.

Breakfast was sugar rice cakes. After the meal, the family took advantage of the county government's vacation. I deliberately changed into regular clothes and went out shopping with Chen Heng's company.

The road is full of people congratulating each other. The severe cold in winter cannot stop everyone's enthusiasm for the festival. The street parade of the first lunar month will be held in the evening, and there are many children who got up early and are picking up the firecrackers that were not set off last night on the ground.

When watching the Three Kingdoms, Lu Xun visited the first floor of Yunjian. I went to the temple to burn some incense, and worshiped the God of Joy according to the old almanac. The schedule for the first day of the first lunar month is coming to an end.

By the time the parade of floats ended in the evening and Chen Heng returned home with Daiyu and Yinglian, who were still lingering over their feelings, they had already begun to look forward to the Lantern Festival lanterns on the first lunar month.

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Although the county government office started attending office hours on the fifth day of the Lunar New Year, it was not until after the Lantern Festival that the flavor of the New Year gradually faded away in the city. In the past few days, no one from the county government came to the door. In addition to reading every day, Chen Heng writes congratulatory letters to old friends and wishes them a happy new year.

On the eighteenth day of the first lunar month, while he was still looking through official documents in the study, Pan Youan suddenly came in with an invitation and said in a very nervous tone: My lord, my lord. These are the invitations and letters sent from Jinling.

Jinling? Chen Heng frowned slightly, he didn't have any friends there. After taking the things and taking a look, the first one was a gold-gilded red sticker. It was obvious that it was made by a wealthy family. After unfolding it, I found that the content on it actually came from the Zhen Mansion. It basically said: On March 23 this year, the old lady at home celebrated her birthday. Invite my cousin and cousin's husband to come over and talk.

The Zhen family is also related to the Lin family? Chen Heng shook his head and put this aside for now. I picked up two more letters and opened them. The first one was written by Jia Lian, with the title of the letter being addressed by my cousin-in-law.

This is just a weird thing. Although he didn't know why Jia Lian wrote to him, Chen Heng picked up the second letter first. It's okay not to look at it, but it really gives me a headache when I look at it.

I saw that the cover was signed by my cousin, and the wrong money was Baoyu's name and seal. Good guy, Chen Heng frowned when he saw it. He really couldn't understand why Jia Baoyu still didn't give up, not only that Daiyu was already married, but even Baoyu himself was married to Baochai.

Chen Heng was very helpless, but after all, it was a letter from his wife, and he was unwilling to open it directly and check it. He just gave it to Pan You'an and asked him to send it to Zicuckoo at the back, and let Zicuckoo deliver it on his behalf.

Chen Heng himself opened Jia Lian's letter, which contained common words. He only said that he came to Jinling to congratulate him this time. The old lady in the mansion asked him to bring some gifts to Chen Heng and Daiyu. They were all the old lady's thoughts. He asked his cousin to come and get them.

Jia Lian made every kind invitation in his heart and insisted on inviting him to Zhen's house. But Chen Heng wanted to laugh when he saw it. This second master Jia was really not afraid of big troubles. During this period, he arrested many big businessmen in Huating County and also disposed of many families. I don't know how many people secretly accused Chen Heng of being a county magistrate who loves to confiscate homes.

With such a good reputation spreading outside, how could Jia Lian have the nerve to persuade him to come as a guest?

Chen Heng shook his head and asked someone to go out to inquire. Only then did he realize that the Zhen family had not just sent him an invitation, but had also received it from officials of all sizes in Suzhou, Yuhang, and Songjiang.

Is Mr. Xiao ready to go? Chen Heng asked.

Xiao Ping shook his head, smiled bitterly, and said frankly: It's not that I'm a low-ranking official, I'm afraid I won't even have a place to sit if I go there.

Chen Hengsha smiled and didn't say any more. He had made up his mind to take a closer look at the Zhen family's appearance. You can also take a look at Zhen Baoyu and Jia Baoyu on the way, which is very interesting just thinking about it.

But counting the time, there are still two months. Chen Heng shook his head and only told Xinda to write down the matter and remind himself later. The latter suddenly remembered and asked: What kind of gifts can our family prepare for this visit?

What kind of gift is this? A copy of my copybook is a small gift but a heavy affection. Chen Heng said strangely. Although his family was rich, they didn't have any money to spend on people like the Zhen family.

When Xinda heard this, he had no choice but to laugh and give up. He already knew about Baoyu's letter, and he knew even more clearly that Chen Heng didn't show it on his face, but he must be a little unhappy in his heart.

As he began to count the days and look forward to it, Chen Heng received an unexpected visitor in early February.

Updates have been irregular lately, which is all caused by overtime work. The end of the year is really a headache. When it's empty, I'll use burst to make up for it. Guys, bear with me.