The Bookish Scholar of the Red Mansion

Master, how are the Mao brothers? I see how he came back with injuries today.

The master just returned to the inner room. His mother-in-law came close to him and helped the tired man sit down and rest.

Is the child asleep? The head of the house asked first.

You just went to bed, do you want to wake Xu'er up? This woman knew that the boss liked children, and she could secure her position as the bandit's wife. In addition to beauty, children also play a large role. What's more, I wish my son could show up in front of men more often and tie up the relationship between husband and wife.

The headmaster cast his eyes on the mother-in-law. Her graceful figure and youthful and outstanding appearance made him uneasy. Thinking of the previous discussion with his brothers, the headmaster shook his head in distress. He reached out to hold the mother-in-law in his arms, sucking in her body fragrance greedily.

Being held by her man like this, even though the couple had been married for a long time, there was still a flush on the woman's face. She noticed something strange about the boss and couldn't help but put her hand on his back. Patting gently, he said softly: Zhong Lang, what's wrong with you?

Zhong is the real name of the big boss. Not many people know what his real name was before he died, and no one cares. Now the brothers in the village call him either the master or Tai Suiye.

Zhong Taisui is the current bandit name of the head of Qingfeng Village.

After the Mid-Autumn Festival this year, you can quietly take Xu'er down the mountain. The headmaster suddenly said in a low voice.

The woman exclaimed, with a surprised face filled with disbelief as she looked at the man with his head buried in his arms. When she was snatched up the mountain in the past, she thought she would never have the chance to go down the mountain again in this life. How dare I believe that these words can come out of Zhong Taisui's mouth tonight.

But what happened? The woman suppressed her complicated mood and hesitated. She didn't know whether Zhong Taisui really meant it or was taking the opportunity to test herself. After hesitating for a moment, he said, It would be good if we could go down the mountain and go home to have a look. It would be better for Xu'er to recognize his grandfather and grandmother than to ask his children every day why other people have grandparents.

It's just, Zhong Lang. What you mean by what you said is that you don't intend to let us two come back? The woman held the man's face with her hands and said in a trembling voice, They say that men are the gods of mothers. If you want to be true, With this thought in mind, why not just find a rope and hang us two to death.

In this dark world, without you to support us, how will we two survive?

Seeing that the woman became more and more sad as she spoke, two lines of clear tears flowed down her face. Zhong Taisui was finally moved by the wind beside his pillow. His previous words were indeed a test. After all, the other party was forced up the mountain by him. Although he has been content with himself all these years. But he really couldn't rest assured about entrusting his only son to the other party.

Xu'er is his lifeblood. At his age, without Xu'er, what hope does he have?

It's just that Xu'er is still young after all, and can only be trusted by the child's mother. Zhong Taisui really couldn't think of any other brother in the village that he could trust.

Mao Daqing was originally the most suitable candidate, but the other party wanted to avenge his family's unjust death, so it was absolutely impossible for him to agree to his request.

The old Zhong family cannot afford to have descendants, and during the Qingming Festival, their graves cannot be left without incense and paper.

Zhong Taisui gritted his teeth and said to his mother-in-law, Do you think I can let you two go?! He added, But if you stay here any longer, I'm afraid you will die together with me.

How could this happen? The woman knew her man's abilities, and she knew even better what kind of help he had behind him. Suddenly, she said in horror, But that thing is coming?

Yes. The headmaster nodded, If Daqing forces him, we can't do it even if we don't want to do it. The person who died this time was a member of the Zhen family in Jinling. He made a big mistake and tied everyone to the bowstring. . If we don’t do it now, we will have to wait for the officers and soldiers to come and suppress the bandits.”

The woman was also confused by the news, and the sobbing expression on her face stopped immediately, with a mixture of two parts fear and seven parts disbelief. Seeing her timid and cowardly appearance, Zhong Dasui felt at ease again. He said hurriedly: Don't be afraid, I will definitely make arrangements for you two before anything happens.

We hope there will be no movement by the end of the year. You can quietly take Xu'er back to the mountain and spend the New Year with me.

Seeing the man so reluctant to leave, the woman looked completely moved. He was afraid and said: Do you really want to do it? Zhong Lang, can't you not do it? What if there is an emergency and Xu'er and I are orphans and widowers, what will we do in the future?

Don't be afraid. Before you go down the mountain, I will give you some money. This is for the brothers to see. The money won't be much. Zhong Taisui gently patted his mother-in-law on the back and said, I'm outside, privately. I also hid a sum of money. I will only tell Xu'er about this place, lest you accidentally let it slip. When he grows up, you can let him bring it out. Whether it is doing business or working as an employee. My husband will be enough for you to be rich and prosperous for a lifetime.

In order for his son to grow up safely, Zhong Taisui took great pains. He was afraid that he had just abandoned his mother-in-law. The other party took his son, remarried and changed his surname, and even his money went to other bastards. That is to say, he hopes that a woman can take care of her son wholeheartedly when he grows up, so that Zhong Taisui will plot against the person next to him.

You said you wanted him to take it with you. But when he got married and got a wife, there was no father in the hall. Aren't you afraid that he would be sad? The woman was also smart. She could see what the master was thinking, but she just said one sentence Not broken either. Directly lure the bandit leader to family ties.

Hey, stop talking. Just let him remember me as his father during the Qingming Festival. Zhong Taisui also had no choice or retreat. He had been following the Lord for so many years, and there was absolutely no chance of getting off the ship. It is better to cherish the wealth in front of you, live one day at a time, and earn it by yourself.

Zhong Lang. The woman wailed and cried directly into Zhong Taisui's arms. Her tears could not be stopped no matter what.

Madam. Zhong Taisui called out and hugged her tightly. Feeling the beauty's face hanging on his shoulder, and seeing her crying louder and louder, he couldn't help but comfort her. I really didn't expect that this woman that I accidentally snatched would be so deeply in love with me. Hey, I should have been nicer to her in the past.

He was thinking this, but he couldn't see that there was nothing but sobbing on the woman's face. The corners of the mouth on both sides were also slightly raised, grinning in a strange arc.

My wife must raise Xu'er well, do you understand?

Under the red candle, Zhong Taisui was still patiently urging her, feeling sad that he could no longer stay with his wife and children.

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At the end of March, Liu Yanzhang finally led the government officials to Chuansha Hall. Today is an auspicious day, the Five Elements Furnace is on fire, and the orders are on duty. When the auspicious time comes, the salute is fired first, and then the gongs and drums are played loudly, and the port is full of excitement.

This is the territory under the jurisdiction of Jiayu Village, and Chen Heng and Liu Yanzhang are both guests. Only Jia Yucun was asked to come forward and personally preside over the sacrificial affairs.

The gods of the City God and the Earth God are indispensable, and there are also tributes to the Sea Dragon King and the River God Hebo. After all the gods had taken care of it, there was no ribbon cutting. It was just Liu Yanzhang who led everyone to light incense and pray for the incense burner of the God of Wealth.

There is no superstition in Dayong. Ordinary people will prepare carefully when encountering a major event such as opening a business. Not to mention the grand opening of Hong Kong, no matter how solemn it is, it cannot be too solemn. Even if we don't do it this way, the people will still think that their parents and officials are incapable of doing things.

Promising good luck, the merchant ships that had been waiting at sea for a long time also slowly docked when the bell rang. This is a step that has been planned in advance. This merchant ship is a Fujian merchant ship. They will stop briefly at the port to rest, and then head straight to Qingniwa after three days.

The onlookers roared and cheered when the ship docked. When the cables were fastened and the planks were lowered, the men on board filed out. The people of Sichuan and Sha, who were already eager to try, immediately shouted to sell and solicit customers.

This scene made all the officials watching feel refreshed. Seeing that nothing happened next, Liu Yanzhang directly called Chen Heng and Jia Yucun to walk towards the Sichuan Sha Hall official office. Here, there is still a banquet waiting for them.

Well done by holding the line. Liu Yanzhang couldn't stop boasting halfway. He never expected that the other party would actually accomplish the port matter. What's more important is that the government office didn't spend a penny. Not to mention picking up a big bargain that fell from the sky, the lives of the counties in Songjiang Prefecture will be much easier in the future.

Your Majesty, I appreciate it. The port can be completed within four months, and it all depends on your coordination within the government and the full cooperation of the adults in each county.

As is customary in official circles, those who eat alone will be struck by lightning. Chen Heng couldn't help being humble and brought other magistrates along with him. The prime minister's belly can hold a boat, and he will never be rewarded if he cares about everything.

Seeing Chen Heng's words being so smooth, Liu Yanzhang couldn't help but nod his head, thinking: No wonder His Majesty appreciates this person so much. He thought for a while, today is a big day, and it is the right time to get closer to each other. Then he took the initiative to joke: But I'm afraid I'm going to have a headache when Chih-hsing comes back.

I'm sorry for being confused. I wonder what you are talking about? Chen Heng couldn't believe it for a moment when he suddenly heard this sentence.

Liu Yanzhang laughed and said directly: The Yunjian Academy run by your wife has caused a lot of discussion among the big families in the city. Many people say that the world is declining and people's hearts are not as good as before.

So this is it. Chen Heng showed an expression of sudden realization, simply shook his head and sighed: A horse's power can be seen from a distance, and a person's heart can be seen over time. If the people want to say it, even if you are a lower-ranking official, there is nothing you can do.

Is there any trouble that Chen Chixing can't solve? Liu Yanzhang joked, with a look of disbelief.

【】

Chen Heng knows the tricks of dealing with officialdom. Do the big things yourself and do the small things at the top. The other party took the initiative to bring up the matter, wasn't it because he wanted to solve it for himself?

He spread his hands slightly, and in Jia Yucun's astonishment, he smiled at Liu Yanzhang and said: People's words are scary, and I am helpless. I just ask the boss to remember that the official is young and not prudent enough in his affairs. Treat some rumors as Let it go.”

Hahaha. Liu Yanzhang felt that Chen Heng was really a wonderful person. Compared to Zhen Zijing and Xu Biao, I don't know how many times better.

Bad dish, what is the reason for mentioning that unlucky person? Liu Yanzhang immediately said, This matter is not difficult at all.

What do you mean, sir? Chen Heng said again at the right time.

I also have a school-age granddaughter at home, and she is clamoring to study all day long. I heard that Mrs. Ling is also talented and knowledgeable, so she can be her wife.

Liu Yanzhang said it casually, but his actions really helped Chen Heng. With Zhizhou's granddaughter coming forward, Daiyu's reputation will be much better. After all, the first batch of female students at Yunjian Academy came from very complicated backgrounds.

Chen Heng immediately bowed his hands and saluted, I would like to thank you, sir, for your care.

It's okay. Liu Yanzhang waved his hand. He was willing to bet on his granddaughter because he was interested in Chen Heng's ability. No matter how generous Lin Ruhai was, he couldn't control Songjiang Mansion, which was thousands of miles away, let alone an old official who was about to retire. Anyway, Lin Ruhai is not the prefect of Songjiang, so the county magistrate might as well take charge now.

What a sensible young man, he knows how to do things, speak and be a good person. Liu Yanzhang looked Chen Heng up and down and couldn't help but say: Master Lin is really lucky.

The Lin family has such a good son-in-law, even if Mr. Lin becomes an official in the future. The Lin family can also be rich and prosperous for decades and keep their family intact.

Suddenly hearing the name of their old boss, Jia Yucun and Chen Heng laughed silly together. Then he added: As the saying goes, priceless treasures are easy to come by, but talented men are hard to find. Prosperity and wealth are fleeting, and a man must rely on his true talent and learning to act. Mr. Lin's good fortune lies in his discerning eye for talent.

Master Jia, that's right. Liu Yanzhang nodded, continued to hold his hands, and led everyone directly into the official office.

Chen Heng smiled and accepted the sourness of several scholars, and even realized the natural contradiction between civil servants and nobles. Comparing the two, the former still needs hard study, but the latter has been born with a silver spoon in his mouth. Everyone has selfish motives, and on top of that, they are not on the right track. No wonder, in all dynasties, the gap between civil and military ministers has been a problem for those in power.

However, there is no need to take care of this matter yourself. The power of the small county magistrate is still in Huating County to the west.

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On the first day of April, Chen Heng finally set off and returned to Fucheng with Liu Yanzhang and others. This time the magistrate of Huating had such a big limelight, so naturally he had to enter from the south of the city.

After discussing with Liu Yanzhang about his granddaughter's enrollment, Chen Heng couldn't wait to return to the county office, ready to tell Daiyu the good news. Unexpectedly, when the person entered the door, Xinda said to his brother: The first lady and the second lady are not at home.

It's easy to understand that Daiyu is away, she must be teaching in the academy. But why is Yinglian not here? Chen Heng asked in surprise. Xinda smiled and said, Sister-in-law also went to the academy to study.

You see what a fuss this is, Chen Heng poured himself a cup of hot tea. Before his butt was warmed up in the study, Xiao Ping had already come to settle accounts aggressively. Most of the county government's money is spent on shipbuilding in shipyards. The commercial street opposite Ruanjia Lane is still under construction, and money will be distributed to the policemen and corvees in half a month.

I still have enough money on hand, and everything is easy to do now. What will happen in another month or two? As soon as the autumn harvest is over in October, the government will distribute taxes. Huating County is the leader of Songjiang Prefecture, and the momentum is so strong this year. Mr. Chen would be in trouble if he was in trouble afterwards.

Chen Heng saw his subordinates jumping anxiously and hurriedly invited Xiao Ping to take a seat. After a few words of comfort and thinking over the idea in my mind, I smiled and asked what the other person thought.

Sir, in my opinion, it's better to take the money you have now and go out to make money. Xiao Ping suggested. This is not because he was temporarily confused and set a precedent by being arrogant.

Since the Song Dynasty, this matter has become a common practice in county governments all over the world. In the Ming Dynasty, the situation became more and more intense. The output of county governments varies from place to place, including wealthy places like Yangzhou and Suzhou. Naturally, there are plenty of places to jingle.

These days, I want the court to allocate funds for local relief because you are poor. That's just a fool's errand, stay wherever it's cool. The imperial court only cares about one thing. When the date comes every year, it is ordered to pay taxes.

There are policies and measures to counter. The food in the fields depends on God's blessings, so if you use the money to lend money, you don't have to hide it in sunny or rainy days.

County governments in many places will specially support some idle people. Ni Er, who specializes in handling matters for the government, and who lent money to Jia Yun in the original book, is such a person. The imperial court could only acquiesce to this. There is no way, after all, if you don’t give money, you still point to the other party to pay.

It's no wonder that a leader like Wang Xifeng also likes to get a taste of profit. This business is really pie-in-the-sky. It depends on whether the borrower has the ability to get it back.

And when it comes to this, the government's face is extremely easy to use. If you don't pay back the money you owe anyone, you can't owe the government money either. You can run away with a pat on your butt, and can the whole family follow you?

Xiao Ping put his mind to this matter and guessed half of Chen Heng's thoughts. However, after hearing Xiao Ping's detailed plan, the latter still shook his head and said: Don't think too much about ordinary people.

Seeing that Chen Heng didn't say anything, Xiao Ping asked again: What do you mean, sir?

Our street shops haven't been sold yet. Invite all the small merchants and hawkers in Huating County, select people with families, young and old, and tell them that we can lend them money to buy shops. Buy a business.”

Ah?! Xiao Ping was stunned. Why should more people go in when the left hand goes into the right hand? You must be willing to cut into these people's pockets. If you send out a tax increase document, they will have to pay it even if they don't.

You idiot, you have to let them make money first before we can get the money. Chen Heng cursed with a smile and then explained, What these people lack in business is capital, so we will lend it to them and help them live a better life. day.

What if we lose? Xiao Ping asked directly.

The shops won't run away. Just take them back and sell them, and then help the next person. If you go round after round, you will always be able to make a business.

Chen Heng answered quickly. And he felt that with the business gangs from various places taking the lead, a huge flow of people would flow into the city. As long as you keep your feet on the ground, there is no reason why you can't do business. The reason for thinking about the local people is that, firstly, it is difficult for the government to come forward to make money personally, and secondly, the details of the local people are all in the county government library.

What kind of situation a family is in can be clearly understood by looking at the information and going to the countryside to ask about family traditions.

After being told like this by Chen Heng, Xiao Ping was not sure that he would be able to succeed. But he didn't dare to veto it for the time being due to many previous matters. He could only say: Yes, I will handle it now.

Don't be afraid, this matter will be of great benefit to the people in the territory. The rich first lead to the rich, and there are people like Shanxi merchants and Huizhou merchants here, so they can't be wrong. Chen Heng was afraid that Xiao Ping was confused, so he hurriedly mentioned it again and again.

Yes, sir.

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In the evening, the sunset shines on the flying eaves and animals. Daiyu finally took Yinglian, Zijuan and Qingwen home. Nowadays, they are accustomed to separation as a couple. Regarding Chen Heng's return, I was only happy and less surprised. Daiyu, the new mountain leader, has begun her new life.

During dinner, she heard her husband tell her about Zhizhou's granddaughter enrolling in school, and her expression was naturally very happy. Chen Heng shared the good news with his wife, and Daiyu also shared the good news with her husband.

What?! Chen Heng looked surprised, You said Jia Lian and Bao Yu are coming tomorrow?

Logically speaking, you should call me cousin. Daiyu couldn't help but shake her head, deeply worried about the scene of their meeting tomorrow, and couldn't help but said: How about I don't go to the academy tomorrow and take care of you at home?

Chen Heng shook his head wildly, immediately put down the bowl and chopsticks and said: Teaching children is a big deal, how can we delay it because of them. Don't worry, I...I... His eyes rolled around, Chen Heng said, I will definitely take care of you. them.

After all, we are relatives, you are not allowed to show off your face directly. Daiyu warned.

When Jia Lian came this time, he also brought Pan Youan and Si Qi's deeds of sale. Others have done enough to save face, but it's not good that your own etiquette is not up to the mark.

I know, I saved it. Chen Heng replied bravely. But I was thinking to myself: Okay, you precious jade, it’s finally time for you to beg me.

Happy New Year! ! Let me tell you something first. At nine o'clock in the evening, I sent a red envelope to the book club as a way of celebrating. Book friends who follow the update remember to join the group.

Thanks to book friend Blue Raindrop for the tip.

Thanks to book friend ‘luohuaxian’ for the tip.

Thanks to book friend ‘Xiao Qu Boy’ for the tip.

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

Thanks to book friend ‘老花花不花’ for the tip.