The Bookish Scholar of the Red Mansion

After chatting with Daiyu all night about the old affairs of the historian's family, Mrs. Chen was still giving advice to her husband before going out the next day.

Noticing the concerned look on his wife's face, Chen Heng knew that Yu'er was worried about the banquet that night. Apart from a few words of relief, I couldn't say much more.

After sending the two ladies safely out of the house, Chen Heng spent half a day handling official duties in the county government office, then got on the carriage and walked to the government office.

There have been too many banquets recently, and he is not good at drinking, which is really annoying to talk about.

But in the officialdom, there are too many things that people cannot control. On the surface, Shi Ding came with the mission of suppressing bandits. With this banner, everyone in the Songjiang Mansion had to circle around the imperial envoy.

Even Chen Heng had to put down the half-finished Lou County, let alone other officials.

But what is surprising is that not many people attended today's banquet. When Chen Heng arrived at the government office, he only saw Liu Yanzhang and Shi Ding, accompanied by Jia Lian, Baoyu, and Xue Pan.

Everyone waited for a while, and soon the Songjiang Guard commander and four deputy commanders arrived as scheduled.

Chen Heng had never had any dealings with these military attachés. In name, the other party only obeyed the control of Magistrate Songjiang.

It is far from being a local magistrate that can be touched on weekdays. The difference between civil and military forces lies here.

From the fact that after the other party came in, he first saluted Liu Yanzhang and then greeted Shi Ding, it can be seen that Commander Songjiang had a sense of proportion.

It was rare for an imperial envoy to come to visit, so Liu Yanzhang could not help but try to please and make friends with him. After everyone arrived, everyone moved to the river to paint the boat.

Yes, it is the place of fireworks that people often call it. But it’s different from Ruanjiaxiang. The painted boats on the rivers and lakes were mostly used by officials and prostitutes. It's better to be in a quiet place with no outsiders to disturb you.

This place was specially chosen. The prefect naturally wanted Shi Ding to feel at home.

As soon as he took his seat, he already said that he would support Shi Ding today. Anyone who talks about business at the table will be fined three drinks.

There is nothing to say about the process of this banquet. In essence, it was just a few important figures in Songjiang Mansion communicating with the imperial envoy Shi Dingtong.

Everyone had a face-to-face meeting to provide some inspiration for the subsequent suppression of bandits.

Because we were hosting military generals, the entertainment involved was quite different from a gathering of literati.

At the previous banquet, most of them played with Fei Hua Ling and recited poems and composed poems. Let's do some elegant things and have fun with each other.

Today, the combination of several military generals and noble disciples has changed the routine.

Of course, wine is indispensable, as is the music girl who sits with you. On top of this, I don’t know where Liu Yanzhang came up with the idea, but he actually attracted many official prostitutes to accompany him.

Although Chen Heng was dealing with this group of people for the first time, he was no stranger to them. The so-called official prostitutes are naturally different from the girls in brothels.

Most of them were the family members of convicted officials and were reduced to low status after their homes were confiscated.

This type of criminal law is intended to serve as a warning. But compared to the clean and neat decapitation, the struggle and despair of falling from the top of the clouds into the mire, I don't know which punishment is more torturous.

Chen Heng, who was unable to drink, found it difficult to fit into the jubilant atmosphere. A group of ruffians have been trapped in the camp for a long time. I have some free time today, so I can't help but indulge in some wild activities.

In the past, most of the official prostitutes were young ladies from wealthy families. How could they bear this entanglement? But their status is low, and they can't resist. I could only smile apologetically and try my best to protect my vitals in public.

The official prostitute responsible for serving Chen Heng is quite good-looking. It's a pity that Chen Heng doesn't have much interest in him, and the other party is happy to meet someone he likes.

Apart from holding back Chen Heng's drink, there weren't many embarrassing things that happened during the whole process.

The atmosphere gradually turned to a climax and everyone was busy having fun. Chen Heng watched for a while and couldn't help but borrow the opportunity to go out for some fresh air.

When we arrived at the bow of the boat, we saw a moonlight sinking in the waves, which was very pleasing to the eye. The air outside was quieter after all. Chen Heng stood there for a moment and saw a scholar in gilded clothes crossing the bridge with a lantern in the distance.

At this scene, he suddenly remembered the scene where Baoyu, before becoming a monk, met Shi Xiangyun who had become a prostitute in a certain place.

In the TV series, the two said goodbye in tears. The screen paused on the shadow of the boat going away, and Shi Xiangyun said, Brother, save me.

Looking back on the bustle of the Grand View Garden in the past, it is really emotional.

It is still unclear whether prosperity in the prosperous age is just a dream.

Chen Heng, who was in a waning mood, suddenly remembered something. Why did Shi Xiangyun become a prostitute? !

This thought appeared in my mind like thunder. Chen Heng immediately shuddered. Looking at the gentle moonlight again, he felt a chill in his heart unconsciously.

The world only knows that the families of officials who confiscate their homes will be reduced to low status.

But in fact, there are also hierarchies in house confiscation, and it can be said that the Braid Dynasty is the most favorite house raider in all dynasties.

When it is their turn, usually when a corruption case occurs, the house will be confiscated. This is ancillary punishment after the principal criminal is sentenced.

The female relatives were reduced to official prostitutes, which were subordinates among subordinates. Generally only used in cases of extreme corruption.

This kind of case shocked both the government and the public, and the whole country was shocked. Not killing is not enough to make the people angry. Without ransacking the house, it would be difficult to warn future generations. Only His Majesty and the Third Division would use such unprecedented means.

Because the female family members were reduced to official prostitutes, the men in the family were bound to be exiled.

In addition to major corruption cases, there is another crime for which this penalty will definitely be used.

The provincial examination, the joint examination, and the palace examination all involve judging cases, and Chen Heng knew this very well.

He knew that this crime was called treason.

The common people prefer to call it: rebellion.

Chen Heng came to this world, it was no longer just a day or two.

Now that he is an official of the imperial court, how could he not know the angle and intensity of the judgment of the three departments including the Ministry of Punishment?

As long as some room can be left, everyone will leave some dignity and affection for the convicted court officials.

After all, no one knows what kind of disciples and former officials the other party hides in private, or when he has secretly shown favor to someone from a certain family.

Whoever created the figurines has no descendants? Keep a line when doing things so that we can meet each other later.

After the Jia family was confiscated, Jia Zheng was still able to take his children back to his hometown and live a peaceful life. This is why.

And why did Shi Xiangyun, who was also a member of the Four Great Masters, become an official prostitute and was finally met by Jia Baoyu, who was determined to become a monk, on the bridge?

Chen Heng's heart tightened inexplicably, and for no reason he felt that the night breeze was carrying a chilly air.

He was young and had little experience at the time. I mistakenly believed some comments on the Internet and thought that the historian's family was in dire straits, so he sold Shi Xiangyun to an official kiln.

Now that I think about it, it's just bullshit. Whoever elder dares to do this, bully an orphan girl without a father and mother, is a noble queen. I am afraid that it will anger the entire Xungui Group and be tolerated by them.

After pondering for a long time, Chen Heng could not come to a clear conclusion for a while.

But he had been out for some time, and the official prostitute responsible for serving Chen Heng had already leaned out and called Master Chen.

Without thinking much for a moment, Chen Heng hurriedly turned around and returned to everyone's sight. By this stage, everyone was already 70 to 80% drunk.

Several deputy commanders were taking advantage of their drunkenness to persuade Shi Ding to talk about his great achievements on the battlefield.

As the third wife of a wealthy family, Shi Ding, who was awarded the title of Marquis of Zhongjing, naturally had a history of his own fortune.

Compared with him, the only one who got the position of doctor in the Ministry of Industry was Jia Zheng. In terms of official career alone, he is also a bit weak.

Shi Ding just said a few words briefly, and everyone who had already listened was amazed.

The danger on the battlefield and the bloody fight between the two armies are something that others and outsiders cannot participate in and experience. Listening to everyone's compliments, Shi Ding also had a bit of a smile on his face.

Being able to fight for his own title as Saburo Shikashi. His reputation among the nobles is also extraordinary.

Li Zhi even intended to establish him as a model and gave him the title of Marquis of Zhongjing. I hope that the noble children of the capital will not lie in their comfort zone and can inherit the legacy of their ancestors.

The climax of the banquet was the gift-giving by Jia Lian and Xue Pan. These two people are Shi Ding's juniors, so if they give some generous gifts, the censor can't fault them even if they know it.

For the first time, Chen Heng hoped that someone would accept this bribe.

But Shi Ding, even when he was drunk, ordered his servants to take one or two gifts from him, as a sign of his acceptance of the younger generation's wishes.

Jia Lian and Xue Pan were asked to take all other valuables back.

Seeing that even Liu Yanzhang praised Shi Ding's behavior, the feeling of horror in Chen Heng's heart suddenly became stronger.

Zhongjing, Zhongjing.

Who are you loyal to?

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After the banquet, the carriage from the mansion was driven by Yan Xiaoer and Liu Xianglian. Chen Heng has been sullen and silent since he got into the car.

Liu and Yan didn't know what happened to their master, so they had to carefully escort Chen Heng home.

As soon as he entered the house, Chen Heng ordered Zicuckoo to pass a few words to Daiyu. He turned around and entered the study, locked the doors and windows, and stayed there all night.

Daiyu and Yinglian knew that if their husband suddenly acted like this, there must be something important that they couldn't understand. Although I was worried, I didn't come to disturb him.

One asked Zijuan to make ginseng tea, and the other asked Qingwen to bring some snacks.

Chen Heng, who desperately wanted to be alone, ordered the two of them to put their things outside the door without even letting Zijuan and Qingwen see them.

Afterwards, the two maids went back to report. Daiyu and Yinglian looked at each other and noticed something was wrong.

But if the husband doesn’t come forward, what can they do? Daiyu had no choice but to persuade Yinglian to go back to the room together and rest first.

On the morning of the next day, Chen Heng, who looked quite haggard, appeared in front of the family and ordered someone to call Xinda who was busy outside.

Xinda didn't know what was happening in his house. When he saw the dark clouds in front of his brother's eyes, he was startled. He quickly asked with concern: Brother, what's wrong with you?

Chen Heng waved his hand, saying that it was inconvenient to say more about some facts. He took out the letter he wrote last night, looked at Xinda and said, I have something important that I need you to do in person.

When Xinda heard this, his expression suddenly became solemn. These days, he is helping Pan You'an manage the shopping street, and occasionally travels in the countryside to supervise the summer harvest in various villages.

It's just that these two important things became insignificant compared with Chen Heng's solemn expression.

Second brother, you said.

The two brothers were alone, and Xinda didn't care to call them adults.

Chen Heng handed the letter to the other party's hand with great care and said in a deep voice: I need you to go to the capital and hand this letter to your father-in-law in person.

Yes. Xinda didn't ask anything. After taking the letter, he immediately put it in his arms and smoothed his clothes.

In the afternoon, I will ask your sister-in-law to prepare some gifts for you. Just go out in the name of giving gifts to your family. Remember, this letter must be received by my father-in-law. When will he reply to you, what will you do? It’s time to come back.”

Yes. Xinda nodded hurriedly. He hadn't seen Chen Heng so serious for a long time.

After making this arrangement, Chen Heng waved his hand to signal him to exit first, and went to call Daiyu over. The couple discussed for a while, and in the afternoon, Xinda hurried to the capital with several gifts.

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The Huating County government office suddenly lost a Xinda, but this incident did not attract many people's attention. In the past few days, the people and officials in the city were attracted by the quarrel between Chen Heng and Shi Ding.

Now that the summer harvest is approaching, Shi Ding intends to raise troops to suppress the bandits. It's not that this matter can't be done, it can't be done at this moment, let alone mobilize the troops.

On the other side of the border, military rations are important, and Songjiang has already taken care of the transportation. Add in bandit suppression and summer harvest, how can the young people in the house be enough?

Even though there were only five thousand officers and soldiers, there were several times that number of civilians and working animals. Shi Ding didn't even give a specific charter. He just insisted on asking Songjiang Prefecture to cooperate as an imperial envoy.

Liu Yanzhang was naturally willing to cooperate. He would rather offend the people than the imperial envoy. He hasn't even secured the position of prefect yet.

However, Chen Heng was possessed by his father-in-law's power and was not afraid of Shi Ding's stubbornness at all. He insisted on asking when the war would start and when it was expected to end.

The south of the Yangtze River is a land of plenty, and it is another major granary besides Guangdong, Guangxi and the two lakes. Not to mention tens of thousands of young people, but hundreds or thousands of young people left without any reason. During the summer harvest, local officials would have a headache.

Shi Ding was also surprised that he was turning a blind eye to the city gate matter, so why was Chen Heng still holding on to him.

Chen Heng was also unwilling to alert the enemy. If Shi Ding hadn't asked for tens of thousands of civilians as soon as he opened his mouth, he would never have dared to confront him.

There is really no way to do it. Distant worries are distant worries, and nearby difficulties are more important. If we really let these people go, will the people of Songjiang not be able to survive?

Shi Ding was really annoyed by Chen Heng and scolded Liu Yanzhang in front of him: I have traveled all over the south of the Yangtze River, but I have never seen a county official who dared to contradict the imperial envoy.

Chen Heng was also annoyed. His temperament was very easy-going most of the time. When it comes to things, he is tougher than most people. He directly pointed at the cow and said: That's a good feeling. Today is a good time for you to meet me. The head of a county is also an official of the imperial court.

Didn’t we sit and drink wine a few days ago? Shi Ding was angry again and again and reprimanded Liu Yanzhang: Is this how Mr. Futai indulges his subordinates?

Liu Yanzhang laughed and started to hesitate in public. Shi Ding, you are indeed an imperial envoy from the imperial court, but behind Chen Heng there are also Lin Yushi and the prince.

The two of you really want to take the lawsuit to the imperial court. I can't tell whether His Majesty will help you or him.

Besides, Liu Yanzhang also felt that Shi Ding had gone too far. The summer harvest is around the corner. This is the assessment standard for local officials everywhere, and it is also the lifeline around their necks.

If you, Mr. Shi, fart in the sky at will, you will take away the young people in the country without paying you. Then who will do the summer harvest in Songjiang Mansion? Who will make up for the losses? Do you care if the court accuses you?

How can you make people follow you without saying anything?

Seeing Liu Yanzhang working as a paper maker, Shi Ding was too lazy to talk nonsense to the stupid prefect. He directly asked Chen Heng: Are you really determined to obstruct it?

I am not the official disapproval of this matter. The blush from the previous quarrel faded slightly, but Chen Heng still refused to give in and said bluntly, Your Excellency, I have no regulations to show you. I didn't say when this bandit suppression started. When will it be? I’m sorry that my officials are incompetent and find it difficult to issue official documents to recruit civilians in the county.”

You, a small seventh-grade county magistrate, still want to discuss military matters?

Seeing that Shi Ding was talking about his official position, Chen Heng even choked and said: The livelihood of the people is also a national matter. There is one more thing that I hope the imperial envoy will know. I am not a seventh-rank county magistrate. In fact, I am a fellow magistrate of the sixth-rank state. , before leaving Beijing, His Majesty has issued an order allowing me to take charge of all affairs in the state.

Hearing what Chen Heng said, Shi Ding subconsciously looked at Liu Yanzhang and saw him nodding silently. He knew that Chen Heng was not lying to him. Shi Ding had no choice but to point at him and say: Okay, okay, if you don't want to, of course someone else will.

No one in Songjiang Prefecture will agree to the imperial envoy. Chen Heng also said harsh words. Among the seven counties and one hall in Songjiang, except for Jinshan County and Fengxian County, Chen Heng was not sure. In the other six places, Chen Heng asked himself how he could prevent this.

It's not that Chen Heng doesn't know the meaning of the robber An Nei. Not to mention Shi Ding, whose situation was unclear, suppressing bandits was a good thing for the court itself.

But the people of Songjiang have already been subject to corvee service last year. People's power needs to be used, and even more important, it needs to be maintained. If you really treat the people under your rule like cattle, are you going to suppress bandits, or...?

Chen Heng really didn't want to think too much about it, so he could only deal with the matter at this moment. Unwilling to yield to Shi Ding's power, he just sat back and watched this happen.

Shi Ding really laughed in anger. He couldn't help but look at Liu Yanzhang and cursed angrily: Which one of you is the prefect of Songjiang?

Of course it's Mr. Liu. Chen Heng answered immediately and looked at Liu Yanzhang together.

Suddenly being stared at by two people like this, Liu Yanzhang screamed in his heart that it was terrible.

No, no. You two royal celebrities were quarreling, why did you kick the ball to me?

Liu Yanzhang was also a veteran in the officialdom, so he found it difficult to make a decision in person. He simply said with a smile: We are all dedicated to serving the court and talking nicely, so why are we still arguing? I think it is better to sit down and have a meal first. Let's discuss it in the long term, okay?

This hand dragging technique is really used just right. Shi Ding already knew that Liu Yanzhang did not want to stand on his side, nor did he want to continue talking nonsense with the two of them.

He didn't hold Chen Heng's pigtails. Now there is no way to force Chen Heng to bow his head as an imperial envoy.

After all, both of them have the privilege of direct access to the Holy Listening. Even the patrolling imperial envoy would not dare to take off Chen Heng's black gauze hat without any reason.

I will report this to Your Majesty. After saying this, Shi Ding became more and more disgusted with Chen Heng in front of him.

I will personally explain to Your Majesty. Chen Heng said solemnly, clasping his fists without showing any hint of timidity.

After the two dragons crossing the river finished fighting, Liu Yanzhang sat back and watched them leave. Only when I was in my position, I thought with emotion: The position of magistrate is not as satisfying as magistrate.

I might ask for leave tomorrow. My best friend of more than ten years is getting married, and I want to be the best man! ! ! The main thing is to get up early, I have to go to bed early at night, and I will be busy tomorrow. Try to figure it out and see if you can write some on your phone.