The Bookish Scholar of the Red Mansion

Seeing that the visitor was the first to ask, Chen Heng quickly stood up and saluted, Chen Heng, my uncle is out on business and has not come back yet. I wonder who your brother is?

As soon as he finished speaking, Jia Lian had already walked into the study quickly. The distance between the two people quickly closed, and Chen Heng couldn't help but take a closer look at the other person's appearance.

Needless to say, among the friends Chen Heng knew, among the men with such outstanding appearance and temperament, probably only Xue Biao could compare with the man in front of him, and he had to be a grown-up Xue Biao.

Wearing a bright yellow brocade embroidered robe, the hairband is also made of the same material. There is a chicken blood gemstone ring on the little finger of the right hand hanging on the chest and abdomen. Coupled with the person's already outstanding appearance, it is really hard to praise. The handsome young man in the previous sentence.

When Chen Heng looked at Jia Lian, Jia Lian also looked at him. Jia Lian's evaluation of Chen Heng was quite ordinary. I just feel that the other person's eyes are very bright and lively, and the rest of his clothes are also well-dressed.

Well, he is a child from a poor family.

Jia Lian, who had already made a judgment in his mind, came to the table and saw the books Chen Heng had spread out before, as well as the ink that had not yet dried.

He smiled, probably knowing that the boy in front of him was a talented man from Yangzhou studying with his uncle.

Although he was curious about why this boy was so young, Jia Lian still smiled and said, Jia Lian is my uncle's relative in the capital. As soon as he said this, Chen Heng secretly thought that it was indeed him.

The only person who could call Uncle Lin uncle was a relative from the Jia family. At this time, the only person with this identity and willingness to come is probably the eldest son, Jia Lian.

Unexpectedly, the first Jia family member I met turned out to be this evil ghost in lust and white stripes in the waves. Chen Heng secretly laughed in his heart as Jia Lian continued: Little brother, are you studying the history of the Ming Dynasty?

Chen Heng nodded. His books were spread out on the desk, so there was no need to hide anything. Just browsing in my spare time, it doesn't count as going to school.

Too modest, too modest. Jia Lian shook his head. Although he was not easy to learn, he still had good vision.

The notes Chen Heng wrote on the paper were clear and neat, and each stroke had the essence of calligraphy. It was obvious that he had put in a lot of hard work.

Look at the contents of the notes again, and follow the comments and thoughts along the original sentences. This kind of care and patience alone is enough to be praised, how could it be possible to just flip through it casually.

Although Jia Lian is a latecomer, his relationship with the Lin family is much closer than that of Chen Heng. He was obviously much older, so he simply accepted the guests instead of Lin Ruhai. He took the teapot and poured it for Chen Heng.

That is to say, Jia Lian was not good at studying. He met Chen Heng for the first time. I don’t know the details of this kid, but I think my uncle is interested in him, so he should have something in his stomach. Jia Lian thought for a moment and then turned the topic to home affairs.

I have a younger brother who is about the same age as you. If he studies as hard as you do, the elders in our family might think that a magpie is on the branch, and they will quickly put up a fight to welcome Wen Quxing in.

Jia Lian said casually and asked Chen Heng to sit down. Don't look down upon Jia Lian for making fun of his younger brother in front of outsiders.

The subtle self-confidence and self-satisfaction in his words are the confidence that a young master of the Duke's Palace should have.

Otherwise, how could there be a statement that as long as my brother studies hard, even Wen Quxing will come to enlighten him?

Chen Heng secretly laughed in his heart, knowing that the person he was talking about must be the legendary Jia Baoyu. But after all, it was difficult to answer this question, so he just showed a polite smile and skipped the topic directly.

The two of them sat in their respective positions, and Jia Lian chose well. His position was on the left, not far nor close to Chen Heng.

At present, the host has not returned, so Jia Lian directly accompanies Chen Heng and starts chatting.

It should be said that Jia Lian is very good at treating people and receiving guests.

He did not look down on Chen Heng because of his age, he only regarded him as his new guest.

Whether it's his friendly attitude or humorous remarks, the guests feel as if they are taking a shower of spring breeze.

This made Chen Heng, who was originally expecting some bloody drama to happen, a little disappointed, but that was not what was written in the script.

In fact, for a man like Jia Lian who often walks around, how could he not see Chen Heng's true identity. The clothes are so simple, it seems that the other party's family background is not very good. Being able to study in my uncle's study must be very popular with him.

Such people do not look at the monk's face but the Buddha's face. Jia Lian was even more unreasonable and looked down on Chen Heng for no reason.

But if you want to discuss interesting things about the capital, you will inevitably be suspected of showing off your family background.

Jia Lian didn't want to show off to Chen Heng, so he just recounted the scenery along the way from the capital and interesting things in Yangzhou.

But when he said this, he unconsciously revealed his secret.

Jia Lian said that he had just arrived in Yangzhou today, but the hickey on his neck that was half covered by his collar was clearly a fresh bite from a woman.

While Chen Heng was answering, he continued to look at the details of the other party's clothes, and got some clues from his belt and boots.

Jia Lian saw the smile of the young man in front of him getting brighter and brighter, and thought it was the rhythm of the topic that he controlled that made Chen Heng feel comfortable. He, Master Jia, immediately received him with more enthusiasm.

Not long after, Lin Ruhai, who had returned from outside, walked in. When he saw Chen Heng and Jia Lian sitting across from each other, he couldn't help but smile and said, It's a coincidence that you two met together.

Uncle.

uncle.

The two juniors said hello to each other, and Jia Lian quickly walked up to Lin Ruhai and started talking directly.

It's not that he wants to steal the limelight, it's just that Jia Lian came here under the entrustment of the old lady and wanted to invite his aunt to go back to her parents' home. Naturally, he wanted to find a way to find out what Lin Ruhai said.

Lin Ruhai nodded to the junior, took off his cloak, and walked towards the desk in the distance. When he sat down, he looked at Jia Lian and asked, Lian'er, when did you come to Yangzhou?

Hey, I want my uncle to know. As soon as my nephew got off the pier, he walked back into the house.

Then your wishful belt and swallow boots are all new styles from Yangzhou. Could it be that you bought them on the bed too? Lin Ruhai snorted, her tone already a bit questioning, Cover the things around your neck too. Cover it up so your aunt doesn’t get angry when she sees it.”

Jia Lian was shocked. He knew his aunt's bad temper. He couldn't help complaining that his sister last night was ignorant, so he quickly explained, Ahem, my nephew will leave after the eighth day of the Lunar New Year.

He felt that he and his uncle were both men, and they could understand each other's difficulties. What's more, it's not like my uncle doesn't have any concubines, so he might as well be more honest so that the other party won't be able to blame him too much.

Lin Ruhai counted the time and thought that Jia Lian had been secretly playing in Yangzhou for seven or eight days, so she helplessly pointed at him with her hand, You, you, you are all fathers, how can you be so dissolute in your behavior?

In front of Chen Heng, Lin Ruhai couldn't criticize his nephew too much.

When the elders said this, Jia Lian was embarrassed to stay. He stood up quickly and said with a smile: Uncle, I will go to the backyard to pay my respects to my aunt first.

Go. Go. Lin Ruhai waved her hand, Remember your neck and don't make your aunt angry.

Don't worry. Jia Lian coughed, nodded to Chen Heng, and hurriedly turned around and left.

Looking at his back as he hurriedly ran out, Lin Ruhai laughed and scolded this kid before turning his head to look at Chen Heng who had been standing silently, How are you reading the book?

I just saw Sun Chuanting. Chen Heng stepped forward and replied.

Weren't you still reading Zhang Taiyue a few days ago? Lin Ruhai was a little curious and motioned to the other party to take his reading notes.

Hahaha, I heard my uncle mention it last time. I was a little curious, so I jumped to read it.

Nonsense, it's better to read the books in order. Lin Ruhai smiled and shook her head, checking Chen Heng's notes again, The family is moving to the government office in the past few days, and there are many things to do, so you should review it yourself first.

Okay. Chen Heng nodded obediently.

Lin Ruhai's habit of loving classes started to show up again. He borrowed the help of Jia Lian who had just walked out and said, The person who just walked out is a relative of your aunt's family. His name is Jia Lian, and he is the legitimate son of the eldest son of Rongguo Mansion. You... You don’t have to have too much contact with him.”

Why is this? Chen Heng blinked and asked knowingly.

Judging from the meaning behind his uncle's words, he must have had problems with the Jia family for a long time. Is there some gossip here that is not explained in the book? He immediately ignited a raging fire of gossip.

Don't ask about elders' affairs. Lin Ruhai raised his finger and placed it on Chen Heng's forehead.

He couldn't tell this child that the Jia family was too close to the Supreme Emperor, and that your kid had caught His Majesty's eye, so don't do stupid things that violate taboos.

We have to wait until Chen Heng passes the imperial examination and goes to Beijing to take part in the examination.

No, Lin Ruhai suddenly had a thought in his mind. Judging from His Majesty's temperament, it might be more beneficial to Heng'er if he revealed the surprise himself.

The brains of smart people move very quickly. Lin Ruhai's mind was as fast as lightning, but his words were not wasted. He only listed all the connections of the Jia family one by one.

Uncle, I know him and his family very well. Chen Heng muttered something in his heart, but his face was as usual as he listened to Lin Ruhai's chatter.

After his uncle gave an overview of his relatives, Chen Heng hurriedly cooperated and said: So there is still such a relationship. No wonder I saw that my brother is so talented and extraordinary.

Fortunately, Chen Heng is also a thick-skinned person, otherwise just these words would have caused him to suffer internal injuries.

Lin Ruhai just thought that this was the first time the child heard about this, and it was inevitable that he would be a little surprised and mischievous. It's just that his temper is too wild. It would be better if he was calmer.

Although he had only met Jia Lian a few times, he already had a good grasp of Jia Lian's character. When she thought of what was on Jia Lian's neck, Lin Ruhai couldn't help but shake her head.

These Jia family people are really worrying.

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He asked the servant to find a scarf, and Jia Lian put it around his neck before rushing to the back house to pay his respects to Mr. Jia.

Jia didn't expect that this kid came here just before the new year, but he came again just after the new year.

But after all, she was a younger member of her mother's family. While she asked her children to sit down, she chatted with Jia Lian about home affairs.

This time, it didn't suit Jia Lian's wishes. He quickly said: Auntie, you don't know. The old lady got sick just after the Chinese New Year. She has been talking about you for seven or eight years since you went to Yangzhou, and you haven't even met her in person.

What? Mom is sick? Jia was shocked when she heard this. He looked clearly panicked and said, Please ask the imperial doctor to take a look.

I've seen it. The imperial doctor said it was caused by a disease caused by thoughts of thought. Jia Lian raised his sleeves and pretended to tap the corners of his eyes a few times.

He just wanted to continue acting, but when he thought that Lin Ruhai had seen through his search for flowers and willows in Yangzhou, he quickly changed his mind and said, After taking the medicine prescribed by the imperial doctor, the old lady's health is better, but she just lies in bed all day long, over and over again Mumbling my aunt’s name.”

Mrs. Jia, who was greatly moved, sighed heavily after hearing this. How can any daughter not miss her mother?

It is said that only an adopted son realizes the kindness of his parents. If it weren't for some annoying people in the family, how could Mr. Jia not go home for seven or eight years?

I know. Jia nodded and raised her handkerchief to wipe the tears from her eyes.

She just heard the news that Jia's mother was seriously ill, and knew that the other person was lying in bed and still chanting her name. She really cried.

Damn it, you won’t overact it. Jia Lian was worried that Lin Ruhai would settle the score with him later, so he quickly brought out the new interesting things at home, such as his daughter calling her daddy, and Baoyu being scolded again for studying.

This Jia Lian really had a clever mouth. He kept talking inside and outside, which made Jia's mood better.

Auntie, why don't you and your nephew go back to Beijing and let the old lady meet you and your brothers and sisters?

Hearing what her nephew said, Jia immediately became entangled. When she got married, Jia Lian was still young and could not remember the troubles at home.

But Mrs. Jia will never forget the conflict between herself and her second sister-in-law. If it weren't for this second sister-in-law, why would she not want to go back for seven or eight years?

This matter is a long story, so Jia could only say one sentence, The government has been busy these days. Your uncle has just been promoted to the prefect, and our family has to move to the government office again. Let's wait until these things are dealt with before we talk about this matter. Bar.

When Jia Lian heard this, he was even more happy. He had never wanted to leave Yangzhou so soon, so he quickly said: That's fine, my nephew will stay in Yangzhou for a few more days.

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After the family dinner that night, Lin Ruhai accompanied Jia back to the house. The couple sat on both sides of the soft couch as usual. One is reading a book and the other is playing with novelty gadgets.

After so many years of married life, the two of them have developed a tacit understanding. Seeing Mr. Jia playing with things, Lin Ruhai turned over a page of the book and said: If you want to go to the capital, it would be better to wait until February, when the river will be clear.

Show off your cleverness again. Jia murmured and couldn't help but pick up her foot and kick Lin Ruhai's shoe.

Seeing his wife showing such a girlish posture, Lin Ruhai was also a wonderful person. He only reached out and took hold of Jia's feet and put them in his arms. He said with a smile: It has been seven or eight years. Due to emotions and reasons, it is time to take Jade with me. Er, Jueer, go back to see your grandmother and identify your relatives.

Hey. Just because it was a reasonable thing, Jia was so distressed, I'm afraid that if I see her, we'll start a fight again.

Is there anyone else you're afraid of? Lin Ruhai said noncommittally. When Mrs. Jia saw the proud look on the other party's face, it was obvious that her wife was powerful, and she felt honored for it.

She was also amused by her husband's expression and couldn't help laughing: In your eyes, am I such a powerful person?

The little girl in red in the capital stopped the scholars who came to Beijing to take the exam and asked about their family background. Even Mr. Yuan He, who is a talented penman, couldn't write such a story. Lin Ruhai laughed and put on the socks for Jia. . Go back every once in a while. If you feel uncomfortable staying here, just go home.

When she heard Lin Ruhai use the word 'home', Jia also nodded emotionally. No matter what, the place where the man in front of me is is my home.

Maybe her temper just changed?

Lin Ruhai, Lin Ruhai, please forgive me for claiming that you are smart and witty, but why are you so confused with just one sentence? As soon as he finished speaking, Jia's strong temper immediately broke out.

So what if she changes it? How she looked down on you back then makes me so angry when I think about it now.

Jia has always remembered her resentment for so many years. Not only because of the second sister-in-law's offense to him, but also because of the second sister-in-law's contempt for Lin Ruhai.

When Lin Ruhai came to Beijing to take the exam, he was just a newly promoted candidate. Ordinarily, such a family is not worthy of being a direct relative of the Duke's Mansion.

Even if the ancestors of the Lin family had the title of marquis, it was not enough. To know this marquis, it would be enough to pass on to three generations.

Lin Ruhai's father was favored by the Supreme Emperor and was given an additional generation. When it was Lin Ruhai's turn, Lin's father had already passed away. The Lin family was actually just an empty shell. How many old friends and relatives were left?

The young Lin Ruhai at that time, of course, looked so elegant and suave, needless to say, her appearance.

But such a family background is a bit inferior to a capital city full of honors and honors.

Things in this world are so coincidental sometimes. When Lin Ruhai passed by the gate of the capital city, Jia Min, who was riding by on horseback, took a quick look.

Jia Min was so majestic at that time. In addition to a few princes and princesses, she was also a powerful figure in the circle of girls in the capital.

After Jia Min fell in love with Lin Ruhai's beauty, he rode directly in the middle of the road and asked her name.

There is no need to say more about the twists and turns that followed. (Note 1)

It is only said that Lin Ruhai was still a young boy who had not made a fortune at the time. He visited Jia's house several times, but was treated with soft words by the second sister-in-law who was the housekeeper at the time.

Until Jia Min got married, the second sister-in-law casually told outsiders: My sister could marry better, but the Lin family is really not a good match.

These words sounded like he was feeling sorry for his good sister, but when he thought about them carefully, he was really very mean and vicious.

Your Majesty has already decided to marry her, Jia Min is willing to marry her, and Lin Ruhai is also the top girl in high school.

She, the second sister-in-law, was still picking and choosing. Do you want your sister and brother-in-law to treat each other like guests and be together for a hundred years?

But if Lin Ruhai was smaller-minded and took his second sister-in-law's contempt on Jia, how would they live in the future?

The experiences of these two people are also interesting. One was born in an ordinary earl family, but through the efforts of his father and brother, he successfully climbed to the top of the Duke's palace. A phoenix on the sycamore tree wants to fly into the homes of ordinary people.

In front of Jia, Mrs. Wang hid a bit of quiet complacency, which was inevitable.

Unfortunately, Jia is a person who dares to love and hate. Since Mrs. Wang took the initiative to step on the gunpowder star, even on the eve of her wedding, she dared to have a big quarrel with her second sister-in-law in front of her mother and outsiders.

Jia remembered that she pointed directly at Wang's face and said, If you ever say anything bad about my husband or our Lin family, watch your skin carefully.

Because this incident happened in the boudoir, and Jia's mother ordered it to be concealed, a child like Jia Lian would naturally not know about it.

However, because of this matter, when Mrs. Jia got married the next day, Mrs. Wang directly claimed that she was ill and stayed in her room behind closed doors, which surprised the guests who were passing by at that time.

Note 1: I lost it and wrote it down, and I have to make up another extra chapter. But forget it, this extra episode can be supplemented or not. The name is: the little girl in red.

I'll post it when I finish it later, and it won't be included in the word count for normal updates. Now there are Baoqin's extras and Daiyu's extras to make up for. Tired, tired