The Bookish Scholar of the Red Mansion

The city of Yangzhou has been really lively these days. First, Magistrate Lin, who had been ill for a long time, finally recovered. Soon after, Huang Wendong's family, a wealthy man in the city, was involved in several cases. Not only did people die, but even their property was confiscated by the government officials. .

Those who care about the two major events before and after will inevitably put them together to make connections. All kinds of rumors and news spread lively in the city for a while, causing a lot of discussion.

Jiang Yuanbai and others were not immune to this. They knew about Chen Heng's relationship with the Lin family and curiously inquired about it once. This matter involves an acquaintance of the elders. Not to mention that Chen Heng didn't know about it. Even if he knew about it, he wouldn't dare to talk about it behind his back without his uncle's permission.

Seeing that his friend really didn't know anything, Jiang Yuanbai didn't care and took the initiative to tell him the news he heard. There are many opinions, but the content that comes and goes is that Huang Wendong deserves what he deserves.

In addition to selling salt, their family also ran a profit-making business that destroyed families, and they also engaged in the business of buying and selling people in private. As for hiding weapons, there is no need to say more. However, Yangzhou people generally believe that the latter crime was deliberately framed.

The people's speculations were very strange. They felt that the Huang family was not that stupid. They knew that hiding crossbow arrows would lead to death, and they would do such a thing. But if you ask these people to explain the former, they can't explain it clearly.

The three newspapers in the city have become the mouthpieces of the government this time. Publishing Huang Wendong's crime in the newspaper was a final decision for the Huang family and put an end to the rumors in the lower city.

Three days later, it was time to take a break at the academy. Chen Heng also received an invitation from Uncle Lin after a long time. Without much hesitation, he packed up a little and rushed to the government office. The two people, who had not seen each other for a long time, looked very good when they met in the study room of the back house.

Are you worried during this time?

Lin Ruhai led the child to sit next to him, and as usual started talking about ordinary things.

Seeing that Uncle Lin looked really good, Chen Heng nodded with a smile and said, Uncle seems to have gained weight.

Are you fat? Lin Ruhai pinched his face subconsciously. The color of his clothes was bluish, which made him look fat. In addition, for a few months, I ate and slept in the back house, and slept and ate. You don't have to deal with any official duties, but you don't have to gain a lot of weight. The combination of the two made my uncle's changes particularly noticeable.

No. Lin Ruhai shook her head and sighed, I have to get hungry before your aunt comes back.

Huh? Chen Heng said a little strangely: Why is this?

With the Lin family's body, it would be a good thing if they could gain weight.

Lin Ruhai pursed her lips. When he did this action, he looked particularly like Daiyu. You're still young and don't understand. You'll know when you get married. Uncle Lin waved his hands, unwilling to talk more about this issue, and took the initiative to pull Chen Heng to the couch, I'm here now, let's accompany you first. Uncle plays chess.

During this period, when Lin Ruhai had nothing to do, he played chess with himself. She had been holding back her idleness for a long time, and today she caught Chen Heng. Even if the opponent's chess skills were bad, Lin Ruhai had no intention of letting him go.

Two figures, one large and one small, sat facing each other on the couch. Lin Ruhai, who had only made more than a dozen moves and felt no pressure at all, chatted about home affairs in a relaxed tone, Congratulations on your passing the scholar examination.

Didn't uncle ask Brother Jue to come and congratulate him? Chen Heng didn't care. He knew that his uncle was busy with something at that time.

After all, it's your big deal. Lin Ruhai smiled, took out the gift he had prepared long ago from nowhere, and handed it into Chen Heng's arms, This book of chess can be considered a congratulatory gift to you.

Why are you sending chess records again? Chen Heng couldn't bear to laugh or cry. Lin Ruhai saw that this stupid kid didn't know what he was doing. After he played the game himself, he chuckled and said, I can probably imagine Brother Wei's reaction after receiving the chess record.

Where is this? Chen Heng scratched his head. Fortunately, he had to think about the direction of the chessboard and had no time to think about it.

It's just that Lin Ruhai is quite leisurely. When he called Chen Heng today, he had the intention of teaching him a lesson. So he picked up his multi-tasking ability and played chess while breaking down what happened during this period to Chen Heng.

After Lin Ruhai finished explaining the incident, Chen Heng suddenly realized: So Huang Wendong died at the hands of Li Bian.

Unexpectedly, this was the answer, and Chen Heng was filled with sadness. According to his uncle's story, Huang Wendong treated Li Bian with all his heart and soul. Unexpectedly, in the end, he became the first victim.

Lin Ruhai nodded. He probably had finished explaining the story, and then he began to give Chen Heng a good lesson. Explain the intention of each step you take step by step.

Finally, Lin Ruhai concluded: Li Bian knows that I know about Huang Wendong, and Huang Wendong knows that Li Bian knows that I know about him. But they don't know what I will do, whether to deal with Huang Wendong, or whether to deal with Li Bian through Huang Wendong. They don’t know anything, so they have to guess.”

In officialdom, the most fearful thing is to rely on listening and guessing. Lin Ruhai changed her sitting posture, closed her sleeves again, and then continued to ask Chen Heng, Heng'er, do you have any questions in your mind?

Seeing his uncle asking questions like this, Chen Heng put the black piece in his hand back into the chess box and looked thoughtful. After a long time, he said in a deep voice: Uncle, how can you be sure that the opponent will definitely take action?

Oh? Lin Ruhai raised an eyebrow and asked, If it were you, when would you choose to take action?

As the art of war goes, if you know yourself and your enemy, you can fight a hundred battles without danger. Chen Heng said seriously, My nephew will not take action unless he is absolutely sure.

Because it's such a good opportunity for him. Lin Ruhai spread his hands, There is a battle at the border, and your Majesty needs money. The government's treasury is indeed short of silver, and I am claiming to be ill.

These are all external factors. Lin Ruhai finally added: And Li Bian's journey has been very smooth. He passed the imperial examination at the age of sixteen and became a Jinshi at the age of twenty-two. Long before he took office, I asked Brother Wei to be transferred from the capital. Come to his situation. Such a person will not miss this opportunity.

Chen Heng nodded. He understood what his uncle meant and took the initiative to speak for him, So even if it is a trap disguised as an opportunity, he will feel that it is God's favor again.

After letting Lin Ruhai explain until now, Chen Heng also understood that the person his uncle really wanted to deal with was Feng Zhu, and he couldn't help but asked curiously: So it was my uncle who pushed Feng Yuan and others to Li Bian's side?

What do you think?

Seeing the questions sent by his elders, Chen Heng thought for a while and then said: They have spent a lot of money on several disasters in the state capital. On one end is the uncle who continues to ask for money on behalf of His Majesty, and on the other is Li Xuezheng who does not want money. They will choose Li Bian is also inevitable.

It's due to the situation. It's not up to anyone. As long as Li Bian promises not to pay, they will definitely come over. It's just a matter of sooner or later. Lin Ruhai sighed, then sighed, Then do you think Li Bian was right or wrong to kill Huang Wendong? ?”

It's hard to say. Chen Heng shook his head. He didn't care whether his thoughts were right or not. He simply said what he meant in front of his uncle, Once Huang Wendong died, Li Bian's reputation would be ruined in the eyes of Feng Zhu and others. He thought that he already had Feng Zhu, and if Huang Wendong was lost, he would lose it. But people's minds changed...

Uncle only wants money, and Li Bian may kill them. Once this starts, Feng Zhu will never dare to continue to follow Li Bian. But... Chen Heng took the teacup handed over by Lin Ruhai, If he If you don't do it, you will be tying your wealth and life to your uncle's thoughts, which is not what a wise person would do.

Then if it were you, what would you do? Lin Ruhai looked interested, obviously curious about Chen Heng's reaction.

Hey hey hey. Chen Heng didn't know why, he chuckled to himself, with an embarrassed look on his face, I will ask Huang Wendong to pack his things and surrender to Jinling or the capital.

Good on you, boy. Even Lin Ruhai raised his eyebrows when he heard this. Even he himself didn't expect this move. Lin Ruhai couldn't help but secretly marveled, You're obviously very smart, but why are you so bad at chess?

So, my plan is feasible? Chen Heng looked at Uncle Lin expectantly. Like a little fox looking forward to praise from the old fox.

Lin Ruhai laughed loudly and said sympathetically, It's a wonderful move.

The advantage of this plan is to turn passivity into initiative. They were all arrested. Were they arrested in Yangzhou or in Jinling? The ending and impact are completely different. If Li Bian really took this step, Lin Ruhai wouldn't be able to play this game so easily.

After thinking about Chen Heng's evil idea, Lin Ruhai felt more and more that the boy could be taught. He did not punish Chen Heng to copy books like Wang Xianming did, but only warned: You should not underestimate the people of the world in the future.

My nephew understands. Chen Heng couldn't help but nodded, My nephew is not reckless.

This is how you should plan for people and things. Lin Ruhai also agreed, Before you calculate the success, consider the failure first. Only then can you advance and retreat freely. Li Bian was too anxious. If he had waited a few days, with his brain, he should not be unable to figure out how to protect the enemy. Only by joining Huang Wendong can Feng Zhu truly surrender.

You didn't leave him any time, and you forced him to die one after another. Chen Heng thought this in his heart, thinking carefully about the rhythm of his uncle's moves, and suddenly realized something. The same method, how much time is required, is also so meticulous.

Putting himself in his shoes, Chen Heng asked himself that he couldn't be as compact as Uncle Lin. It only makes the opponent breathless and has no time to calm down and think carefully.

It's just easy to use your brain. Chen Heng sighed, picked up a piece from the chessboard, and continued to play chess. The sun has shifted slightly, and the sunlight streaming in from the window just shines on the chessboard, making the black and white colors distinct.

Uncle, since the salt merchants and the Huang family's silver have to be shipped to the capital, what should we do about Qiupu Street? After all, Chen Heng was thinking about the old, weak, women and children on Qiupu Street.

His family members are all working there, and they are still waiting for the government office to come forward and give an explanation. In two days' time, it will be the day when the government office calculates wages.

I can make do with it this month, but I won't be able to do anything about it in the future. Lin Ruhai said helplessly, The government doesn't have much money left. I don't think the salt merchant will be able to recover in a few years. We can't really let it go. They can’t survive, and they can’t do anything to catch the fish.”

Hearing this, Chen Heng was also a little dumbfounded and murmured: What should we do?

But uncle knows who has a way to solve this matter. Lin Ruhai suddenly showed an inexplicable smile.

Chen Heng immediately asked, Who is it?

You. Lin Ruhai pointed at Chen Heng, Have you forgotten? Didn't I promise you before that when you pass the scholar examination, you can come out and do something. There is always a time to finish reading the Four Books and Five Classics.

Chen Heng suddenly took over the task without looking too embarrassed. After all, leaders have tasks. If they push back and block others, what does that mean? He thought for a moment and then asked, Can the government office do anything to help my nephew?

Absolutely not. Lin Ruhai waved his hand immediately and laughed, It's not like Li Bian left, maybe he is waiting for an opportunity in the dark. If I stand up for you, I will go to the court to fight for the interests of the people. . Quarrel matters are too troublesome. So not only can I not help you with the Qiupu Street matter. If anything happens to you, my uncle can only watch. Are you afraid?

Chen Heng raised his eyebrows and said helplessly: Uncle, nephew, please don't do anything aggressive to me.

Hahahahahaha. Lin Ruhai didn't know why he was so happy. He probably saw Chen Heng defeated. He made another move, but because of his smile, he couldn't make a move. Don't be afraid. Since I want you to do something, I will always do it. It’s your benefit that is indispensable.”

What is it? Chen Heng was immediately surprised. If his uncle said this, he would not be sleepy anymore.

If you can handle this matter well, my uncle will look down on you and find another teacher for you. He will teach you some real ways to help the world. Lin Ruhai was obviously trying to make a big deal, otherwise he wouldn't be so mysterious.

Chen Heng still didn't believe in evil, Doesn't what my uncle taught me count?

It's just some tricks that can't be put on the stage. To seek others and to seek oneself is only the merit of one lifetime and a career of a hundred years. If you understand the Dharma, you can achieve eternal merit and establish a legacy of eternity.

Seeing that Lin Ruhai was getting more and more exaggerated, Chen Heng couldn't help laughing and said: Uncle, do you want me to be an enemy of ten thousand people?

He was talking about the story of the overlord of Western Chu learning the art of war. At that time, the King of Chu relied on his ability to carry the cauldron and his excellent martial arts skills, and did not like to worry about other things. His elders advised him that a sword can only defeat a hundred people. Only by learning the art of war can you be an enemy of ten thousand people.

Just tell me whether you want to learn or not. Lin Ruhai also started to act rogue.

Think! Chen Heng nodded immediately.

Humph. Lin Ruhai nodded with a smile and added, Remember, when you go out to do things this time, you must do it openly and don't think about evil ways. Someone will be watching you secretly.

Ah?! Who is it? Chen Heng was really confused now.

Just do your job well, and don't ask too many questions. Lin Ruhai picked up the bag beside him and hit Chen Heng on the head several times. It wasn't until the other party screamed in pain that Lin Ruhai took back his hand in amusement.

After playing around with the children, Lin Ruhai suddenly expressed concern: Although we are in the city, we still need to pay attention to safety when doing things.

Is there anyone around you who knows martial arts? Lin Ruhai couldn't help but ask about these trivial matters, probably thinking of the crossbow arrows found in the Huang family.

Chen Heng rolled up his sleeves and bared his teeth in a fierce gesture, When I was a child, I never lost a fight in the village. Uncle, does this count as martial arts?

Virtue. Lin Ruhai was too lazy to pay attention to Chen Heng's mischief, and pondered for a moment, I will ask Mr. Xin for you before he goes to Beijing. See if I can find you a martial artist of similar age.

Uncle Xin is going to Beijing too? Chen Heng heard another piece of news.

Yes, he is going to be promoted to the governor of the capital. This matter will be made public soon, and Lin Ruhai has no intention of hiding it from his children.

This is a great thing. Chen Heng was immediately happy for Xin Geng's promotion. Later, Chen Heng was kept at home by Lin Ruhai. Taking advantage of the situation, I was also ordered to write a letter to Sister Lin.

Uncle Lin said that he wanted to send his letter to the capital together with his letter, and planned to invite the mistress of the family to return home. This is what should be done. The only thing Chen Heng couldn't figure out was why his uncle had to ask him to add this sentence at the end of the letter: Remember to make your mother happy.

Lin Ruhai did not want to explain to the younger generation, and only said that he missed Jia Min. Chen Heng definitely didn't believe it. He vaguely guessed that his uncle was a weak husband.

Naturally, you can't say this kind of thing face to face. Chen Heng suppressed a giggle in his stomach, wrote a letter happily, and specially marked the matter to Sister Lin before leaving the Lin Mansion.

…………

…………

Seven days later, Xin Geng came to Beijing to take over as commander, accompanied by millions of taels of silver raised by salt merchants. Lin Ruhai came here specially to see him off. The two parties stood at the ferry. He wanted to express his feelings of farewell. Unfortunately, Xin Geng was very taciturn, only nodding and saying 'hmm'.

There was a difference between civil and military affairs. Lin Ruhai didn't expect any new words to come out of Xin Geng's mouth. After changing his mind, he entrusted Chen Heng's personal affairs to Xin Geng.

If you are proficient in martial arts, I still have a few guards under my account who are quite capable. Xin Geng misunderstood Lin Ruhai's meaning and directly began to recommend his own guards.

Lin Ruhai was helpless and could only keep shaking his head. Xin Geng thought about it for a while before he understood the other party's intention to make friends. Some friendships are really easy to hide from others if they fall on the younger generation.

Xin Geng stood on the pier, facing the rustling river wind, and finally thought of a favorite candidate, My son has a close friend, whose surname is Liu and whose name is Xianglian. He was originally a collateral descendant of Li Guogong's family. Because his parents died early, there are many people in the family. There is no one to control him, and he wanders around the market all year round. He loves to play with guns and swords, and his martial arts skills are very strong. What do you think, Mr. Lin?

Li Guogong? Lin Ruhai frowned slightly and asked, But are you directly related to the Liu family?

Xin Geng smiled and said, He rarely even returns home.

If so, you can still give it a try. Lin Ruhai thought for a while, but still said uneasy: Ask him what he means. It would be a good thing if he comes to Yangzhou willingly.

Hearing Lord Lin's request, Xin Geng nodded. He had talked a lot today. After getting on the boat, he didn't even bother to say goodbye. He just bowed his hands towards Magistrate Lin from the bow of the boat.

Okay, okay, in the next chapter, Sister Lin will come back just in time, and Liu Erlang will also come to Yangzhou.