The Bookish Scholar of the Red Mansion

What Baoqin said was actually that she wanted to visit Bashu.

This is a long story, but it can be shortened. In recent years, the business on Qiupu Street has become more and more prosperous. The two weaving bureaus, which worked for the palace and made money, often challenged the horse training workshop out of jealousy. He changed his ways and tried to get some benefits from Qiupu Street.

Due to this, Yang embroidery of the landscape freehand school has developed in embroidery, and there is an urgent need for a high-quality fabric that can be used as an alternative. There are many requirements for this material, it cannot be bad, let alone expensive. For this, Chen Heng and others visited famous teachers and craftsmen, purchased high-quality fabrics from various places, and compared the craftsmanship of the two, but they could never find anything suitable.

Brother, we have even seen and tried Guangdong's Xiangyun yarn. Baoqin continued to stop Chen Heng on the road and said plausibly, If we continue like this, by the end of the year, there will be no paperwork to guarantee. People from the Weaving Bureau If we make trouble again, we can't just sit back and wait for death and lead the way to death.

Xiangyun yarn is a famous product of Guangdong Province and is considered to be one of the best fabrics in the world. It's just that its craftsmanship requires three steamings, nine boils and eighteen sun-dryings. Even if one step is missing, it is really difficult to mass-produce and buy it for ordinary people.

Chen Heng knew that Bao Qin wanted to go to Bashu to see Shu cloth. It would be great if he could invite a few more craftsmen to come back. This idea is a good one, but Baoqin is a girl after all, even though the atmosphere in Yangzhou is more open now than in previous years. Chen Heng did not dare to make the decision himself and agreed to this matter for Xue Ai. Not to mention, if something happens on the road, if we encounter a gangster or robber, who will ensure the safety of the trip?

Baoqin was able to ask for help because Uncle Xue disagreed. Knowing this, Chen Heng was even more in trouble. Because he pulled Baoqin out of the house, he didn't even dare to go to the Xue family in the past two years.

Originally, I thought that after helping out once or twice, I would return the jade intact to Zhao. As it turned out, Baoqin just stayed at the shop on Qiupu Street and worked harder and harder in the past two years. Now if he wants to agree to let her go on a long trip, Xue Biao, let alone Xue Ai, will have to block his door and look for trouble.

Don't worry about the Weaving Bureau. Chen Heng, who was in a dilemma, simply said, I have my own way to solve it.

Bao Qin glanced at Chen Heng suspiciously and saw that his elder brother was not trying to prevaricate him. He was also confused and puzzled, No matter what method Big Brother comes up with, the most important problem is always that we don't have our own cloth. On this trip to Bashu, no matter morning or evening, we are going to take a look.

This is true. Chen Heng's ideas coincide with Bao Qin's. If he hadn't been stymied by the provincial examination in August this year, he would have wanted to go to Bashu himself to get this matter done.

Chen Heng looked at Bao Qin again. Although the other party was thirteen years old, she was still a girl. Her height had increased to a certain extent and she had begun to slow down.

Now that the two of them were standing together, Chen Heng was already more than a head taller than her. Perhaps because of this reason, Bao Qin's development is not obvious. Now he wears men's clothes and does not apply makeup, and he is still regarded as a handsome young master.

Chen Heng rolled his eyes, looking for a way to escape, and said slowly: Step by step... When he saw the figure of Principal Zhao flashing outside, Chen Heng was overjoyed and ran past Bao Qin's eyes, Mr. Zhao, Mr. Zhao. He called Mr. Zhao close, and Chen Heng behaved more warmly, holding Mr. Zhao's arm as soon as he came up.

Director Zhao was also puzzled. He and Chen Heng had gotten along very harmoniously over the years, but they rarely made such a grand gesture. The old man waited for Chen Heng to stand firm and said anxiously: Mr. Chen, I have something to ask you for.

Very good, very good. Chen Heng took Director Zhao's hand, Let's go to the front and tell you that I also have something to ask you.

Seeing Chen and Zhao leaving hand in hand, Baoqin had no choice but to take Chunyan to the shop. After the two of them left, Chen Heng came back with Director Zhao to explore.

Mr. Chen, Brother Xue seems to have left. Chief Zhao, who was on the outpost, waved back, and Chen Heng walked in as if he had been granted amnesty. Director Zhao saw this and laughed out loud, If Brother Xue really wants to go, we can find some more guards for him. Anyway, you have something to do and can't go. My body is weak and I can't bear the bumpy road.

Chen Heng, who was sitting in his seat, shook his head, ignored Principal Zhao's bad idea, and asked directly: What does Principal Zhao have to do with me?

It's not the Weaving Bureau yet. The people who went to pick up the goods this time said they wanted to raise the price again. Those idiots have darker hearts than humans. Director Zhao said very angrily. This is already the fourth price increase. If this continues, Qiupu Street will still be able to make money.

Chen Heng's face darkened, and there was nothing he could do about his father-in-law being so ugly. It was raised once in October last year, and it was raised again just after the New Year. I was afraid that Qiupu Street would treat them like a fat sheep and kill them.

It's okay. Promise them first. He played with the tea cup for a while and then sneered, If we can't solve the problem, we will solve the problem.

Director Zhao was shocked when he heard this, and when he saw that Chen Heng was unwilling to talk more, he gave up the idea of ​​inquiring. He asked about Chen Heng again and learned that the other party wanted to hire a carpenter to come to the workshop to modify the loom. This was such a big deal, Director Zhao nodded directly, wrote down Huang Luzhuang's name and address, and planned to invite someone the next day.

Chen Heng was afraid that his subordinates would do things badly, so he told him to go there in person. Only then did Director Zhao realize the importance of Huanglu Village, and he immediately responded.

After the two chatted about trivial matters, Chen Heng got up and went home. In two days' time, it will be the day when he will go to the mountain chief's house to study. He had to go back, sort out his homework and hand it in together.

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Where did we teach you last time?

Pei Huaizhen took a breath and asked the students in front of her.

Chen Heng replied as usual: Master, what you taught last time was about Huo Guang.

Pei Huaizhen's mental state has not been very good in the past two years, and he often acts like a wanderer. Chen Heng and his wife, Mrs. Xie, were both worried about the old man's health. But the little old man didn't care. He kept shouting, I'm in good health. It's because Marquis Xu Jin doesn't let me go to the academy. I'm a big living person. I stay at home all day in a daze. How can I not get sick?

Chen Heng also knew about this, but he and his wife agreed with Master Xu's judgment. There is no other way but to go to the mountain leader's house more often.

After hearing the students' answers, Pei Huaizhen remembered the teaching experience a few days ago. He laughed and said: What a good man, but because he married a shameless wife and didn't raise his children well, he was grabbed by his pigtails and couldn't even turn around in the history books.

Chen Heng knew that the teacher was talking about Huo Guang. While listening, he got a cup of tea and brought it to Pei Huaizhen. There were a few more wrinkles on the old man's face. Even his eyelids began to twitch, making him look even older.

But he is still better than Ju Zheng. At least he has a good death. Pei Huaizhen said slowly, finally feeling better. Heng'er, you will be an official in the court in the future. Before you do anything, you must think about it. Thinking about what’s behind you.”

Yes. Chen Henggong was eager to accept the teaching and said with a smile, But if you ask me to learn, I would actually prefer to learn from the Master. I will retire with success and have peaches and plums all over the world.

What's the point of learning from me? I haven't done anything good to the people in the world. Pei Huaizhen said with a sigh on his face, I just haven't done anything bad to them, so they think I am a capable minister and a wise minister. To put it bluntly, because The teacher is just a paper maker. The master spread his hands, half helpless and half emotional, The people don't ask for much, it's due to their pure nature. But we can't be unconscionable and really think that we are doing something that benefits the country and the people. things, and use this to boast about yourself.”

Chen Heng listened silently. Most of the teaching process between the two of them was like this. Most of the time, I talk about history and the affairs of the court. Occasionally, Pei Huaizhen would talk about his reforms. As for small talk like today, there are also some, it all depends on the mood of the mountain leader that day.

Heng'er, it's time for you to enter Beijing. Pei Huaizhen raised her hand and patted her thigh, sighing suddenly. Seeing Chen Heng showing a bit of surprise, he patiently explained to the students, Your Majesty changed the reign name to Jianping to clarify his ambition and to vent his anger.

Wu Ding's reign lasted for more than ten years, and Wenhe's did not even reach ten years. What do you think is the reason?

Chen Heng straightened his body slightly. The mountain chief taught him the most about Li Zhi's temper. Therefore, although he has never met His Majesty, he still knows something about this fellow disciple, Master said that Your Majesty is anxious. He must have been wronged in the court, and he wants to use this method to tell the world that the person who is currently in charge of the imperial court is Your Majesty Himself.”

It's not that the year name cannot be changed, but there must be a reason for the change. Or if the world continues to suffer major disasters, change the year name and pray for blessings. Either the world will be at peace and everyone will celebrate with a better reign name.

In the past two years, the Yong Dynasty has been unable to match up with both sides. Stuck in the middle, neither up nor down. At this time, Li Zhi changed the reign name to Jianping. Isn't that what the mountain chief said, even if you clarify your ambition, you also vent your anger.

It's hard to find a heroic man for a penny. Pei Huaizhen shook his head, If the Emperor doesn't leave for a day, the palace treasury will not be in the hands of His Majesty. There is not much money left in the Ministry of Finance every year. He is called the king of a country. He is so strapped for money. He is no different from Chongzhen of the Ming Dynasty.

Chen Heng had heard Pei Huaizhen talk a lot about the major events outside, and he was filled with various feelings at this moment. He couldn't help but know His Majesty's difficulties. He also knows that in four or five years at most, his difficulties will be reduced by half.

Because in the original book, the downfall of the Jia family corresponds to the death of the Supreme Emperor. After all this calculation, there is actually not much time left.

Of course Pei Huaizhen didn't know about this. He felt that the Emperor's current body would be fine for another eight or nine years. But his perspective on the problem was different from Chen Heng's. He was worried that Li Zhi would be unable to hold back the anger in his heart if he was pinched like this.

People who hold great power dare to do things such as forcing the palace to rebel. If it weren't for the word filial piety or several strokes of history, why would this happen. Either do this or don't do it. Now that you have done it, you must do it to the end. Otherwise, you can't hold it back and just want to vent your anger for pleasure. People in the world will only see Li Zhi's hypocrisy of benevolence and righteousness, but they will never imagine Li Zhi's situation in the court.

When the emperor is angry, millions of people will be buried dead. Pei Huaizhen picked up the cooled tea cup and took a sip before saying, His Majesty must have seen what you did on Qiupu Street in the past two years. However, It's not enough for His Majesty to see him in his eyes. We have to let His Majesty take the initiative to invite you. Do you remember visiting the thatched cottage three times? Do you still remember the story of King Wen of Zhou carrying Jiang Taigong for eight hundred steps?

Remember.

When the time comes, my teacher will also give you a few words. You don't have to come forward yourself. That's it for men. The more you can't get something, the more you want it. Pei Huaizhen himself laughed at this sentence He spoke out, with a bit of pride, and continued, You have a reserved temperament and are calm and measured in your actions. If you can't learn from Shaobao's wild arrogance, then you can only aggrieve Your Majesty first and let him be a man who is eager for talents. Mingjun.

Chen Heng did not dare to answer these words and just remained silent.

Do you know the benefits of doing this to you?

Chen Heng still didn't answer. Pei Huaizhen stared at him for a long time. Seeing that the student still didn't speak, he was relieved and said: Yes, that's it. Don't say what you shouldn't say. Don't think about what you shouldn't think. You guys Both of them are my students, one is hot-tempered and the other is steady-tempered. There will be a good story between you two.

Chen Heng lowered his head and continued to remain silent.

Is that car dealership really as profitable as you say? Pei Huaizhen finally asked a question that Chen Heng could answer.

Yes. Chen Heng answered.

Can there be results before May? Pei Huaizhen asked again.

We'll start working on it this month, and we'll have results in March. Chen Heng estimated the number. He had been struggling in Yangzhou for so long, and some things just came naturally. Dry firewood that has been oiled is only missing a spark.

Okay, then go and do it. Do it quickly and lively, and let everyone in the world see it. Let His Majesty think of you, and wait for him to take the initiative to write a letter. You can take the provincial examination with confidence in August.

Pei Huaizhen opened her eyes suddenly, looked at Chen Heng and asked, Do you still remember the four ways of being a minister that my teacher taught you?

Remember.

speak.

Those who are powerful ministers will die. Those who are lucky ministers will die. Those who are direct ministers will die. Those who are pure ministers will die.

Remember, Heng'er, you have to remember it well. Don't imitate Zhang Taiyue. He did everything well and did everything right. But he didn't die well. He neither left an example for future generations nor a good person. The Qi of Ming Dynasty. Too much is too little, enough is enough. You must keep these eight words in your heart.

yes.

Pei Huaizhen took another look at the grown-up boy and remained silent for a long time. When Chen Heng looked back in confusion, the mountain leader suddenly asked urgently, What if one day, His Majesty asks about your conversation with my master today? How are you going to answer?

this? ! When Chen Hengchu heard this, his thoughts suddenly changed. He had a premonition that this was the mountain chief's ultimate test for him. The knowledge I have learned in the past two years is turning over page after page in my mind. One by one, people who are worthy of leaving their names in history burst into my mind with their magnificent lives.

Today's conversation between the teacher and the student would be considered disrespectful outside. Li Zhi's temper must be heard in its entirety. As a teacher, the mountain leader might be able to escape. He must have only half a foot, and he has stepped on the door of hell.

Chen Heng thought for a long time and wanted to tell the answer. But I remembered what the mountain chief said, ‘Don’t say what you shouldn’t say’. He choked back his words again.

Slowly, he stretched out a finger and stood it in front of him.

What means? Tell them all? Or don’t say anything at all? Is it true? Or a day off?

The teacher and the student played riddles. After a while, Pei Huaizhen saw the student's face and slowly regained his composure. Then he laughed and said, You learned well and taught well.

Pei Huaizhen knew that his student really understood.

After you go to the capital, no matter what your Majesty says, don't take the exam immediately. No matter what official position your Majesty rewards you, you must take the exam seriously. Never take a side road, remember?

Eh?! Chen Heng was stunned for a moment, then realized that the mountain chief wanted His Majesty to take a few more years of scolding for him, Oh.

The more effort Li Zhi put into Chen Heng, the more scolding he received for him. In Li Zhi's heart, he began to think that Chen Heng was one of his own. The more I feel that Chen Heng's outstanding ability is due to his discerning eye.

Pei Huaizhen didn't explain the meaning clearly, but he knew that Chen Heng would understand. Since he can't keep up with the merits of Conglong, he can only be a bodhisattva who helps the world and let Li Zhi remember Chen Heng's goodness and his painstaking efforts to seek virtue.

Go ahead and finish what you have to do. From the beginning of April, close the door and study hard.

yes.

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The car dealership thing is really simple and easy to do. The difficulties faced by others are not a problem in front of Chen Heng. He went to the government office to find Uncle Lin and persuaded him to personally organize the situation. He stepped forward as a lobbyist again and brought all the car dealership owners in the city together.

There are four car dealerships in Yangzhou City, all of which are old businesses. Hearing that the God of Wealth on Qiupu Street had another idea, he immediately jumped into the game. A car dealership called ‘Chen Kee’ will debut in the city before the end of the month.

What happened this time was different from what happened on Qiupu Street. That place is a big business, and it's not easy for the government to come forward. But when it came to the first public transportation, Chen Heng tried his best to let the government government invest in the majority of the supervision.

After negotiations between the three parties, the Chen family took the money borrowed from the Hu family and occupied two levels of shares, while the car dealer and the government office each occupied four levels of shares. This matter is simple to do, and even simpler to do. The only thing missing is an idea.

During the February 2nd festival, hundreds of rickshaws appeared on the streets of the city, picking up and dropping off customers in the streets and alleys. The people of Yangzhou discovered that there was another car dealership called Chen Ji in the city.

Yangzhou people soon fell in love with this cheap rickshaw. They usually walked a long way, but now for a few pennies, they can sit on half of the carriage and enjoy the beautiful scenery of Yangzhou while enjoying the spring breeze. It is really satisfying. very.

People's lives have become more convenient, and the exchanges in the city have become closer. In the past, people from the east of the city wanted to go to the west of the city and had to wait for a few days before they were willing to set off. It's good now. If I want to go, I can hail a rickshaw and it will take me ten cents.

Although rickshaws are easy to imitate, all the rickshaw dealers in the city are now gathered together, so naturally they can't do anything that would damage the city wall. Several car dealers work together, they can each do long-distance carriage business, and they can also make money from short-distance rickshaws, so life is naturally very comfortable.

They and the jewelers on Qiupu Street are the ones who are most grateful to Chen Heng. Just because the former has many carriage drivers on the streets, it only helps spread Chen Heng's reputation.

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April 1st, for the convenience of study. Chen Heng took his books and moved directly into Shan Chang's house. This time, he didn't even bring Xinda. Just ask the other party to handle some external chores for you.

At the end of the month, Uncle Lin was surprised by the profits brought by the rickshaw. Li Zhi's secret message was also transferred to Pei Huaizhen through a caring person.

Pei Huaizhen did not show this letter to Chen Heng. He only smiled and asked the other party, What do you want to do as a teacher?

It's all up to the master. Knowing that the mountain leader was trying to make fun of himself, Chen Heng lowered his head and concentrated on reading, without any intention of taking the initiative to answer the conversation.

Hey. Seeing that the kid wasn't caught, Pei Huaizhen didn't continue teasing him and smiled again. He picked up a pen and wrote on the paper: Your Majesty, I am very old. When I am lying on my bed, I am often afraid that my time is running out. Shuzi has been in the industry for less than a few years, so if you need...

This is the first sentence. Pei Huaizhen wrote a very long poem with a mixture of emotion and emotion, explaining his intention to continue cultivating talents for Li Zhi. He also talked about Chen Heng's shortcomings, such as his lack of knowledge, his temperament, etc.

Pei Huaizhen wrote happily, but Li Zhi felt complicated when he read the letter.

The latter lamented the age of the teacher and was upset about his own situation. Nowadays, border frictions continue, and the war shows signs of resurgence.

Li Zhi couldn't wait, and the soldiers at the border couldn't wait. The ministers around him did put forward a lot of opinions, but the ways to make money were just the same. Li Zhi needs a new voice and a strong prescription to replenish his wallet and stabilize his throne.

It was already the end of May when the third urgent letter was sent to Yangzhou. This time Li Zhi used the Ministry of War, and the letter arrived very quickly. Chen Heng still didn't know the content of the letter. He only knew that after reading the letter, Pei Huaizhen laughed three times and said to himself.

Prepare well for the provincial examination, and then go and help His Majesty.

Ordinary people can't choke to death because of money. It's also a fate.

yes.

Ahhhh, caught up! ! ! So good, so good. Hahahahaha.