The Bookish Scholar of the Red Mansion

This was not the first time for Daiyu to come to Baochai's boudoir. She had played here with her sisters before. Naturally, he understands the layout of this room.

When I first came here, although there were nothing valuable in Sister Baochai's room, elegance and simplicity could be seen everywhere. When Daiyu first saw her, she felt that this sister was an extraordinary woman. Just come back today and look around the house. There is only one word Su left, which makes people unable to see anything else.

Daiyu took a second look, then withdrew her gaze and fell on Baochai. The latter was pouring tea himself, with his usual elegant and dignified smile on his face. Wearing an extremely soft light yellow double-breasted jacket, the collar is embroidered with elegant pink lace, and is lined with a tea-white tube top.

Dressed up like this, it is not the only bright spot in the elegant house. Lin Daiyu narrowed her eyes and accepted the tea from Baochai.

Yinger, please go out first. Baochai finally said.

This was the first sentence the two sisters said today.

When Ying'er heard this, she still couldn't believe it. He was stunned for a moment, then softly said Oh and walked out the door first.

Seeing this, Daiyu also glanced at Zicuckoo. Although the latter was a little worried, he was not at home after all, so he had no choice but to follow the young lady's order and leave with Ying'er.

As soon as these two people left, only Daiyu and Baochai were left in the house. When the fragrance of tea floated and dissipated, Baochai showed a usual smile in this illusion.

Sister Lin, I have something to ask you for help today. Baochai spoke softly, as if he was talking about a small matter.

Sister Baochai, it's whatever you say. Daiyu nodded.

On the Double Ninth Festival next month, my servants have sent fresh crabs from Suzhou. Baochai raised her hand, dragged her chin, and leaned slightly, causing the gold necklace on her chest to sway, making people look at her. , It's the crisp autumn weather and a good time to enjoy chrysanthemums. Then, let's play together, okay?

For such a small thing, is it worth Sister Bao going out of her way to reject this servant and going through so much trouble? Lin Daiyu has a smart temperament, although she is naive. But she couldn't stand that her father and brother were both old foxes and very evil-minded.

Under the constant influence of hearing and seeing, he immediately asked: Sister Baochai wants to invite my mother?

Baochai was not surprised that Daiyu could guess it correctly. She understood Daiyu. Knowing the talent and wisdom of this little sister, he said, It would be best if my wife could also come.

The relationship between Baochai and the Lin family is not even remotely close. No matter what the name is, it is appropriate.

Daiyu nodded, but suddenly said bluntly: Is it sister Baochai's intention, or is it aunt's intention?

Baochai was a little surprised. She didn't expect Daiyu to ask so directly. Looking at this sister again, I saw that Daiyu was wearing a moon-white bamboo leaf jacket today. Although the clothes are simple and elegant, but wearing the jewelry Jia Min chose for her, it feels like wearing light makeup and heavy makeup is always appropriate.

Seeing that Baochai had not answered, Daiyu was about to reveal the matter. Baochai suddenly said bluntly: It's my aunt's wish. I myself also want to get together with my sister.

So, my aunt wants to marry her? Daiyu nodded. Even though they, as daughters, could not know about the privacy of their elders, they had heard some rumors.

Lin Daiyu knew Jia Min's temper and would definitely not keep the appointment. He looked at the sister in front of him again, about to answer. Baochai's face still had that charming smile.

A round golden jade ring, worn around her neck, looked like a lock.

For no reason, Lin Daiyu felt an inexplicable discomfort in her heart. He murmured: Sister Bao.

Baochai stared blankly, a hint of surprise flashing through his eyes. He hurriedly straightened his body and said with a smile: It's a good thing. Even if you can't come, it doesn't matter. Why do you look like you're about to cry? If word spreads, you won't be accused of bullying you.

Lin Daiyu shook her head desperately. After all, she had grown up and would not cry as much as she did when she was a child. He just took a long breath, calmed his mind gradually, and asked: Sister Bao, how long has it been since you went out?

Baochai, who was looking for a handkerchief for Daiyu, was shocked when he heard this. She never thought that someone would ask herself such a question.

Baochai suppressed the panic in her heart and said with a smile: What my sister said, I just went out with my wife at home a few days ago.

Daiyu shook her head, Sister Bao knows what I mean.

She didn't believe that Baochai couldn't understand, because she was Xue Baochai.

For the first time, Baochai suppressed the smile on her face. Thoughtfully, with a hint of unnoticeable sadness and reminiscence. After a long time, she said: No one has been out for a long time.

The words were soft, and when they fell in the empty house, they were like stones falling into water, causing ripples.

Put these words in other people's mouths. Baochai may not have been so deeply touched, but he heard it from Daiyu's mouth. Thinking about the love and harmony of the other person's parents, having a sweetheart who is close to one's heart, and having a sensible brother who can be relied on.

And with Jia Baoyu, who was struggling in every possible way, between the two of them, Baochai didn't know what to think. She won't blame Daiyu, no one else has ever looked at Baoyu seriously. This matter has nothing to do with Sister Lin, she is the one who is implicated.

Baochai thought everything clearly, and she felt even more like she was chasing a dream. The things in the dream may have been possessed, but in the end they disappeared.

When my father was still alive, did I live like my sister?

While thinking about it, his hands unconsciously dropped on the table. Until a cold warmth came through the palm of his hand. When Baochai came back to her senses, she noticed that Daiyu was holding her left hand.

Looking at Sister Lin again, she is obviously almost the age of hairpins. There is still the innocence in her eyes when they first met, and the childishness of a daughter that has not faded from her face is even more emotional and nostalgic.

Baochai suddenly understood why he liked Daiyu so much when he saw her for the first time, but he hid it and didn't dare to see her more. She originally thought it was because Baoyu was causing trouble.

Now Baochai knows. It turns out that there is a mundane world between her and Daiyu.

Baochai put on a smile again on her face and explained: The house is also very good. The elders feel sorry for me and pity me. Whenever the family gets something good, they always think of me, sister. If I stay here for a long time, people will not love me anymore. go out.

Daiyu didn't answer. She knew that no matter what she said at this time, Baochai would be easily offended. I just had to watch silently.

Seeing his forced smile reflected in the other person's clear eyes. As Baochai spoke, his voice gradually died down. After a long time, she said.

younger sister……

Baochai moved his gaze away, not daring to look into Daiyu's eyes. He also retracted his left hand and hid it in his sleeve. Instead, a stubbornness arose in her heart, like a mimosa that had been brushed by fingers, shrinking desperately to protect herself.

Daiyu sighed. They had already found out each other's feelings during their previous visit to the garden. She simply took advantage of this and asked, Sister, do you really like your cousin?

This question is indeed interesting. Baochai's psychological defense line that he had finally managed to hold up suddenly had another gap. Just because of her, she didn’t even know the answer.

Marrying Jia Baoyu was the common intention of Mrs. Wang and Aunt Xue. One is that the elders want to take advantage of the Jia family's wealth, and the other is that the Xue family is getting weaker and weaker, and Xue Pan is no longer useful.

Since the eldest son is of no use, his daughter can only support the Xue family. Baochai understands everything and understands everything. If Daiyu asks her if she wants to marry, then she definitely wants to marry and must marry.

But when it comes to whether you like it or not...

Baochai knew that he had no choice.

What to say? Talk about your parents’ upbringing? Are you talking about the orders of your parents and the words of a matchmaker? Say you can find someone better than Baoyu?

They are also nobles, and Baoyu's temperament is considered good among his peers. At least in Baochai's eyes, that's the case.

My sister sent all the servants out, didn't she want to have a heart-to-heart relationship with her? Lin Daiyu blinked and asked again.

She looked at Baochai in front of her and couldn't help but think of Aunt Shui. Two people who are obviously completely unrelated to each other, why are they so similar?

Baochai really didn't think about whether she meant it or not. It was just a subconscious move when she let Ying'er go out before. She didn't want others to disturb her get-together with her sister.

Seeing Daiyu approaching her step by step, Baochai suddenly smiled. This smile was a little different from her usual one. She asked: Sister, I also have a question to ask you.

Sister, please tell me.

Do you like wooden hairpins or gold hairpins?

Lin Daiyu understood this question. She immediately replied: I like the hairpin I like. Whether it is a wooden hairpin or a gold hairpin.

This frankness and straightforwardness is what impresses Baochai the most about Lin Daiyu. When others say this, Baochai will think otherwise and treat it as a empty word. But Daiyu said this, and she knew that the other party thought so.

Even if it's just a wooden hairpin?

Yes. Daiyu nodded seriously, It doesn't matter whether it is Lingyun wood or an ordinary forest tree. As long as I like it.

As she spoke, Daiyu's plain clothes burst out with a distinctive vitality, like a swaying early flower that had finally bloomed.

Baochai picked up the tea and poured a cup for the other party. After pausing for a moment, he said: My uncle has two Qingqing guests, one is Shan Pinren and the other is Zhan Guang.

Daiyu nodded, knowing that the uncle Baochai mentioned was Jia Zheng.

After my uncle went out to work, they often hung out with his brother. Baochai thought about Xue Pan's ridiculous things, and recalled her brother's drunken words, Once they drank too much, these two people told the truth about themselves. They I have been studying all my life and failed many scientific examinations, so I bought a job and joined the apprenticeship of my uncle who loves scholars.

I went to the Wang family for a banquet a few days ago. My aunt was worried that Baoyu would not be able to attend to foreign affairs, so she asked two Qing guests to accompany her to attend to the banquet and socialize. At that time, they were standing on the steps of the nave, and the vacancy-filling Jinshi from the Hanlin Academy was sitting in the courtyard.

Sister, even so, do you still think the wooden hairpin is good?

When she arrived at the Vanity Fair, Baochai saw only this. After Shan Pinren followed Jia Zheng, he soon married several concubines. Zhan Guang felt that his wife was old and had lost her beauty, so he divorced her and married another.

The word love is the heaviest, and the word love is the lightest. As quickly as it came, it went as quickly as it came.

Daiyu also understood that Sister Baochai did not accept her fate willingly after reading many poems and books, but had a profound enlightenment after seeing too many gatherings, separations, and reunions. This profound realization made her even more aware of the frailty of love between children.

Since you have no control over everything, and since you don’t know what the final outcome will be, why not choose the most correct path that suits your family’s wishes? At least the scenery along the way will be better, right?

When the truth is false, the false is also true. Baochai hides his true heart deep inside. Just build up a mountain hermit that everyone praises, and become a wealthy peony flower in the eyes of relatives and friends.

My parents gave birth to me and raised me. This kind of kindness can never be ignored.

A Jinshi scholar who studied hard for ten years in a cold window can still be trapped in the courtyard by fame and fortune. A woman trapped in a compound, even if she is smart, what can she do?

Yeah. Lin Daiyu nodded, answering Baochai's question. She thought for a while and asked, Sister, do you really think your cousin is a gold hairpin?

Logically speaking, my cousin is indeed an excellent person. He has a good family background, looks good, and has a good temper. Although I don’t like reading the Four Books and Five Classics, I still love reading. He knows some elegance and beauty, and he is also a gentle and considerate person in daily conversations.

As for whether you can make progress or not, that's all secondary. Such people, no matter how hard they work, will never get anywhere.

But Daiyu couldn't care less about Baoyu. As soon as she closed her eyes, she remembered her acquaintance with Chen Heng. The two read and discussed scriptures together, and witnessed each other's lives. I've seen the other party's confidence in resettling victims outside the city, I've also seen his high-spirited pride, and I've also seen the way he rushes through wind and rain.

All the past events are floating in my heart. Lin Daiyu knew that no matter what the outcome was in the future. Her brother will not marry her in this life, no matter whether her mother agrees or not.

People's hearts are always biased. I'm such a narrow-minded person. Lin Daiyu snickered proudly. Seeing this, Baochai knew who the sister was thinking of.

I don't know which one is better, gold hairpin or wooden hairpin. Why not choose the best-looking one and wear it first. It will look more comfortable at least.

Baochai laughed and said that she was attracted to Baoyu. A few teenage girls could refuse a man with such a family background and appearance.

As for the reason for this heartbeat, it is unknown. There are too many mixed emotions and people involved. There were too many things pressing on Baochai's shoulders, so many that she couldn't tell what was inside her.

The tense atmosphere just now gradually relaxed. Just because both of them understood each other's feelings. They seemed to be discussing Chen and Jia. In fact, it is a choice to show yourself and stand in front of life.

They are all extremely smart women, so how could they not see through the ways of the world. It is precisely because of seeing so clearly that two people with similar backgrounds will choose different paths. One carries a heavy burden and moves forward, while the other lives spontaneously.

At this moment, both of them admired each other more and more. One's mind and vision are broadened because of the help of his father and brother. I can better understand the difficulties faced by women nowadays, and feel more sorry for my sister’s talent. If she were a man, Sister Baochai would definitely be able to live a good life.

One loves the other's frankness and freedom, and people are always attracted to things they don't have. The difference is whether it is jealousy, gain, or destruction. Baochai is neither, she just appreciates it.

Without Baoyu as the core conflict between the two, Baochai could see Daiyu's goodness more clearly. After all these years, Daiyu was the only one who asked her how long it had been since she went out.

Yu'er. Baochai was startled when she called out this title. She had never called anyone that, let alone Daiyu.

Lin Daiyu was also frightened. She didn't expect Baochai to scream so intimately. He said hurriedly: Sister, what's wrong?

You must be well. Since he didn't know what caused his mood, Baochai simply followed his heart and said sincerely.

Sincerity is always there. This kind of sincerity that is casual and does not care about the weighing of interests and the gains and losses of words. Baochai felt a burst of joy, and she suddenly understood something.

Yes, sister, I know. Daiyu nodded and asked again, Auntie has your mind set on me?

It doesn't matter. If you don't like it, I will help you block it. You don't like her gold hairpin either. Baochai winked and deliberately teased the other party.

She also knew that Mrs. Wang herself was unwilling, all because of the strong will of her mother's family. To a certain extent, she and Mrs. Wang were in the same boat. It can be considered tit for tat.

Lin Daiyu immediately became playful and asked, How did my sister know that I don't like it?

Baochai laughed. There was a hint of teasing in the smile on his face. The dignity was much less than before, As long as you are willing to give up your wooden hairpin.

No, no, no, no. Lin Daiyu shook her head hurriedly, and held her chin with both hands, I don't expect him to be any Lingyunmu. As long as it is him, that's fine. I don't want anyone but him.

Baochai smiled and said nothing, but her feelings for Baoyu were completely different. He simply didn't argue about this matter and just said calmly: Whether it's gold inlaid with jade or Lingyun wood. It's all their men's business, what does it have to do with us.

Speaking of this, Baochai no longer concealed his feelings. She really thought so, the world was like this, and no one could do anything about it.

Not necessarily. Lin Daiyu suddenly covered her mouth and snickered, Sister, my brother may not be such a vulgar man.

Oh?! Baochai raised his eyebrows and asked, Then I would like to know how he won your heart.

This is how Lin Daiyu put it clearly. She hesitated and thought for a long time before saying, Sister, if you have time in the future, you should go to Yangzhou to see it.

If we really want to talk about it, Chen Heng and Baoyu are very different in life experience, talents, learning, and temperament. It would be unfair to compare them in one place. You can take what they have in common and compare them together. Lin Daiyu could tell that Gao Xiao was coming down.

Although my cousin treats the girls and maids in the house very well, he speaks softly and thinks of each other. But that care was based on his identity as his son and master. To say that it is caring and respecting, it is better to say that it is following one's own heart, or that a man shows mercy to a woman, or a superior shows mercy to a subordinate.

But the elder brother is different. The elder brother's care and concern truly treats others as human beings. Neither will we look down upon the other person because he is a woman, nor will we look down upon him because he is a man. Brother, the only criteria for measuring a person are his concept and kindness.

A gentleman should always strive for self-improvement. The same applies to his daughter's family. Gentlemen have never been divided into men and women.

He can warn his brother with these words and never mind if a woman comes out to do her own business. He often helps the female workers on Qiupu Street to find their own way forward in the world of society.

After Daiyu finished speaking her thoughts, Baochai gradually understood why she was attracted to Chen Heng alone. If Baoyu is the child playing in the garden, then the latter is the gardener in the garden. When the flowers bloom, they stand aside and watch the flowers blossom and fall.

But, Yangzhou? How far away that is. He rarely steps out of the two gates of Jia Mansion. Xue Baochai sighed, When I see you, it's like I've seen Yangzhou.

Hahaha.

Zicuckoo, who had been waiting outside the door for a long time, heard the lady's laughter and finally relaxed a little from her nervousness. She didn't know how many dramas she had thought about just now. She was not only afraid that the two young ladies would quarrel, but she was even more afraid that the small and single Daiyu would suffer.

Seeing that the communication in the house seemed to be going well, she gave up the idea of ​​breaking in.

…………

…………

All the things that Shen Zhou should be busy with are going on in an orderly manner. With Li Anzhi's help, it was much easier for Chen Heng to do things. The people who can be used are the talented people gathered in all states. These people are not bad at thinking. If Chen Hengchang says something, they can think of other things.

Having free time today, Chen Heng sat on his desk in a daze. Now the things shipped by Da Jianguo have stopped in Shenzhou City, and the only thing missing is the arrival of Yangzhou merchants.

Playing with the peace charm in his hand, Chen Heng estimated that it must have happened in the past two days. Sure enough, Liu Xianglian suddenly broke into the house and attracted the attention of everyone in the house. He said happily: Here we are, they are all here.

Chen Heng counted the days and found that today was August 24th. It was really fast to travel by sea. He hurriedly asked: Where did you get on the shore?

Green Niwa. Liu Xianglian replied.

This is the place name of a small fishing village, which is rarely known today. But Chen Heng knew another name for this place - Dalian.

Okay. Chen Heng was overjoyed. He had singled out the fishing village Zhongqingniwa on the map of the Ministry of War because he knew its superior terrain in his previous life.

Where are they? Chen Heng stood up quickly, pulling Liu Xianglian and running out.

The caravan has just entered the city and is preparing to rest at the inn prepared by the prince.

Let's go and have a look.

The two of them walked away side by side while talking, took two horses from the yamen gate, and ran straight towards the inn. When they arrived, they saw Xinda, standing behind a familiar figure, helping to direct the caravan to unload the goods.

Hearing the sound of horse hooves, everyone looked sideways. Chen Heng hurriedly dismounted, and when he got closer, he discovered that the person next to Xinda was Xue Baoqin, whom he had not seen for more than a year.

Second brother?! Chen Heng was stunned for a moment, still in disbelief.

Bao Qin was dressed as a man as usual, and his fair complexion was covered with makeup that was deceptive. There was a folding fan on her waist. When she saw Chen Heng, she hurriedly put her hands behind her hands and said with a smile: Brother, I haven't seen you for so many years. Your style is even better than before.

This girl is a bit quackish when she talks. Chen Heng smiled, hurriedly stood next to the other party, and asked: Why did Director Zhao send you here?

After saying this, he turned his head to look at Xinda, who also shook his head in confusion.

Why, the eldest brother thinks the second brother can't come? Bao Qin raised her eyebrows. She had imagined the scene when she reunited with Chen Heng, and what the other party would ask and say. Chen Heng's words did not surprise her.

No. Chen Heng scratched his head, Of course it would be great if you could come and do it yourself. I'm just afraid that you might encounter some danger on the way.

Bao Qin laughed and said, Brother, don't panic. This is my first time here, so I chose to take a sea ship. When things between the two places are settled, I will naturally choose a safer way in the future.

Seeing this, Chen Heng nodded with relief and didn't care about the words coming from the other party's mouth. Bao Qin smiled calmly. She was busy with work, so she signaled Chen Heng and Liu Xianglian to step aside. He continued to direct his servants to move the goods from various places for storage.

Chen Heng silently observed Bao Qin's posture and saw that her acting style was more capable than usual. In future generations, she will be a successful woman. He immediately praised: Second brother, you have really become a great shopkeeper.

No. Bao Qin accepted it calmly and said in a slightly showy tone, After all, the eldest brother has left Qiupu Street in our hands. As the second brother, you must take good care of this family.

Chen Heng laughed and just waited for Bao Qin to finish handling everything. The group of people found their time and walked towards the restaurant in the city.

On the way, the two first chatted about business matters. When Chen Heng learned that many big businessmen had come to Yangzhou this time, he couldn't help but feel excited. However, most of these people came through the official route. There are still only a few people who dare to directly build a sea-going ship.

It's okay. Just go ahead and let them see the benefits... Chen Heng didn't care at all and said confidently, There will definitely be latecomers in the future.

Xue Baoqin deeply believed that in business, as long as he had tasted the convenience of sea transportation, caravans traveling from north to south would not refuse. She has also grown a lot in Qiupu Street in these years, and her horizons have been much broader than ordinary people. She was extra worried: I am afraid that the water transport people will cause trouble.

There must be a road before the car reaches the mountain. Chen Heng smiled, there is no need to rush for this kind of thing. Anyway, now that Li Zhi and Li An are standing in the way, why not do it?

Several people came to the restaurant together, and Chen Heng immediately ordered someone to open a side room. After the food was ready, he took the other party and talked about home affairs.

News from old friends in Yangzhou reached my ears one by one. Qingyue has entered the academy, Xue Biao and Jiang Yuanbai are working hard for the provincial examination, and the car dealership's business is getting more and more prosperous. Even the business on Qiupu Street has begun to expand to other state capitals.

“Girls on the streets, are they enough?”

Not enough. In this year, we recruited two more people. Magistrate Zhang intends to build another Qiupu Street... Speaking of this place, Baoqin himself smiled, Those systems you set up are still in place. . Now there are many more female workers coming to the workshop to study and learn calligraphy in the evening, and Yinglian is also studying with everyone.

Brother, do you still remember everyone Wei?

Yeah, I remember.

They spent their own money to build a stage in Yangzhou, with private seats inside, specially reserved for their daughters' families who are willing to come and listen to the opera. Bao Qin said it quickly and proudly, as if he wanted to say all at once what he hadn't seen for a year. Finished, I also went to listen twice, and there were quite a few people here. There were both men and women. It was quite interesting to see them sitting together.

Hahahaha. After hearing this, Chen Heng and Liu Xianglian laughed together.

Okay, years of hard work has finally paid off. Liu Xianglian couldn't help clapping her hands.

After hearing the good news, there is naturally some bad news. Bao Qin said that there were some bitter literati in Yangzhou, and they criticized the female workers for coming forward, which was a troublesome thing that violated morals.

What about the back? Liu Xianglian asked hurriedly.

A few painters who often worked with us knew about it, so they painted their faces in the newspaper. Hahahahaha, the people in the city knew about it and were unwilling to sell anything to them. Later, these literati moved away .”

Speaking of this result, Bao Qin also felt happy and chuckled.

Chen Heng listened and felt happy in his heart. Sure enough, only literati can cure literati.

If the writing is not good, don't blame me. I feel that Baochai is calm and calm after seeing things in the world. She knows everything, so she is at ease and accepts it calmly. Someone said in the previous article that Baochai will have a big personality. I think her bigness is not reflected in her judgment of people, but in her ability to see through the world.