The Bookish Scholar of the Red Mansion

Probably because the scene in front of him was too strange, Xinda, who came in with a medicine bowl, closed the door and turned around, unable to move forward.

Chen and Xue were sitting opposite each other on the long soft couch. His good brother Chen Heng crossed his arms, his buttocks next to the couch, and turned sideways to face the guests, with a frown on his face. Looking back at Xue Baoqin, the latter looked calm and composed, more like the owner of this room than Chen Heng.

What did they just say? Xinda blinked, walked forward with doubts, and handed the slightly hot medicine bowl to Chunyan's hand, Master Xue, it's time to drink the medicine.

When they go out, they always call Baoqin this way. The latter took the object from Chun Yan with a smile and replied: Brother Xinda, there is no need to be polite.

The girl lowered her slender, white neck, and after swallowing slowly, she continued to Chen Heng, who was thinking hard: Brother, it's late. Since you can't figure it out, you'd better rest early.

With a pleasant laugh, Xue Baoqin, who had teased the honest man, led the maid to the inner room.

After the two men left, Xinda saw that Chen Heng still hadn't made any move for a long time, so he couldn't help but stepped forward and pushed his second brother. The latter just woke up from a dream, turned around and looked around again, showing a confused look. The chessboard on the soft couch had a bit of the moonlight remaining in the room. He didn't even know when Bao Qin left.

Second brother, please rest first. Xinda also noticed something strange about his relative.

Ah... um. Chen Heng nodded and returned to bed with a heavy heart.

The two brothers were lying side by side. Xinda always slept very well and fell asleep not long after lying down. Chen Heng was alone, holding the peace charm given by Sister Lin, and silently studied it.

Sister Lin, do you really like me?

Chen Heng couldn't help but fall into memories. Seeing things and thinking about people, Daiyu's little face with a smile that always appeared in her mind couldn't get rid of it.

The dam built on the river was cut out by someone with force. The trickling stream called longing ripples quietly in the autumn night of August.

So what do you think about Sister Lin?

As if thinking of something, the young man frowned slightly and grasped the peace charm in his hand. Chen Hengde admitted that his heartbeat was beating very fast just now.

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Miss.

Chun Yan tried his best to keep his voice down, for fear of waking up the dreamer outside. She pushed the instigator with her hand in confusion, and said anxiously and angrily: Yan'er asked you to...

Shh. Baoqin suddenly stretched out his fingers and covered Chun Yan's lips, Yan'er needs to be obedient, you know?

But……

The mattress was a little hard. Baoqin, who was sleeping with his clothes on, changed his position, put his hand over Chunyan's waist, pressed the protesting little girl on his body, and said with a smile: You are still young, there is something wrong...don't you Understand.

Chun Yan curled his lips, and really didn't think there was anything wrong with this kind of thing. It was just love between a man and a woman. She had heard a lot about it on the stage.

Xue Baoqin smiled noncommittally and did not explain the reason. Could it be that she likes to keep a secret alone? Talking about this feeling makes me feel that my life is even more wonderful.

Even the most ordinary things become interesting as long as they are covered up.

She raised her hand, patted Chun Yan's body, and comforted: You'll know when Yan'er grows up.

Oh. Chun Yan pursed his lips and curled up next to Bao Qin. As if she felt sorry for the other person, the little maid stretched out her hand and hugged the young lady hard.

smell good.

Smelling the refreshing fragrance of Baoqin, Chunyan couldn't help but say. This guy surnamed Chen really has no sense. Where in the world is there such a beautiful woman as my lady?

It is August when the fragrance of sweet-scented osmanthus overflows. Baoqin moves his nose, and the elegant fragrance floats over. She looked slightly sideways and saw silver light pouring on the ground outside the thin screens in the long corridor between the two rooms.

Although I have not seen the bright moon, the bright moon has already entered my arms.

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The next day, before Li An got up. Chen Heng asked Liu Xianglian to find a carriage and take Baoqin and Chunyan directly back to the inn. When he went out, there were not many people anywhere in Dusi. Most of us were hungover yesterday, and after the banquet where the guests of honor had a great time, it was strange to see someone who got up early.

Liu Xianglian, who had left and returned, pushed open Chen Heng's door. No one on duty had arrived today, and she saw that Chen Heng was the only one in the room. He sat carelessly in front of the other party, patted his chest and said, Everything is settled.

Yeah. Chen Heng responded without paying much attention to the matter.

Didn't you tell Master Xue to hide in the house for a few days? Liu Xianglian didn't know what happened last night, so she couldn't help but curiously asked, Why did you send him away so early today?

It's hard for Chen Heng to explain, but the person who changed his mind temporarily was Baoqin himself after all. He couldn't be an evil master who forced people to stay, so he had to say: Maybe he didn't sleep well.

After all, she is the richest lady. Liu Xianglian raised her eyebrows, showing a sense of fairness. The two chatted for a few more words, then bumped into Wen Yu and walked into the house. This man has a loud voice. As soon as he came in, he said first: Hold the line, hold the line. How about you come and see the method I thought of yesterday?

Seeing that he couldn't wait to hand over the paperwork, Chen Heng took it and looked at it, You didn't drink yesterday?

I didn't drink much. Wen Yu picked up Chen Heng's tea cup and took a sip. I was thinking of something wrong, so it doesn't taste good to me.

Chen Heng nodded and glanced at Wen Yu's entries. The other party obviously listened to his previous suggestion and said: The idea is right. However, if you want to repair the Chi Road from Shenzhou to Qingniwa in one go, the demands on the people of the North are too heavy.

What's more, the state government can't spare any money. If corvee recruitment is carried out on a large scale, it will affect next year's spring plowing.

After giving a rough outline of his thoughts, Chen Heng highlighted a few key points. As long as there are no natural or man-made disasters and transportation is restricted, the relationship between the imperial court and various state capitals will be relatively independent.

Then they, officials from the capital, cannot just look at things from the perspective of the imperial court. Building a road once and for all is a sure thing. But with the impact on people's livelihood and the evaluation pressure on officials, it is easy for things to go in the opposite direction. There is procrastination and perfunctory behavior.

Wen Yu nodded and asked, In your opinion, how can this road be repaired?

Sectionally. Chen Heng made a scissor-like gesture with his hand, Let each locality collect statistics on the condition of the Chi Road. We will repair the simple and easy-to-maintain roads first. Those roads with complicated conditions will be left behind and we will take our time. .”

Why isn't it the most difficult to practice first? Wen Yu looked confused. He understood what Chen Heng meant, but the mountain road was winding. If it could be solved at once, it would save a lot of time between the two places.

Because the prince wants to celebrate your majesty’s birthday at the end of September. Chen Heng smiled and explained, Winter is only one or two months away.

Ah, yes, I forgot about this. Wen Yu suddenly understood and nodded with a smile. He is from the south, and when he thinks about things, he rarely thinks about the winter in the north. When winter comes in the North, let alone building roads, it’s good to be able to travel far away.

Liu Xianglian didn't understand this, so she just moved a chair aside and squeezed in beside the two of them as a guest. After a while, many officials who woke up began to walk into the house.

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Five days later, the first batch of Yangzhou caravans with loaded goods will rush to Qingniwa again. They will reboard the ship here and go all the way to the mouth of the Yangtze River, and then along the Huaihe River to Guazhou Wharf in Yangzhou.

Baoqin will also leave with the caravan, but this time she will not follow back to Yangzhou. Instead, he diverted to the capital on the way to meet Daiyu there.

Chen Heng rushed to the city gate to see him off and jumped over the familiar faces greeting him. He stood beside Baoqin's carriage and gasped: The rush back and forth has made my second brother tired this time. I will wait for you to come again next time, eldest brother, I...

Baoqin hid in the carriage and laughed out loud when he heard this, Next time you come, will eldest brother still be in Shenzhou?

Chen Heng also smiled when he heard this. It's really hard to tell, so he simply said: If I'm not in Shenzhou, I must be in the capital. It's the same if we meet in the capital.

Cars and horses were roaring all around, and people were noisy. Chen Heng had to speak louder.

Bao Qin was leaning in the carriage. There was only a wall between her position and Chen Heng outside the carriage. When the wind blows, you can still hear the sound of the other party's clothes fluttering.

Okay. Bao Qin smiled, with a cheerful tone that made people feel comfortable, I am also looking forward to the thank you gift from the eldest brother.

You'll know when you get to the capital. Chen Heng deliberately tried to hide his secrets, but even when they parted, he refused to reveal anything.

I heard the leading convoy issuing urging calls from time to time. The guys running around were obviously much more agile in their hands and feet. Avoid the few people who come and go for inspection. Chen Heng knew that they were about to travel far away and was about to say some parting words.

Brother, you have nothing to say. Do you need me to take him over to Sister Lin?

It was better not to mention this matter, but when it was mentioned, Chen Heng felt guilty. He took a careful look around, but fortunately, Manager Xu was not here today.

Can you talk about this?

Hahahaha. Bao Qin laughed, playing with the folding fan in his hand, and said deliberately, That's it, then I will say that the eldest brother has nothing to say to Sister Lin. Does the eldest brother think that Sister Lin will be angry if she finds out?

Chen Heng had no choice but to stand there with a straight face. After pretending for a while, he smiled and said, Just have fun with her.

That's natural. Baoqin raised her eyebrows in a boyish way. She was still thinking about what to say, but the sound of carriage movement suddenly came from outside. The smile on his face suddenly froze.

Chen Heng, who was outside, naturally saw the movement of the convoy. Seeing that the lead car was already moving forward, he hurriedly raised his hand and patted Baoqin's carriage.

Take care along the way, second brother.

Brother, too.

After waiting for a moment, Baoqin finally lifted the corner of the car curtain. Looking behind him, he could vaguely see a figure standing on the roadside among the vehicles and horses.

Miss.

Shhh.

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It was early September when Baoqin arrived in the capital. This was her first visit to the capital. The master and servant were sitting in the carriage, their faces full of novelty, and they looked at everything around them from time to time.

Miss, look, that person's mouth is very breathy.

Miss, that person is wearing our Yangzhou clothes.

Chun Yan is really like Grandma Liu. When she sees something on the road, she has to say something. Bao Qin couldn't stand the maid's noise, so she took some candies from the secret room and stuffed the girl's mouth, and then she got some peace.

Finally arrived at the inn in the city, waiting for the accompanying servants and waiters to be settled. After a brief tidying up, Baoqin rushed to the Lin Mansion with a thank-you gift for Daiyu and Wei Qijun.

Daiyu got a message two days ago that Baoqin would come to see her. Together with Wei Qijun and Wei Shu, she gathered at home every day, waiting for Baoqin to arrive.

The message came from the servants outside. Daiyu had already eagerly pulled the girl from the Wei family and ran out of the second door. They met on the veranda of the Lin family. As soon as they met, they shouted out.

Sister Lin.

Sister Qin.

Before Wei Qijun could wait to speak, Lin and Xue were already hugging each other.

Okay, every time you two meet, you forget about us.

Bao Qin poked her head out from Daiyu's body and laughed, Isn't this a happy event waiting to congratulate Sister Wei.

No hurry, no rush. ​​Lin Daiyu held Bao Qin's hand and pointed to the road ahead, Go to my room and talk slowly. You are not allowed to leave tonight, just stay at home with me.

Baoqin wanted to laugh even more when he heard this, and thought strangely: They say that one family does not belong to the same family, and this old saying does have some truth.

Since it falls into my sister's hands, hey, I can only do whatever I want.

Lin Daiyu was even more proud when she heard this. She held her head high and said, It's good that you know.

The four of them turned around and entered Lin Daiyu's boudoir together, talking and laughing on the way. After sitting down, everyone talked about childhood events and each other’s embarrassing stories, it was like returning to the happy times in Yangzhou.

Jia Min, who was in the front, learned that her daughter's handkerchief had been delivered to the door, so she quickly asked someone to prepare a banquet for the four girls, and arranged for the mammies and maids to serve.

They played until sunset, when the Webster sisters were picked up by their families. Xue Baoqin and Lin Daiyu were lying on the bed together, telling each other their experiences. Their topics naturally include Chen Heng, Baochai and Baoyu.

Lin Daiyu was the most interesting in chatting, and she basically talked about it. Baoqin listened silently, occasionally hearing the names of one or two strangers before interrupting.

So, Sister Bao has moved into Jia's courtyard? Baoqin couldn't help but frown. Baoyu, who she didn't know, would naturally not judge a stranger. Judging from what Sister Lin said, Baochai had a very troubled life in Rongguo Mansion.

After all, Xue and Jia were separated from each other, so it was no longer appropriate for Baochai to live in Jia's house as a guest. Now I have to move into the Grand View Garden again. It doesn't matter for one or two days. As time goes by, the gossip will only increase.

Yes. Daiyu nodded lightly, and she finished meeting Baochai that day. Not long after, Tanchun told her about it. She looked at the pair of cousins ​​who looked very similar, and suddenly felt that Baochai and Baoqin were very similar in spirit.

It's just a person who keeps everything in his heart and never lets anyone see the clues. Like a free cloud, floating high in the sky. It seems far and near, but there is always a heavy veil of fog covering the eyes of others.

Let's see more of her when I go to visit my aunt tomorrow. Bao Qin sighed. She had a very good relationship with Bao Chai since she was a child. If it wasn't a matter between elders, they should be able to grow up together.

Okay, I'll accompany you then. Daiyu lay next to Baoqin, fiddling with her sister's hair, and said worriedly, Lest my cousin bump into you and ruin your good mood for coming to the capital.

Baoqin is now experienced in dealing with things and treats others well. Hearing Xian Ge, he understood the elegant meaning and asked with a smile: Is this cousin of Sister Lin so scary?

Today is Monday, in very bad shape. It’s really a huge difference. I feel dizzy while typing. Forgive me for the shorter number of words, I will try my best tomorrow.